Archways 21– Summer 2015

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semi-annual publication for alumni friends of St. Andrew’Episcopal s EpiscopalSchool School AnAannual publication for alumni andand friends of St. Andrew’s

FORWARD SAINTS The Campaign for St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

ARCHWAYS 21 | SUMMER 2015


by GEORGE

WHAT DO I SEE AS I GAZE INTO MY ALL-POWERFUL CRYSTAL BALL? I see a wonderful future for St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. A renovated and expanded dining commons that will reduce In fact, in just the next few years I see... by almost an hour the amount of time that it takes to serve meals to students on the North Campus... New and renovated facilities on both campuses that will serve A multi-purpose meeting space for community service, teacher and benefit every student... training, and collaborative projects with other schools and Enhanced athletic facilities that will provide the space needed organizations... for our award-winning sports teams and for all of our health and wellness activities. An inviting, functional space that will A Lower School discovery center with combined science, techalso provide a setting in which the entire school community nology, and library resources...and a North Campus student can assemble under one roof for convocations and rainy day commons that will serve as a gathering place for students, as well as a central location for counselors, learning facilitators, graduations... chaplains, and other student support services... The “Erasmus” building (the old B Quad) being raised from the dead as part of a new early childhood center that will com- Okay, I confess. plement what is already the finest program for young children I didn’t see these exciting enhancements in my crystal ball. in Mississippi... Instead, they represent the collective vision of the St. Andrew’s A grace-filled Episcopal chapel and bell tower centrally located community. You won’t need a crystal ball to see St. Andrew’s future, either – you can read about it in the pages of this issue between the Middle and the Upper Schools... of Archways, which focuses on Forward Saints: the Campaign But wait! My crystal ball reveals still more... for St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. A 5th Grade Loft over the current dining commons that offers Now, let’s see what the crystal ball says about when we can break the North Campus’ youngest students a place and an experi- ground...oh, of course, it says that the answer will be deterence dedicated solely to them... mined by the generosity of our entire St. Andrew’s community.


GAZING THROUGH ARCHWAYS

An archway is a passage or series of passages beneath the

support and strength of an arch. This issue of Archways celebrates the launch of Forward Saints, an ambitious campaign

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FORWARD SAINTS

that will fund the next great transformation in the history of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School.

Forward Saints will succeed thanks to the support and

strength of every member of the St. Andrew’s community. Prior to launching the campaign, St. Andrew’s sought input from our students and families, faculty, administration, board of trustees, and alumni. All shared their vision for St.

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A DITTO FAMILY TRADITION

Andrew’s future, all worked together to determine what is needed to ensure that future, and all agreed that the best time to move forward with this ambitious plan is now.

In the following pages, you’ll learn more about the cam-

paign and its goals, and hear from several people who have been key to moving St. Andrew’s forward in this effort. It is

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ALUMNI AWARDS

our hope that you will be inspired to lend your own support and strength to the campaign as together, we embark on this most significant passage in our school’s history and future. Forward Saints.

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GOOD SPORTS

On the Cover Anne Avery Boling, class of 2023, John William Hardwick, class of 2016, and Saffron Quinn, class of 2019, see a bright future through the Forward Saints campaign.

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ALUMNI UPDATES


contents 3

GRADUATION 2015

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

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IT’S NEVER TOO SOON TO START

MARKING A MILESTONE

GIVE ME FIVE

MAY DAY

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Archways Staff

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and Contributors Editor Patrick Taylor ’93

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IT’S HOW THEY PLAYED THE GAME

ALL ALUMNI WEEKEND 2015

EYE ON ALUMNI

GOSAINTS.ORG/FORWARDSAINTS

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THE TIES THAT BIND

LOOKING BACK/ LOOKING FORWARD

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Contributing Editors Elizabeth Buyan ’97 Stephanie Garriga Emily Gordon ’94 Marlo Kirkpatrick Designer Alecia Porch Photographers Robby Followell Crawford Lampton ’15 Patrick Taylor ’93 If you have a story idea or comment for Archways, please contact Patrick Taylor, editor, at taylorp@gosaints.org. © 2015 St. Andrew’s Episcopal School All Rights Reserved to copyright notice.

WWW.GOSAINTS.ORG

SENIOR STATS


SENIOR STATS DID YOU ATTEND HOMECOMING THIS YEAR?

THE ST. ANDREW’S 2015 SENIOR CLASS is a diverse group, but its members also share some similar interests and have more than a few things in common. Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the pastimes, traits, and accomplishments of the Class of 2015.

HAVE YOU TUTORED ANYONE?

HAVE YOU EVER CHOSEN NETFLIX OVER HOMEWORK?

DID YOU SCORE A 30 OR HIGHER ON YOUR ACT?

100%

100%

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90%

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0%

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YES

YES

NO

HAVE YOU HAD A STEADY JOB DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR?

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5% 4% 8% 6%

DO YOU MAINTAIN A GPA OF OVER 4.0?

80%

4%

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6%

50%

8

40% 30%

12%

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20% 10%

10

3 6 7%

0% YES

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8

14%

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12%

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MORE THAN

0

10

90%

20%

80% 70%

5 4

50%

1 3

40% 19%

30% 20%

2

10% 0% YES

NO

DO YOU PLAN ON PLAYING SPORTS IN COLLEGE?

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HAVE YOU EVER RECEIVED A SPEEDING TICKET?

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NO

NO

100%

5%

DO YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING A COLLEGE OVER 300 MILES AWAY?

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MORE THAN

10

7

NO

15%

90%

YES

18%

HOW MANY COLLEGES DID YOU APPLY TO?

100%

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11% YES

NO

HOW MANY FOREIGN COUNTRIES HAVE YOU VISITED? 4%

NO

0% YES

HAVE YOU HAD A STEADY JOB DURING THE SUMMER?

100%

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO


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GRADUATION

2015 MAY 22 WAS A DAY FOR LAUGHTER, TEARS, HUGS, AND CELEBRATION AS THE 81 MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2015 GATHERED AT LAKE SHERWOOD WISE TO MARK THEIR GRADUATION FROM ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL.

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GRADUATION 2015 “INSTEAD OF AN END, our graduation from high school

OLIVIA BECKER

can be viewed as a new start. We’re beginning the journey to discover our own forms of enlightenment or happiness. We have a chance to discover the ‘thing’ for which we are all searching. And this ‘thing’ is going to be different for everyone. It could be becoming a pro baseball player, getting into medical school, or successfully finishing your entire Netflix queue. “We all have a bit of a head start. We have just completed one very important step, and St. Andrew’s has made it possible for us to get there. So to St. Andrew’s, and all its teachers, faculty, and staff, I want to say thank you for instilling in me and the rest of my classmates not only the tools to go out in the world and find ourselves, but also the comfort and encouragement to actually do it.” Excerpted from a speech by Olivia Becker, 2015 recipient of the Trustees’ Medal for Academic Achievement “IT IS THE JOB of the graduating class to spread their light throughout the world... It’s a daunting task, and it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of luck, but most importantly, it takes a certain amount of perspective. I am speaking of perspective in respect to the past, present, and future. I challenge you to go into the rest of your lives with appropriate perspective. Rely on past memories to help you let go of the physical past, be able to look into the future and envision bold aspirations, but keep in mind that time is the most valuable asset in the world. Don’t forget to live in the present and soak in everything that life has to offer.”

GRAHAM GROGAN

Excerpted from a speech by Graham Grogan, 2015 recipient of the Adele Franks Medal

AND THE AWARD GOES TO... THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF ST. ANDREW’S STUDENTS WERE RECOGNIZED ON HONORS DAY 2015. AMONG ALL THE ACCOMPLISHED STUDENTS THREE STAND OUT, MERITING SPECIAL RECOGNITION AS THE RECIPIENTS OF THE SCHOOL’S HIGHEST AWARDS.

tiative, and creative thinking exemplified in the lifelong achievements of St. Andrew’s founding headmistress, Mrs. Adele Franks — Graham Grogan

THE TRUSTEES’ MEDAL FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Presented to the senior who has maintained the highest GPA over four years, as well as a mature, responsible attitude toward learning — Olivia Becker

SAINTS’ MEDAL FOR UNSELFISH SERVICE

Presented to the student who views his or her work in terms of where that service will do the most good for the most people within St. Andrew’s and not in terms of personal gain or recognition — Carrie Stallings

THE ADELE FRANKS MEDAL

Presented to the senior who, in the view of the faculty, has demonstrated the same qualities of leadership, ini-

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GRADUATION 2015

THE CLASS OF 2015 AT A GLANCE 81 STUDENTS, including one exchange student from Japan 29.7 AVERAGE ACT SCORE

GRADS GOING PLACES

1916 AVERAGE SAT SCORE

The members of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Class of 2015 are pursuing higher education and life-changing experiences nationwide.

182 AVERAGE PSAT SCORE

Augustana College Bowdoin College Charleston Southern University College of Charleston Delta State University Grinnell College Harvard University Hendrix College Lehigh University Lipscomb University Loyola University New Orleans Middlebury College Millsaps College Mississippi College Mississippi State University Pepperdine University Rhodes College Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Methodist University Texas Christian University The University of Alabama The University of Alabama at Birmingham Trinity University Tufts University Tulane University United States Military Academy at West Point University of California, Santa Barbara University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of Oklahoma University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Southern California University of Southern Mississippi University of Virginia Utah State University Vanderbilt University Washington University in St. Louis Yale University

25% OF THE CLASS was recognized through the national merit scholarship corporation, the highest percentage of a senior class recognized in Mississippi. These 20 students include: 12 National Merit Finalists 5 National Achievement Finalists 1 both National Merit Finalist and National Achievement Finalist 5 National Merit Commended Students 1 both National Achievement Finalist and Commended Student SENIORS SUBMITTED 469 APPLICATIONS to 163 colleges and universities, an average of 5.9 applications per student GRADUATES IN THE CLASS OF 2015 will attend 40 different colleges and universities in 22 states 60% WILL ATTEND colleges and universities outside of Mississippi 41 WILL ATTEND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, 38 WILL ATTEND PRIVATE COLLEGES, and one student is taking a gap year

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ACADEMIC AND ARTISTIC HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2014 –15 SCHOOL YEAR

THE YEAR JESSICA GARNER ’15 wins the 2014 EUDORA WELTY CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION sponsored by the University of Mississippi, the third St. Andrew’s student in a row to win the award.

For the second time Lower School art teacher KATHY TAYLOR is recognized as the 2014 OUTSTANDING ELEMENTARY ART EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR by the Mississippi Arts Education Association.

ALEX DUCKWORTH, class of 2016, wins the MISSISSIPPI HERITAGE TRUST’S STUDENT ART COMPETITION, which celebrates the moving stories behind Mississippi historic sites.

ST. ANDREW’S ANNUAL COLLEGE FAIR, open to high school students from throughout Mississippi, features 59 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES FROM AROUND THE NATION, making it the largest and most diverse college fair in the state.

Sixth grader FORREST HUTCHISON becomes the 2nd consecutive St. Andrew’s student to win the Madison County Spelling Bee, qualifying him for the MISSISSIPPI STATE BEE.

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ROBOTICS TEAM OF Saffron Quinn, Chrissy Ross, Bain McHale, Aaron Cooper, and David Caddle qualify to compete in the state competition of the First LEGO ROBOTICS LEAGUE. 8

CARTER BOYLE ’15 SCORES A PERFECT

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ON THE ACT.

AT THE SCHOLASTICS ART COMPETITION, two St. Andrew’s students are awarded AN AMERICAN VISIONS NOMINATION, the highest honor. St. Andrew’s students take home nine Gold Keys, 14 Silver Keys, and 42 Honorable Mentions.


IN REVIEW Director of Forensics DARIN MAIER becomes St. Andrew’s second TWO-DIAMOND COACH of the National Speech and Debate Association (the first is Randy Patterson).

AT THE MISSISSIPPI SCHOLASTIC WRITING COMPETITION Jessica Garner and Callie Summerlin ARE TWO OF ONLY FIVE AMERICAN VOICES NOMINEES STATEWIDE.

DUKE TIP RECOGNIZES

of the 7th grade class for their outstanding performances on standardized tests.

ST. ANDREW’S WELCOMES

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58%

new members from the sophomore and junior classes to the NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY.

JACLYN MCDONALD AND ISABELLE SPEED receive superior ratings for their performance, interpretation, technique, and tone in the AMERICAN CHORAL DIRECTORS Association High School Solo and Ensemble Festival.

In the 2015 MISSISSIPPI SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TOURNAMENT, competing against 43 schools from throughout the state, St. Andrew’s finishes

1ST.

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THE ST. ANDREW’S 7TH AND 8TH GRADE CHOIRS AND UPPER SCHOOL CHOIRS perform at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) District VI Choral Festival, and receive SUPERIOR RATINGS from all the judges.


THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Eighth grader IAN ESPY WINS THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE FOR MISSISSIPPI AND represents the state at the National Bee in Washington, D.C.

TWENTY SENIORS are recognized through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, including 12 National Merit Finalists, five National Achievement Finalists, and five National Merit Commended Students. At

25%

of the class of 2015, St. Andrew’s has the HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF A CLASS RECOGNIZED IN MISSISSIPPI.

ST. ANDREW’S MIDDLE SCHOOL STOCK MARKET GAME TEAMS are honored at the annual Mississippi Council on Economic Education Awards Ceremony for landing the 1ST AND 2ND PLACES for the Junior Level Stock Market Game Competition.

St. Andrew’s science students dominate THE REGION II MISSISSIPPI SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR. ALL SEVEN CONTENDERS PLACE FIRST IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CATEGORIES, win a total of 11 Special Awards, and capture the Best of Fair Award, along with the three Runners-up to Best of Fair Awards. Four students qualify to present their research at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

ST. ANDREW’S CHAPTER OF THE CUM LAUDE SOCIETY INDUCTS

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new members. The secondary school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, the Cum Laude Society is a national honorary that recognizes academic achievement, honorable character, and contributions to school life. St. Andrew’s was the FIRST SCHOOL IN MISSISSIPPI to be granted a Cum Laude chapter.

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students earn TOP-10 STATE SCORES for their experience level on the NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM. 10

Following a rigorous audition,

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St. Andrew’s Lower School students are selected for the AMERICAN CHORAL DIRECTOR’S NATIONAL HONOR CHOIR.

THE ST. ANDREW’S CHOIRS receive superior ratings in the MHSAA State Choral Festival. This marks

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consecutive years of superior ratings for the choirs.

ST. ANDREW’S CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTS

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NEW MEMBERS.

All three St. Andrew’s competitors advance to the SUPER CONGRESS SESSION of the State Student Congress Championship at Millsaps College. NIKHIL ARORA finishes in 1st place.


Six members of the Class of 2015 are recognized as STAR STUDENTS by the Mississippi Economic Council’s MB Swayze Foundation based on academic excellence and ACT performance. CARTER BOYLE, GRAHAM GROGAN, AND CRAWFORD LAMPTON, received special recognition as All-Star Students, recognizing them as among the Top-20 Star Students in the state.

Junior ANDREW NEELY, who won Best of Fair at the State Science and Engineering Fair for Mississippi, wins the state competition for the STOCKHOLM JUNIOR WATER PRIZE, which includes an allexpenses-paid trip to Virginia to compete in the national competition.

MEAGHAN LEE IS NAMED ONE OF MISSISSIPPI’S TWO PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS. Each year, up to 141 students in the country are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. St. Andrew’s has had six Presidential Scholars in the last seven years.

ST. ANDREW’S STUDENTS WIN FOUR

1ST

place, two 2nd place, one 3rd place, and two special awards at the State of Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair. Andrew Neely wins Best of Fair, and Nikhil Arora is runner-up to Best of Fair; both are members of the Class of 2016.

NIKHIL ARORA successfully defends his state Policy Debate Championship with partner GILLIAN RALEY AT THE MHSAA STATE SPEECH AND DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP. ASSATA DEMYERS wins the championship in Declamation. St. Andrew’s places 3rd in the Sweepstakes for Debate Events, BECOMING THE ONLY NON-6A SCHOOL TO RECEIVE A SWEEPSTAKES AWARD.

THE ST. ANDREW’S BAND receives all superior ratings, including two perfect scores, at the MHSAA State Band Festival. This is the

19TH

straight year the band has received superiors under the direction of DR. DENNIS CRANFORD, St. Andrew’s director of bands.

Four St. Andrew’s students earn the top score in Mississippi for their test-level on the National French Exam. JULIA MITCHELL, class of 2019, receives the platinum medal for scoring

1ST

IN THE NATION ON LEVEL 1 OUT OF 23,863 TESTERS.

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At the National CATHOLIC FORENSIC LEAGUE GRAND NATIONALS JOSH LITTLE ‘17 advances to the final round in Declamation, placing 6th overall. 11

students who take the National Latin Exam win awards, including 20 Maxima Cum Laudes and 13 Summa Cum Laudes. GENA ROSE WILEY receives a perfect score on the Latin II exam.


ON APRIL 17, 2015, ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THE MOST EXCITING AND AMBITIOUS CAMPAIGN IN THE SCHOOL’S 68-YEAR HISTORY. FORWARD SAINTS: the Campaign for St. Andrew’s Episcopal School will fund an ambitious master plan, allowing St. Andrew’s to dramatically increase and enhance its educational space, and to create the facilities needed for the school’s curricula and programs to flourish. ➤ “Forward Saints is the first campaign in the history of St. Andrew’s that encompasses the current needs and future potential of pre-K through the 12th grade, both the North and South Campuses, and the comprehensive needs of all of our students and faculty, as well as the larger community,” says George Penick, St. Andrew’s head of school. “The two most important elements for any institution looking to its future are living into its mission and fulfilling its potential. Forward Saints will allow St. Andrew’s to do both.”

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“I’VE SEEN FIRSTHAND WHAT A ST. ANDREW’S EDUCATION DID FOR MY OWN CHILDREN AND AM forever grateful. The benefits resulting from the Forward Saints campaign will have far-reaching effects. As a businesswoman, I appreciate the impact the campaign will have on our state as our students leave St. Andrew’s as responsible global citizens.” — PATTY CHRISTIE, FORWARD SAINTS CO-CHAIR

A CAMPAIGN FOR ALL OF ST. ANDREW’S – AND BEYOND

“Forward Saints will positively impact every member Forward Saints will allow St. Andrew’s to construct a of the St. Andrew’s community, and will increase our new early childhood center, state-of-the-art healthplex, opportunities for engagement with multiple partners 5th Grade Loft, and a learning commons and student within our city and state,” says Patty Christie, Forward support center. The campaign will also fund renovations Saints co-chair. “I see this campaign as the answer to so to the existing South Campus facilities and to the North many of my prayers for St. Andrew’s to realize its potential, both within our walls and in our larger community.” Campus gym, dining commons, and Middle School. The new and renovated spaces will benefit every St. Andrew’s student, from pre-K3 through 12th grade, THE FORWARD SAINTS PROCESS now and well into the future. St. Andrew’s will also be The Forward Saints campaign goals were thoughtfully better positioned to fulfill its mission of service to the developed with input from every St. Andrew’s constitularger community. ency, including the faculty, administration, board of trustees, current students and their families, and alumni. The process included multiple sessions with representatives from the entire school community to fine-tune the vision for St. Andrew’s future. Next, St. Andrew’s formed architectural exploratory committees to ensure the spaces created would meet St. Andrew’s needs today and in the years to come. Faculty members were the primary participants in these committee meetings, working to discern needs, traveling to other renowned schools to see firsthand what worked best in practice, and consulting with the three architectural firms selected to design each stage of the master plan. “This was a bottom-up process, not a top-down process,” Penick says. “Input from our constituents and our faculty is the reason we know beyond a doubt that we are doing what is best for the future of St. Andrew’s.” “It’s been so exciting to have our faculty visit other preeminent schools in the Southeast, and to give them the opportunity to outline a vision for our own programs in a similarly excellent space,” says Tim Alford, head of the Lower School. “These teachers work so hard and have made our current spaces so productive. But to allow them to dream really big about just how far we can go with the right spaces in place has been neat to see.” Similar faculty participation in the design process was critical to the successful design of the McRae Science Center, which was completed in 2011.

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“I was extremely pleased that the administration decided to let the science faculty take the lead in working with the architects. As I talk with people touring our St. Andrew’s labs today, I’ve come to find that it’s rare for an administration to involve the faculty to this degree,” says Upper School chemistry teacher Roscoe Stribling, who consulted on the design of the McRae Science Center. “I’ve been asked on several occasions what I would change if I did it again. I could not think of a

thing. The lecture and lab spaces have met or exceeded my expectations. I think my lab is the coolest place on the campus, and so do my students. “I think it’s critical to have the faculty who will actually be using the new spaces envisioned by the Forward Saints campaign be an integral part of the design process,” Stribling continues. “They know what works and what does not. Having them involved can only make the project better.”

“SO MANY GREAT ST. ANDREW’S LEADERS CAME BEFORE US AND INVESTED IN ME. THE TIME we give is an investment for the next generation of students, including our own two children. Whitney and I are thrilled to be a part of something that will leave a lasting impact on St. Andrew’s and on the greater Jackson community.” — RAVI RAJU ’88, FORWARD SAINTS CO-CHAIR

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“WHEN WE START TO THINK ABOUT OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PRIVATE EPISCOPAL INSTITUTION WITH a public purpose, we realize we don’t have space conducive to opening our doors to educators around the state. I’d love for St. Andrew’s to be a location for conversations around early childhood education in Mississippi. This new building will allow for that. I think this is worthwhile not just because we owe something to our broader community, but because that kind of work with the broader community will enrich our own faculty and have a positive impact on our own students’ experiences.” — TIM ALFORD, HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION In early childhood education, a stimulating classroom environment serves as a “second teacher.” Allowing space for creative and imaginative play is linked to a student’s higher ability to think critically, analyze situations, and solve problems. Early childhood is also the largest entry point for new families to St. Andrew’s. A new early childhood center on the South Campus will support and enhance St. Andrew’s already outstanding early childhood curriculum and faculty, and welcome more new families to the school. “Knowing that we will soon have a facility that promotes the best practices in early childhood is beyond thrilling to all of us,” says pre-K3 teacher Taylor Morse Davis ’99. “One of the hurdles we currently face is a lack of space, but it’s exciting that we were instructed to think

past this issue. The choices about the environment we’re creating have included social spaces for language development, designated areas for discovery learning, access to outdoor spaces, and room for imaginative play. Early childhood is true magic and upon entering this building, that feeling will be palpable. Remember that overwhelming excitement you felt as a five-year-old? Designing the early childhood center brought that excitement back to all of us as teachers.” As a member of the early childhood exploratory committee, Davis visited other early childhood centers in Memphis and New Orleans. “We had the opportunity to assess programs in terms of functional space, and we also observed spaces that were designed with little to no teacher input,” Davis says. “While they were physically attractive, they weren’t functional. By contrast, the architects at Dean and Dean have been very responsive to our needs and desires.” Tim Geddie of Dean and Dean Associates/Architects, the lead architect on the McRae Science Center project, was chosen to design the early childhood center. Geddie welcomed the opportunity to once again collaborate with St. Andrew’s, this time on the South Campus. “The St. Andrew’s science faculty designed the McRae Science Center every bit as much as I did,” Geddie says. “They knew the challenges they would face and what problems they needed the design to solve. It’s been the same case working with the early childhood faculty. They know what they need. I’ve told the teachers consulting on this project that they are the ones designing the building – I’m just drawing it.” “Tim has earned so much enthusiasm from the early childhood teachers by listening carefully to what they want,” Alford says. “He’s navigated a wonderful balance of accommodating what we think is the best design and pushing us to think about things in new and really exciting ways.” Even more than working with the faculty, Geddie has enjoyed working with the children for whom the facility is being designed. “I’ve been sitting in on the pre-K and Kindergarten classes, and it’s amazing,” Geddie says. “The caliber of the teachers and the way they interact with the children is something that has to be experienced to be truly understood. The biggest challenge for me as a six-footfour grown man has been designing for the perspective of a three-, four-, or five-year-old.”

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

His frequent visits to the classroom have given Geddie an opportunity to see the world through the children’s eyes. “One day, the teacher asked the children to sketch their dream classrooms, and they shared their sketches with me,” Geddie says.“Everything was so completely thought out, and it was clear what would be useful or fun to them. I took some ideas from the children’s own drawings and worked them into the early childhood center. “It’s exciting to think that I’m helping to design the space where it all begins,” Geddie continues. “St. Andrew’s shapes students at every age, but this is where they enter and that process starts. For three-year-olds to begin that process with this caliber of teacher, in a building designed specifically for their development, is a fantastic opportunity for the children.”

A new early childhood center for pre-K3, pre-K4, and Kindergarten, including new construction and repurposing of existing buildings ➤

The repurposing of the existing Kindergarten building to house pre-K3, pre-K4, and Kindergar ten co-curricular programs in art/science, library, little chapel, music, wellness, and world languages ➤

An essential indoor play space and flexible, cen tral activity room that can accommodate an entire grade level ➤

A center for the Institute of Learning, Teaching, and Engagement to further St. Andrew’s com mitment to the greater community ➤

TIM GEDDIE, DEAN AND DEAN ASSOCIATES/ ARCHITECTS

The reimagining of the current pre-K building as a discovery center that fosters project-based collaboration in the Lower School co-curricular programs and will include an expanded science lab, library, added maker space, and a technology suite

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“THE ST. ANDREW’S FACULTY HAS BEEN INTEGRAL IN THE DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING OF THESE PROJECTS. Everyone has been focused on the overall student experience and has worked together to identify the needs of the entire St. Andrew’s community. I would describe the faculty’s participation as selfless. It can be difficult to see past immediate desires, but this faculty has done a great job of recognizing what is in the best interest of the school, the students, the families, and the staff.” — ROB FARR ’68, COOKE DOUGLASS FARR LEMONS ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS PA

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

to the existing gym, which will create additional space A new healthplex on the North Campus will support for practices, games, and tournaments. a healthier student body, provide opportunities for more “I’m a strong advocate of health education and a wellSt. Andrew’s students to participate in sports, and allow rounded sports program. These are just as important as St. Andrew’s to field additional athletic teams and more academics in the education of our students,” says Ann fully develop its student athletes for Class 3A competi- Marshall, Middle School history teacher and a member tion in every sport. The plan also includes renovations of the faculty campaign cabinet. “As the parent of a former St. Andrew’s student athlete, I cannot begin to express my appreciation to the school for the lessons learned and experiences that my son received on the sports teams, which prepared him for the corporate world and his life as an adult. For all these reasons, I’m thrilled about the future healthplex.” The architects designing the athletic facilities bring a special interest to the project; Robb Farr ’68 and Katie Lightsey ’02 of Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons Architects and Engineers (CDFL) are St. Andrew’s alumni. Farr and Lightsey are also designing the planned learning commons. “The most intriguing part of the healthplex and learning commons projects is St. Andrew’s recognition that nurturing the mind, body, and spirit is one integrated educational process,” Farr says. “Instead of being interested in only academic needs or only physical needs, the faculty and staff view these projects as part of St. Andrew’s holistic approach to education.” “The opportunity to be a part of this project is an honor for Rob and me,” Lightsey says. “We feel blessed and fortunate to be able to contribute to the school that we love so dearly. Being back on campus is a reminder of the significant impact that St. Andrew’s makes in peoples’ lives. The Jackson community and Mississippi are better places because of St. Andrew’s. We are overjoyed to be a part of that.” Boys basketball coach and Middle School fitness instructor Brian Cronin has worked hand-in-hand with Farr and Lightsey on the design of the healthplex and learning commons. “Working with CDFL has been a great experience,” Cronin says. “They’ve encouraged us to dream big as far as the design, then they’ve come back to us with a reality that works. I believe the design they’ve come up with will drastically change the way we do things on the North Campus for the better. From Middle School fitness classes to varsity-level sports, the healthplex will benefit every student at St. Andrew’s, as well as every sports program at St. Andrew’s. The learning commons

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

will be an efficient center for student resources, a student union, and many other benefits available to all students. This is going to transform our campus. “Through this process, I’ve been able to see what other schools of our caliber throughout the Southeast offer,” Cronin continues. “I’ve also had the opportunity to watch the process unfold from an idea to a conceptual design, and now I’m looking forward to seeing the permanent structures on our campus. But what I’ve enjoyed the most is working with my colleagues at St. Andrew’s. Seeing their passion for the school has made me realize I’m in a unique environment and has humbled me in the process. I’m very fortunate to have been a part of this historical campaign.”

State-of-the-art healthplex directly benefitting all Middle and Upper School students ➤

A full-sized competition court and full-sized multi-purpose court; these convert into four practice courts large enough for St. Andrew’s to host basketball and volleyball tournaments ➤

Renovation of the current gym, including expanded weight and training facilities ➤

Committed spaces for dance, fitness, cheer, and other programs ➤

Health and wellness classrooms

Team meeting and media rooms

Age- and gender-specific locker facilities

KATIE LIGHTSEY ’02 AND ROBB FARR ’68, COOKE DOUGLASS FARR LEMONS ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS

Interior event space large enough to accommo date all-school events ➤

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“AS AN ALUMNUS, IT’S EXCITING TO HELP SHAPE THE PLACE THAT WAS SO INFLUENTIAL IN MY FORMATIVE years. St. Andrew’s has always placed great emphasis on the importance of architecture in the experience of learning, and my own experience at St. Andrew’s has shaped my practice of architecture to this day. This is one way I can give back to the school. As a parent of two Lower School children, it’s exciting to know that they will learn in the spaces I designed.” — JACK ALLIN ’96, OF WIER BOERNER ALLIN ARCHITECTURE

ACADEMICS AND CAMPUS LIFE New and renovated spaces will enhance student support and daily life on the North Campus and enable teachers and staff to better serve St. Andrew’s students. Plans include a new learning commons, a renovated dining commons, and the 5th Grade Loft, a designated learning area designed for the North Campus’s youngest students. “Each division met in small groups to list current needs, to project future needs, and to make a wish list – as they say, ‘you don’t win if you don’t enter,’” Ann Marshall says. “By having input into the design, teachers will take pride and ownership of these facilities. Since students take their cues from the teacher, they, too, will share the excitement in their new facilities. “Teachers know best how to utilize the space for optimal learning, from overhead lighting to the placement of every electrical outlet. A comfortable, efficient learning environment will allow each student to reap the benefits of all that St. Andrew’s has to offer – academically, in extracurricular activities, and socially,” Marshall continues, then adds with a smile, “Of course, this is an ongoing process, and we’ll probably be making suggestions until the last coat of paint is applied.” Jack Allin ’96 of Wier Boerner Allin Architecture is handling the design of the dining commons, Middle School administrative areas, and the 5th Grade Loft. The design of the buildings 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, and Allin’s own children, Maury (class of 2025) and Sarah (class of 2029) will someday learn in the facilities he is now designing. “I think of my grandfather often in my practice,” Allin says. “He passed away while I was in college, so I never had the opportunity to share with him my professional experiences. On one hand, I regret not having had him as a mentor and critic. On the other hand, I believe this has allowed me to more freely form my own vision of this profession. His legacy at St. Andrew’s is not as intimidating as it is inspiring, and a reminder of the important role design has on our formation.

KEVIN O’MALLEY, MALONE SCHOOLS ONLINE NETWORK TEACHER

FACULTY CABINET — There’s no doubt that St. Andrew’s faculty and staff support Forward Saints. 100% of Saints teachers and administrators made a commitment to the campaign, contributing a total of $313,295. Many thanks to the tireless efforts of our faculty cabinet, (from left) Ann Marshall, Donna Patrick, Brian Cronin, Lea Crongeyer, and Anna Purvis Frame ’99.

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ACADEMICS AND CAMPUS LIFE ➤

A learning commons for group study and collaboration

Consolidated student services, including guidance counselors, college counselors, learning facilitators, chaplains, and nurses ➤

A student union, spirit and snack shops, and the St. Andrew’s Athletic Hall of Fame ➤

Renovated Walker Resource Center for quiet study, student maker space, and faculty work space ➤

Expanded classrooms and administrative space for Middle School ➤

The 5th Grade Loft, an area of classrooms dedicated to learners during that critical transition year ➤

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.

Expanded and renovated dining commons capable of accommodating an entire division at one time, as well as offering space for private group dining ➤

Expanded technology suite

Dedicated Malone Schools Online Network class room and library classroom ➤

Expanded parking for the Center for Performing Arts and athletic facilities ➤

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WORSHIP

WORSHIP

St. Andrew’s also envisions a new Episcopal chapel that will become the centerpiece of the North Campus. ➤ An Episcopal chapel centrally located where stuWith a bell tower easily visible from locations around dents and faculty can gather for times of quiet campus, the chapel will serve as a prominent expression reflection and spiritual contemplation of St. Andrew’s Episcopal tradition. Jack Allin is also handling the design of the chapel, and ➤ A smaller, sacred space for private prayer, mindagain brings a family legacy to the project. His paternal ful of the diverse faith traditions represented on grandfather, John Maury Allin, Sr., was the Presiding our campuses Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States. “I see the influences of both my grandfathers in my ➤ A place of beauty and reverence that flexibly work on the chapel,” Allin says. “They both had a deep seats 120 and is conducive to smaller services, understanding and appreciation of the role of sacred space baptisms, weddings, and recitals in our spiritual life. One of my most influential experiences took place when I was in college. Both of my grand➤ A bell tower to serve as a powerful symbol of fathers toured me through St. Richard’s Catholic Church St. Andrew’s Episcopal tradition, visible from in Jackson, a space designed by my maternal grandfather. areas all around the North Campus, establishThey discussed the symbolic meaning of many of the sig ing a clear entry point to the school nificant 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.” for a chapel and then produce a rendering of a space far “It may sound cliché, but Jack Allin was born to more perfect than we could ever have imagined was one design this building,” says Donna Patrick, chair of the of the most exciting experiences of my professional St. Andrew’s history department and a member of the career. I found myself feeling so many emotions - awe, faculty campaign cabinet and the exploratory commit- excitement, and a strong sense of pride in the work our tee for the proposed chapel. “In addition to his family graduate was doing. Teachers don’t often get to witness legacy, Jack is an Alpha Omega graduate of our school the adult accomplishments of their students. To see Jack – in fact, he was a student in my class my first year at St. enjoying a successful career in a field he obviously loves Andrew’s. To watch Jack listen to our hopes and dreams was a gift to me.” 22


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MOVING FORWARD CAMPAIGN GIFTS IN ANY AMOUNT ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED AND TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. FOR INFORMATION ON SUPPORTING THIS FORWARD-THINKING EFFORT, CONTACT: STEPHANIE GARRIGA, Director of Institutional Advancement garrigas@gosaints.org | 601.853.6029 ELIZABETH BUYAN, Associate Director of Institutional Advancement, Capital Campaign Coordinator buyane@gosaints.org | 601.853.6013

For more information about Forward Saints, including a campaign video and fly-through tours of the proposed facilities, visit

GOSAINTS.ORG/FORWARDSAINTS

Honorary Chairs: Meredith and Jimmy Creekmore Campaign Chairs: Patty and Jeff Christie Whitney and Ravi Raju ’88

The parents of two St. Andrew’s alumnae and two current students, Richard and Mary Mills have had at least one child enrolled in St. Andrew’s every year since 1990. Over their 25 consecutive years as parents, the Mills have seen St. Andrew’s continue to build on its tradition of excellence, and view the Forward Saints campaign as the next logical step. “This campaign is a natural progression for St. Andrew’s,” says Mary Mills, who is also a former member of the board of trustees. “It’s a multi-faceted effort, but every component supports the St. Andrew’s mission, today and looking into the future. We want to continue to recruit and develop the best students. Forward Saints will allow St. Andrew’s to give those students the best possible facilities for the best possible educational programs. It’s all a part of St. Andrew’s continuing to set the standard in education.” “This moment is a pivotal time in the history of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, the type of opportunity that happens rarely and which, if not acted upon, can hinder the school’s progress,” Penick says. “Forward Saints is about providing the best experience possible for our current students, while at the same time securing St. Andrew’s position of educational leadership for the future.”

FORWARD-THINKING LEADERSHIP Honorary Chairs Meredith and Jimmy Creekmore Campaign Chairs Patty and Jeff Christie • Whitney and Ravi Raju ’88

ARCHITECTS Early Childhood Center and South Campus Renovations Tim Geddie, Dean and Dean Associates/Architects Healthplex, Gym Renovations, and Learning Commons Rob Farr ’68 and Katie Lightsey ’02, Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons, Architects and Engineers PA Dining Commons, 5th Grade Loft, Chapel Jack Allin ’96, Wier Boerner Allin Architecture

FACULTY CAMPAIGN CABINET MEMBERS Lea Crongeyer • Brian Cronin • Anna Purvis Frame ’99 Ann Marshall • Donna Patrick

CAMPAIGN CABINET Hailey Allin • Jack Allin ’96 • Paul Catherwood ’85 Kellye Montjoy • Wilson Montjoy • Thandi Wade Vangela Wade • Chris Wiggs • Holly Wiggs

“WE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT FORWARD SAINTS BECAUSE IT WILL ALLOW ST. ANDREW’S TO CONTINUE DOING what the school does best. St. Andrew’s gives its students an incredible education, while always considering each student’s individual interests, abilities, and talents. St. Andrew’s students learn not only how to succeed in life, but also how they can be a part of progress for Mississippi.” — MEREDITH CREEKMORE, FORWARD SAINTS HONORARY CHAIR

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THE NEXT STEP FORWARD

IT BEGAN IN 1947

WITH 45 STUDENTS IN THE PARISH HALL OF ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH. THE FOUNDERS OF ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL AND THOSE FIRST, FORWARD-THINKING FAMILIES RECOGNIZED AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A NEW STANDARD IN FAITH-BASED EXCELLENCE, AND SET ABOUT ESTABLISHING ONE. But the very nature of excellence defies complacency. “Today, St. Andrew’s leadership once again has set a As each new goal was realized, St. Andrew’s set new ones. vision for the school that demands St. Andrew’s take the Over the years, the school has steadily advanced, moving next bold and big step – not just to serve our current stufrom that quaint parish hall to two campuses, from out- dents, but to position our school for decades to come. standing academics to a life-shaping experience, from a It’s time for St. Andrew’s to take the next logical step, small school with a big vision to an undisputed leader, and to once again lead the way.” not only in Mississippi, but nationwide. That transformation occurred as the result of methodical planning and a visionary community’s collective certainty that what others might consider an overly ambitious goal was actually the next logical step. “In the 1960s, St. Andrew’s leadership took the big and bold step to purchase the land and build the Old Canton Road campus,” says George Penick, St. Andrew’s head of school. “Imagine where St. Andrew’s would be today if the school’s vision and potential had remained limited to the St. Andrew’s Church parish hall or to the school’s next location, a house on State Street. “In the 1970s and 80s, St. Andrew’s leadership purchased the property on Old Agency Road and built the current North Campus,” Penick continues. “Again, imagine where St. Andrew’s would be today if the school’s vision and potential had remained limited to the Old Canton Road campus.

MILESTONES AND MEMORIES

1947

1950

1963

1966

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is founded. Tuition is set at $25 per month. The classroom is the parish hall of St. Andrew’s Church, the playground is a strip of grass between the church and the Lamar Life building, and the lunchroom rotates between LeFleur’s Restaurant, the Mary Frances Tea Room, and Tanner’s Orange Juice Stand.

With the student body growing, the school needs more space. St. Andrew’s moves into the former home of Marcellus Green on North State Street. The house is dubbed “Green Hall.”

St. Andrew’s purchases 14 acres on Old Canton Road and begins planning a new campus.

The 196667 school year begins at the new campus on Old Canton Road.

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1947

1950

1963

1966

1976

1985

1994

2002

2011

FORWARD SAINTS

1976

1985

1994

2002

2011

2015

St. Andrew’s acquires an option on 75 acres in the rural area near Old Agency Road. Skeptics question the wisdom of building a campus so far out in the country.

Upper School classes begin on the new North Campus. Students share the grounds with wandering cattle.

Middle School classes begin on the North Campus.

The Center for Performing Arts opens as a result of the Great Expectations capital campaign.

The McRae Science Center and Faulkner Studios for Art and Music open as a result of the Campaign for Science and Art.

St. Andrew’s launches Forward Saints, an ambitious campaign that will lead to the school’s next great transformation.

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A DITTO FAMILY TRADITION "

The word “ditto” means “the same as stated before.” When former Jackson Mayor Kane Ditto and his wife, munity in the formative years so you can better underBetsy, decided to send their four children to St. Andrew’s stand and help the larger community with those issues.” Episcopal School, they made a stateThe Dittos’ daughter, Margie Ditto MEMBERS OF THE ment that their children have repeated Van Meter ’91, credits St. Andrew’s DITTO FAMILY WHO eight times over. The Dittos now have with giving her a sense of confidence GRADUATED FROM OR eight grandchildren enrolled at St. and encouraging her to explore her CURRENTLY ATTEND Andrew’s ranging from first grade to own strengths, opportunities she ninth grade, continuing what has bewanted for her own three children. ST. ANDREW’S INCLUDE: come a Ditto family tradition. “When our family moved back to John Ditto ’90 “Betsy and I moved our children to Jackson from New Orleans two years Jack Ditto, Class of 2018 St. Andrew’s because the school ago, I didn’t even consider another Andrew Ditto, Class of 2021 offered an excellent college preparaschool,” Van Meter says. “In fact, St. tory environment,” Kane Ditto says. Andrew’s was one of the main reaMargie Ditto Van Meter ’91 “The teachers cared about each child in sons I wanted to move back to JackJackson Van Meter, Class of 2020 ways that made us feel very good about son. The school had meant so much Betsy Van Meter, Class of 2021 the school. Like most parents at St. to me that I couldn’t imagine not givWalker Van Meter, Class of 2024 Andrew’s, we felt one of our best ing my kids that same opportunity. gifts to our children was a good eduWhat I had loved most about living in Anna Ditto Peterson ’93 cation in a caring environment. New Orleans was an appreciation for Ellie Peterson, Class of 2021 “Our children also benefited from individual self-expression. I really Katie Peterson, Class of 2024 the diversity at St. Andrew’s,” Ditto wanted my children to continue expeLuke Peterson, Class of 2026 continues. “As adults, each of them riencing that, and St. Andrew’s offers Martin Ditto ’97 appreciates that they were able to that opportunity as well. Jackson, make friends with children of other Betsy, and Walker have all found a While they are not alumni, races, ethnic groups, and religions. place within the school and nothing John’s wife, Laurel, and their Mississippi, the United States, and the makes me happier than seeing that daughter Abby; Margie’s husband, world struggle with relationships across joy on their faces that comes from Chad; and Anna’s husband, racial, ethnic, and religious divides. It’s knowing they are appreciated for important to be part of a diverse com- Justin, have all become Saints fans. who they are.” ST. ANDREW’S DITTOS ARE (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) ANDREW DITTO, JACK DITTO, KANE DITTO, BETSY DITTO, JACKSON VAN METER, WALKER VAN METER, BETSY VAN METER, KATIE PETERSON, LUKE PETERSON, AND ELLIE PETERSON. 27


CASTING A VOTE FOR ST. ANDREW’S During his 1989 campaign for mayor of Jackson, Kane Ditto was asked why he and his wife sent their children to an independent school rather than to public school. “Fortunately for the campaign, my chief opponent also sent his children to a private school. He said his wife had made that decision for the family. At least I took equal responsibility.” Apparently voters appreciated Kane Ditto’s forthright response. He was elected and served as mayor of the capital city from 1989–1997.

“IT’S FUN TO HAVE THEM ALL IN ONE PLACE, AND IT’S SATISFYING TO KNOW THEY’RE AT A SCHOOL THAT CARES ABOUT THEIR ACADEMIC GROWTH, PROVIDES LOTS OF ATHLETIC OPTIONS, AND IS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.” KANE DITTO

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Margie’s younger sister, Anna Ditto Peterson ’93, transferred to St. Andrew’s as a sophomore, confessing, “I considered coming a year earlier, but there was a huge freshman bug collection project that I very much wanted to avoid. Once I got to St. Andrew’s my connection was immediate. It was such an inviting and comfortable environment, just where I needed to be.” Peterson credits St. Andrew’s with developing in her “a curiosity for learning” that her children are now discovering. “I did not consider other schools for my children,” Peterson says. “My own invaluable experience at St. Andrew’s was all I needed to make this important decision for my kids.” In addition to appreciating his own family’s experience at St. Andrew’s, Kane Ditto’s service as a business and civic leader has made him aware of the school’s importance to the greater Jackson community. “St. Andrew’s plays a leadership role in establishing standards of educational excellence that help raise the academic standards of all K-12 institutions in the area,” Ditto says. “St. Andrew’s also provides an incentive for families to remain in the area, even when their employers want them to relocate. I’ve known several families that chose to remain in the Jackson area solely because they didn’t want to take their children out of St. Andrew’s.” When their children were students at St. Andrew’s, Kane Ditto served on the board of trustees and Betsy Ditto substitute taught. John, Margie, Anna, and Martin Ditto all played tennis, and the entire family could usually be found at every match. Another treasured family memory is of St. Andrew’s 1990 Homecoming, when Margie and Anna Ditto were both members of the homecoming court, escorted onto the field by their father and their grandfather. Kane and Betsy Ditto are still involved in St. Andrew’s activities, describing their role as grandparents as “less stressful and more fun.”

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“It’s fun to have them all in one place, and it’s satisfying to know they’re at a school that cares about their academic growth, provides lots of athletic options, and is concerned about their character development,” Kane Ditto says. “Betsy and I are still involved in the fun activities, like athletic events and meeting their friends. I’m sure we’ll continue to be involved with St. Andrew’s over the years to come. We want to see the school continue to develop and improve so that it remains a great place for children to get an education. And someday, there will surely be great-grandchildren who will need an excellent St. Andrew’s education.” GRANDPARENTS GO BACKSTAGE St. Andrew’s offers grandparents (and grandfriends) the chance to go backstage at the Lower School. Following every Kindergarten through Grade 4 play, grandparents are invited to visit their grandchildren’s classrooms for a “cast party” and a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Lower School. Dr. and Mrs. William Ketner traveled from North Carolina to watch their granddaughter, Bess Ketner, perform the role of Snow White in the third grade production of “The Granny Awards.” Following the performance, the Ketners stopped by Bess’s classroom for the post-show cast party. “We’ve been visiting St. Andrew’s for six years now to attend activities for our grandchildren, and we’ve always been most impressed,” Lilly Ketner, Bess’s grandmother, says. “My husband has a doctorate in education and I was a teacher, so education is very important to us. We’re so grateful for the opportunities our grandchildren have at St. Andrew’s, and we’re so glad the school invites us to share in that experience.”


DRS. WILLIAM AND KIMBERLY CROWDER AND THEIR CHILDREN, SANDRA, CLASS OF 2023, WILL, CLASS OF 2027, AND SARAH KATE, CLASS OF 2029

KEEPING ST. ANDREW’S GOING WHILE IT’S GROWING — With the launch of Forward Saints, it’s natural that the St. Andrew’s community’s excitement will be focused on this ambitious capital campaign. But as Elizabeth Alley, director of annual giving, points out, support of the Annual Fund during the capital campaign is critical to the St. Andrew’s experience. • “The Annual Fund supports programs for our students, faculty development, and helps us stay current with technology,” Alley says. “The Annual Fund keeps us going while the capital campaign keeps us growing. It’s vital to our students’ overall educational experience that we maintain these standards of excellence and support the Annual Fund during the capital campaign.” 30


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IT’S NEVER TOO SOON TO START Young families step up to support the St. Andrew’s Annual Fund THE ST. ANDREW’S ANNUAL FUND is experiencing a surge in participation, with many of the school’s youngest families leading the way. Under the energetic leadership of Annual Fund chairs Gillian and Jonathan Viola, parent participation in the Annual Fund has jumped from 63 percent last year to 70 percent so far in this year’s campaign, which concludes June 30, 2015. “We’re especially excited to see a strong commitment to the Annual Fund from some of our youngest families,” says Elizabeth Alley, director of annual giving. “The Kindergarten class is leading the entire school with the most money pledged, and the pre-K4 class has the second-highest parent participation percentage. Knowing that our young parents are so committed speaks well for St. Andrew’s future.” Among those committed young parents are Drs. William and Kimberly Crowder, whose three children, Sandra, Will, and Sarah Kate, are students in the St. Andrew’s Lower School. The Crowders have been generous supporters not only of the Annual Fund, but also of the Campaign for Science and Art, reasoning that their support today will enhance their children’s long-term futures. “We see the value of a St. Andrew’s education at every level, beginning with pre-K3, where our youngest daughter is a student, all the way through high school,” Kimberly Crowder says. “The Annual Fund pays for enhancements at every grade level. We know that when we support the Annual Fund, we’re helping provide for our children today and also in the years to come.” The Annual Fund supports programs that touch every student in the St. Andrew’s community, and helps

make the individual attention students receive at St. Andrew’s possible. “St. Andrew’s doesn’t take a ‘one size fits all’ approach to teaching and learning,” Kimberly Crowder says. “My three children are very different from one another. At St. Andrew’s, the goal is to help each child succeed, but the school provides a custom plan for success for each child. We understand that tuition doesn’t cover everything involved in a St. Andrew’s education and we’re happy to support the Annual Fund in order to give our children that education.” “St. Andrew’s has always been a community of givers with a strong belief in the mission of the school and what it means to our families, our community, and our state,” Alley says. “So many paved the way by supporting the Annual Fund, and our young families are now carrying on that tradition.”

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR ST. ANDREW’S BY MAKING YOUR GIFT TO THE ANNUAL FUND BEFORE JUNE 30, 2015. TO MAKE YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT ONLINE, VISIT GOSAINTS.ORG/ANNUALFUND.

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MARKING A MILESTONE MANY PARENTS OF ST. ANDREW’S ALUMNI have started a new tradition by making a gift to the Annual Fund in honor of their children’s reunion years. Commemorating the anniversaries of their children’s graduations brings back warm memories of the entire family’s experience at St. Andrew’s, and reminds these parents that even though their children are no longer in school, the entire family will always be a part of the St. Andrew’s community. • Andrew and Barbara Mallinson have deep ties to St. Andrew’s. Their children, Ashley Mallinson O’Neil ’01 and Jamie Mallinson ’04 are Alpha Omega graduates, and Ashley is a former Miss St. Andrew’s. Barbara served as the Upper School librarian from 2009-2012, and Andrew has served on the board of trustees off-and-on since 1996, including service as the board chair. The Mallinsons are regular supporters of the Annual Fund. In 2014, they made a bonus donation in recognition of Jamie Mallinson’s 10-year reunion. • “I think we all want to reunite with the St. Andrew’s community,” Andrew Mallinson said. “Parents, students, and faculty members alike remember their wonderful ‘St. Andrew’s years’ and the community we know and love so well. Supporting the school during a special reunion year is another opportunity to celebrate that connection and what it means to our family.”

PARENTS OF ALUMNI WHO HAVE MADE REUNION YEAR GIFTS TO THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL FUND INCLUDE: CLASS OF 1974

Alumnus/a Donor Al Horton Mrs. Mary Horton CLASS OF 1984

Alumnus/a Donor Louise Lyell Lampton Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Lyell Win Rawson Mrs. Mary Rawson Barney Robinson Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Robinson, Jr. Will Walker Mrs. Gloria M. Walker Kevin Whitt Mr. and Mrs. Jerry D. Whitt CLASS OF 1989

Alumnus/a Donor Carl Black Mr. and Mrs. D. Carl Black, Jr. Cristen Coker Hemmins Mr. and Mrs. William H. Coker Clay Collins Mrs. Marcia Ann Collins Cathy Jones Schulz Mr. and Mrs. John H. Downey Beth Everett Wright Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Everett Pam Franklin Mr. and Mrs. William A. Franklin Kyle Odom Dr. and Mrs. C. Douglas Odom Luther Ott The Rev. Luther and The Rev. Janet Ott Lara Teal Clement Dr. and Mrs. J. David Teal Katie Walker McBrayer Mrs. Gloria M. Walker

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CLASS OF 1994

Alumnus/a Donor Emily Allenburger Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Christian A. Allenburger, III Priscilla Almond Jolly Mr. and Mrs. John H. Almond Will Coker Mr. and Mrs. William H. Coker O.J. Steverson Ms. Emma Jenkins Brannan Johnston Dr. and Mrs. James H. Johnston, III Frank Kossen Mr. and Mrs. Pieter T. Kossen Jim Marshall Ms. Ann S. Marshall Brent Martin Drs. James and Gloria Martin Alex Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Jerry M. Sullivan, Jr. Thad Thompson Mrs. Luther M. Thompson CLASS OF 2004

Alumnus/a Donor Alex Bondurant Mr. and Mrs. Si M. Bondurant Olivia Ware Terenzio Mrs. Cathy C. Bullock William Craig Dr. and Mrs. W. Boyce Craig Forrest Graham Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Collier Graham, Jr. Megan Puckett Mr. Thomas E. Guillot, Jr. and Dr. Christina Glick Mr. and Mrs. George I. Puckett John Haltom Dr. and Mrs. James R. Haltom Edmund Lee Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Shinn Lee Jamie Mallinson Mr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Mallinson Douglas McRae Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan W. McRae Carrie Menist Grunkemeyer Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Menist Cooper Morrison Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Morrison Whitney-Lehr Ray Mr. and Mrs. William A. Ray Alex Ayres Waggoner Mr. and Mrs. Joe A. Waggoner Tyler Walker Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Walker Ellie Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Wallace Steven Whatley Mr. and Mrs. Steven A. Whatley CLASS OF 2009

Alumnus/a Donor Sidney Anthony Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Anthony Blythe Bynum Mr. and Mrs. William J. Bynum Lauren Dyess Dr. and Mrs. Eric M. Dyess Haley Hawsey Mr. and Mrs. Keith A. Hawsey Mary Katherine Kitchings Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Kitchings Jake Warren Mr. and Mrs. Scott Linn Clara Martin Dr. and Mrs. Murphy S. Martin Julian May Drs. Paul J. and Susan May Austin McCarley Mr. and Mrs. Ken McCarley Patrick Neely Dr. and Mrs. William T. Neely III Douglas Odom Dr. and Mrs. C. Douglas Odom Vishal Patel Dr. and Mrs. Manu S. Patel Graham Smith Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Q. Smith Christina Spann Mrs. Shelia Patton Spann Neil VanLandingham Dr. and Mrs. Paul D. VanLandingham Sunny Vig Drs. Parminder J. and Vibha Vig Jake Warren Mr. and Mrs. James L. Warren III Marie Elise Williams Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Williams Rebecca Wolfe Dr. and Mrs. Walter R. Wolfe

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GIVE ME FIVE {sports}

SAINTS CELEBRATE FIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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ZARIA WILLIAMS ‘15 TAKES THE BATON FROM PHOEBE XU, CLASS OF 2020, BEFORE WINNING THE 4X200 RELAY AT THE 3A REGIONAL TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP.

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SAINTS FANS CELEBRATED FIVE ATHLETIC STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2014 –15 WHEN THE BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM, BOYS AND GIRLS SWIM TEAMS, GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM, AND TENNIS TEAM ALL BROUGHT HOME TOP HONORS. THE BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM continued a has always impressed me the most is how these swimlongstanding tradition of success that began in Class 2A mers hit their best times of the season when it’s all on and now continues in 3A competition. St. Andrew’s the line. We had won boys or girls state championships posted 13 straight 2A state championships. The school’s each of the last three years, but I had a feeling this streak was broken for just two years before St. Andrew’s could be the year we would synchronize the boys and once again established itself as a dominant girls. I’m so glad we pulled it off.” THEY’RE ON A RUN contender, posting four straight state chamPrice Chadwick also coached the girls The St. Andrew’s boys pionships in 3A competition, including the track and field team, which dominated the cross country team 2014 victory. The total number of state competition on the way to the team’s first has posted 24 total championships for boys cross country stands 3A state championship. The girls won state state championships, at an impressive 24. with 81 points and an 18-point lead over including a streak of “In a lot of ways, success breeds success,” runner-up Independence. 13 consecutive state championships in Class says Coach Price Chadwick ’96. “There is a “The announcement of the girls’ win led to 2A and four consecutive winning attitude with the boys cross country tears, laughter, lots of pictures, a cooler full of state championships in team, along with an expectation from our runice over some coaches, and several proud parClass 3A competition. ners that we will win the state championship. ents,” Chadwick said. “With the team losing But attitude alone is far from all that is required. Our team just three members to graduation, we will continue to be runs a lot of miles and each runner pushes the other run- a force with which to be reckoned for many years to come.” ners to run faster.” St. Andrew’s also continued to build on its legacy as The Saints swim teams also celebrated wins at the state a tennis powerhouse, claiming its 13th consecutive and level, smashing several records along the way. The Saints its 21st overall state championship. relay swimming teams won five of six races at the state “The winning tradition is passed on from coaches to meet, and five individual swimmers won 10 individual upperclassmen, and in turn to the younger students on events and set five new state records. The girls team beat the team,” says Coach Emillia Viljoen. “Younger sturunner-up rival St. Joe by 18 points, while the boys team dents can see how hard they need to work to be part of dominated the meet in unprecedented fashion, beating the championship team. The key is to keep things positheir closest competitor, St. Aloysius, by 53 points. tive and emphasize a strong work ethic and commitment “Both the boys and girls squads captured the Class I to the team and the sport. I think all of St. Andrew’s (1A-4A) state titles behind dominating relays, record coaches, past and present, have had that mindset. For me setting swims, and pure grit,” says Thatch Shepard, personally, the reward is seeing the students taking on coach of both the boys and girls swim teams. “What the challenge. It’s an honor to be a part of the Saints.” ON THE RIGHT TRACK On the way to capturing their first 3A state championship, individual members of the girls track and field team also posted individual bests. Individual Event Track and Field State Champions: Caroline Gaillet, Pole Vault Yesenia Davis, High Jump and 100 Hurdles / Ariel Thornton, 800m Run 36


{sports}

SERVES THEM RIGHT The St. Andrew’s tennis team captured its 13th consecutive state championship, building on its impressive record of 21 overall state championships.

Individual Event Tennis State Champions Larry Qu – Boys Singles Abby Grace Hughes – Girls Singles Ali Garriga and Madeline Claire Hughes – Girls Doubles

SAINTS SPORTS ROUND UP BOYS CROSS COUNTRY State Champions

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY 4th in State

BOYS SWIMMING State Champions

BOYS GOLF State Champions Runners-Up

GIRLS SWIMMING State Champions TENNIS Team State Champions, 3 individual State Champions GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD State Champions ARCHERY 3rd in state BASEBALL 25 – 10, 10 – 0 Division Champions, South State Runners-Up BOYS BASKETBALL 15 – 16, 3rd place in district GIRLS BASKETBALL 6 – 16 BOWLING 3 –3

FAST PITCH SOFTBALL 6 – 10, District Champion

A SPLASHY RECORD

FOOTBALL 3 –8

Over the past four years, the girls and boys swim teams have claimed five state championships and two state championship runners-up positions.

LACROSSE 5 –3

2011 Girls State Champions 2012 Boys State Champions, Girls Runners-Up 2013 Girls State Champions, Boys Runners-Up 2014 Girls and Boys State Champions

POWERLIFTING Team members advanced to the North and South State Meets and to the State Meet

Individual Event Swimming State Champions Alex Good, 100 Freestyle* 200 Freestyle**

BOYS SOCCER 13 – 7 – 1

Carly Good, 200 Individual Medley, 100 Breaststroke

GIRLS SOCCER 11 – 10 – 1

Maggie Gleason, 100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke Thatcher Shepard, 500 Freestyle* 100 Breaststroke

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD South State Runners-Up

Jack Smithson, 200 Individual Medley*** 100 Butterfly*

VOLLEYBALL 26 – 7, South State Runners-Up

* Class I State Record ** Tied Class I State Record *** Overall State Record for Class I and Class II

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may day

“EVERY SAINT A HERO” has been a St. Andrew’s Episcopal School theme throughout the school year, with students identifying heroes and discussing the heroic qualities they wished to incorporate into their own lives. Over the months, Lower School students realized that Every Saint a Hero is a worthy and obtainable goal, and expressed that sentiment through song and dance at the annual May Day celebration on May 1, 2015.

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LETTING HER LIGHT SHINE WORLDWIDE Marci Songcharoen ’91 • Distinguished Alumna of the Year

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marasri “Marci” Songcharoen turned her pas- reputation for being highly academic, but there were sion for art and her education in architecture into other things about St. Andrew’s that suited me pera global business specializing in striking, techno- sonally. There was diversity in culture, socioeconomic logically innovative lighting design. Songcharoen is the backgrounds, religious backgrounds, and most imporowner and lead designer for SEAM Design, a London, tantly, personality. Everyone at St. Andrew’s had differEngland-based firm that provides creative lighting design ent paths, and people were celebrated for being unique. for residences, restaurants, hotels, corpoSt. Andrew’s was the only school option DISTINGUISHED rate interiors, museums, retail stores, and that felt different, and seemed more seriALUMNI OF THE large scale luxury lifestyle developments in ous about helping students find their bigYEAR AWARD the United States, Europe, Asia, and the ger picture – something beyond the same The highest honor bestowed set path.” Middle East. upon an alumnus or It’s an unusual career niche that SongchaSt. Andrew’s proved to be the perfect roen calls “a happy accident,” the result of alumna, the Distinguished choice for Songcharoen, who excelled in her lifelong inclination to pursue the road Alumni Award recognizes art classes, performed in theater producalumni who have made less traveled. It was that inclination, along tions, supported the athletic teams as a extraordinary personal with her artistic bent, that led Songcharoen cheerleader, and along with her basketball to transfer to St. Andrew’s from another achievements, professional teammates, helped launch the St. Andrew’s accomplishments, and Jackson-area school in her junior year of girls track program. In a February address significant contributions to current St. Andrew’s students, Songchahigh school. that benefit society. “All of a sudden, I was deviating from a roen also acknowledged the rigorous acafamiliar path, but it was something I felt Recipients are individuals demic program she found at St. Andrew’s. whose exemplary lives I needed to do,” Songcharoen says. “The “St. Andrew’s is not an easy school,” and activities reflect students in my old school all seemed to be Songcharoen said, adding with a smile. on the same path, but I was artistic and a honor upon St. Andrew’s “I didn’t attend St. Andrew’s, I survived Episcopal School. little eccentric. St. Andrew’s obviously had a St. Andrew’s.”

HERE COMES THE BRIDE — Marci Songcharoen jokes that it took her 10 years and 1,000 miles to meet and marry another St. Andrew’s Episcopal School alumnus. Songcharoen and her husband, Emory Smith ’92, reconnected in New York a decade after they shared an AP studio art class at St. Andrew’s. After searching Jackson for the most meaningful place to hold their wedding ceremony, the couple chose the St. Andrew’s North Campus where they initially met. Songcharoen and Smith exchanged vows beside Lake Sherwood Wise near the observatory, the same tranquil spot where Songcharoen spent her study breaks as a St. Andrew’s student.

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“THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU’LL GAIN FROM ST. ANDREW’S ARE TRULY INDEPENDENT, CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, AN APPRECIATION FOR DIVERSITY AND INDIVIDUALITY,

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AND THE ABILITY TO SEE A BIGGER PICTURE FOR YOURSELF.”

ongcharoen went on to earn undergraduate degrees in art history and studio art at Millsaps College and her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. She relocated to New York, where she worked for an architectural firm for two years before accepting a position at a highend lighting design firm. “It was amazing work and very challenging,” Songcharoen says. “I had to learn the technology behind lighting and how to make it work in all kinds of environments, from an office space that needed the right lighting to make it more comfortable to lighting that would sell more for retail to lighting that highlighted art in a gallery.” Songcharoen found more than a new career in New York. She also reconnected with fellow St. Andrew’s alumnus and architect Emory Smith ’92; the former classmates were married in 2004. When the couple relocated to London for Smith’s work, Songcharoen joined a lighting design firm that offered her the opportunity to work on creative projects in France, Singapore, Dubai, and other locations in Europe and Asia. With her design work earning more and more recognition, Songcharoen began considering forming her own firm. In 2009, she launched SEAM Design Ltd., choosing the name based on the idea that lighting is the entity that brings other design elements together. Today, Songcharoen directs a team of designers working on architectural lighting projects in more than 20 countries. A recent addition to the SEAM staff is Emory Smith, who is putting his architectural degree from Harvard University to work as a partner in the company. SEAM has handled complex lighting design projects for residences, bridges, restaurants, galleries, and offices worldwide. A recent, large-scale project in Cairo included 18 office buildings, a hotel, and extensive landscape lighting. A favorite project for a global bank in Switzerland was designed from London with meetings conducted entirely in French. Songcharoen landed a project in Beijing by asking a colleague if she could drop by when she was “in the neighborhood,” confessing with a laugh that she actually made the trip to Beijing from Bangkok. One of the most exciting challenges in Songcharoen’s work is communicating her ideas to clients who speak different languages and come from different cultures – a skill that St. Andrew’s helped her to cultivate. “So at St. Andrew’s, maybe I didn’t master essay writing for Mrs. Hodges’ European studies class, or win the calculus book award. Maybe I was not one of the National 43

Merit Finalists in my class, and maybe my SAT scores weren’t stellar,” Songcharoen says, “But there were other fundamental aspects of the St. Andrew’s learning culture that shaped the way I thought about what I could be and how I could direct my future. St. Andrew’s shaped my view of life beyond school, beyond college, and outside of Mississippi, and expanded it toward a global view, which has had a profound effect on my life.” In speaking with St. Andrew’s students about her creative, worldwide, “happy accident” career, Songcharoen encouraged the students to be open to opportunities, assuring them that even though they might not have a “crystal clear plan,” St. Andrew’s would equip them with the skills and mindset they needed to succeed. 6

“The most important things you’ll gain from St. Andrew’s are truly independent, critical thinking skills, an appreciation for diversity and individuality, and the ability to see a bigger picture for yourself.” Given her unique creative skills and the unexpected places they’ve taken her, it’s little wonder that one of Songcharoen’s friends compared her career to a quotation by writer E.L. Doctorow, which Songcharoen shared with St. Andrew’s students searching for their own niches in the world. “Doctorow said, ‘It’s like driving a car at night. You can never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way,’” Songcharoen said. “With or without a plan, keep moving forward and keep discovering. You owe it to yourselves to find out.”

1–3: HSBC, QUAI DES BERGUES HEADQUARTERS, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND 4: ENDLESS STAIR, TATE MODERN, LONDON, UK 5: SNOW WORDS, ALASKA CRIME LAB, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA | 6: VOGUE LOUNGE, BANGKOK, THAILAND


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BEHIND THE BIG SCREEN Steve Cohen ’00 • Young Alumni Award

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is name isn’t on the marquee and you won’t find how to interact with people from backgrounds different him listed in the credits, but there’s a good chance than my own.” you’ve seen Steve Cohen’s work on the silver screen. Following his graduation from St. Andrew’s, Cohen Cohen is an agent with United Talent Agency (UTA) attended Emory University, then went to work in the in Los Angeles, where he represents established and ris- UTA mailroom. Two years later, he was promoted to ing film stars. It’s the ideal career for Cohen, a personable, agent in the talent department. driven go-getter who sought a career that would allow There is no “typical day” for Cohen. His job might find him to “help people become successful in their own fields him scouring comedy clubs or YouTube for the next great and make myself successful in the process.” Cohen’s cli- acting talent or digital influencer, reading scripts, or meetents include Owen Wilson, the star of “Midnight in Paris” ing with studio executives or casting directors. While he and “Wedding Crashers;” Kevin Hart of does have opportunities to socialize with YOUNG ALUMNI “The Wedding Ringer” and “Ride Along;” the stars, Cohen emphasizes that an AWARD Martin Lawrence of “Big Momma’s agent’s job is demanding and that only The Young Alumni Award House;” Ike Barinholtz of “The Mindy those with a strong work ethic need apply. recognizes and celebrates Project;” and other TV and film stars. “People say, ‘It must be fun to go to all the achievements of an A native of New Jersey, Cohen relothose premier parties.’ It’s true that my cated to Mississippi the summer before alumnus or alumna who has job has brought me amazing experiences, his senior year of high school when his made a major contribution to but you get there only if you’re willing father accepted a new job. the community, arts, sciences, to work hard. When you’re a new agent, “My first experience at St. Andrew’s or business. Alumni must have you start with a few clients. By developwas two-a-days football practice. In Mis- graduated from St. Andrew’s ing their careers, you develop your own sissippi. In August,” Cohen deadpans. “I within the past 15 years to be reputation. Then, as you become better didn’t know anyone, and after practice, at the job, you get assigned to higher-end eligible for nomination. I went home to a one-bedroom apartclients. It’s a long process.” ment I was sharing with my father, mother, and little Cohen exhibited that same work ethic during his days at sister. Terrific, right?” St. Andrew’s. When he bungled an onside kick in a foot Cohen’s opinion changed one evening when there was ball game, Cohen spent the next week practicing, performa knock on the apartment door. ing the kick perfectly at the next opportunity and prompt “There were four beautiful girls standing there. One of ing his coach to say, “If Steve Cohen makes a mistake, he them said, ‘Hi, we’re from St. Andrew’s and we’re here only makes it once.” It was a message Cohen took to heart. to take you to a party.’ I thought to myself, ‘Well, that’s “The only way to stay successful is to stay grounded more like it.’” and have a great work ethic,” Cohen said in an address Looking back, Cohen calls the move to St. Andrew’s to St. Andrew’s students. “That starts with caring about “one of the greatest experiences of my life.” what you’re doing and taking pride and responsibility in “I moved to a place where I didn’t know anyone. I had your work. And remember, the only tragedy that comes to adapt to new people and a new situation, and learn from making a mistake is not learning from it.”

THE FORCE WAS WITH HIM — When Steve Cohen had the opportunity to travel to an event on Harrison Ford’s private plane, he confesses his first thought was, “What? So cool! But I knew I needed to act professional,” Cohen says. “I boarded the plane, along with my boss and Harrison Ford’s publicist. Then Harrison Ford climbs aboard, tells me hello, and hands me the safety card. Then he pulls up the stairs leading into the plane. I was wondering why he didn’t have the pilot do that when he walked past me and sat down in the cockpit. Then I realized how cool this trip was really going to be. I was on a plane being flown by Han Solo.”

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SERVICE AT FULL SPEED Stewart Speed ’82 • The St. Andrew’s Loyalty Award

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confess to absolutely testing the limits of vari- board of trustees,” Speed says. “At that level, you see the ous faculty members, and I think I was in the sec- organization as a whole and are able to have a significant ond grade when I first met the steely gaze of Mrs. impact on the entire school community’s experience. My Chadwick,” Stewart Speed says. “But while I was a lit- time on the board included work on the school’s stratetle… rambunctious, there were no major transgressions gic plan, the board’s hiring of George Penick as the head that I can recall committing as a student at St. Andrew’s.” of school, and the Campaign for Science and Art. I’m Any transgressions he may have committed have long also very proud of my work on the recruiting and retenbeen forgiven in light of Speed’s generous and unfailing tion committee, which is an area critical to St. Andrew’s service to St. Andrew’s. He has served as a dedicated long-term prosperity and success. Working with other member of the board of trustees, a leader on key com- talented people to positively impact the long-term tramittees, an Annual Fund grade co-captain, and in many jectory of St. Andrew’s was very rewarding.” other capacities over a period of several years. Most recently, Speed has been asked to contribute his “The ultimate satisfaction in life significant skills and expertise to the THE ST. ANDREW’S comes from giving back,” Speed says. building committee of the Forward LOYALTY AWARD “In my case, that’s meant giving back Saints capital campaign, the most to a place that has come to mean so ambitious effort in St. Andrew’s The St. Andrew’s Loyalty Award much to me.” 68-year history. honors St. Andrew’s alumni who, in Following his St. Andrew’s grad“Forward Saints will change the deed or action, reflect and recognize uation, Speed earned his bachelor’s overall nature of both campuses the importance of being an alumnus degree from Washington and Lee and bring significant enhancements or alumna of St. Andrew’s; who University in Lexington, Virginia, to student life,” Speed says. “This and his M.B.A. from Vanderbilt Uni- demonstrate pride in their alma mater; campaign will dramatically enhance versity. Speed has continued in the the St. Andrew’s experience for our and whose interest and loyalty are family tradition of success in real students. All kinds of avenues will evident by their significant, notable, estate development, working in a open that will create a better, richer and meritorious contributions toward variety of areas including financing, educational experience. Forward the advancement of St. Andrew’s property management, construction, Saints will also raise the profile of Episcopal School. One alumnus or and development. As principal with the school, bring more people to our alumna is recognized each year. the Jackson-based development firm campuses, and a be a game-changer Leaf River Group, Speed has worked in terms of recruiting.” tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in his hometown. Speed’s commitment to St. Andrew’s is made even Despite the demands of his business, Speed has more meaningful because his children, Isabelle ’15 and made the time to play multiple leadership roles at St. Warner, class of 2018, have also had the opportunity to Andrew’s. He served on the board of trustees from share the St. Andrew’s experience. 2004 to 2012, including extensive service on the facili- “Sending my children to St. Andrew’s has allowed me ties committee and the recruiting and retention com- to share with them an experience that I know intimately mittee. Speed was a member of the steering committee and really believe in,” Speed says. “Isabelle and Warner for the Campaign for Science and Art, and was a vital have had some of the same experiences I had, and when member of the building committee for the McRae Sci- they describe them to me, I know exactly what they’re ence Center. Over the years, Speed and his wife, Erica, talking about. It means so much to me to know that, just have served in countless other volunteer roles. as I do, Isabelle and Warner will have that St. Andrew’s “My most rewarding experience was serving on the connection for the rest of their lives.” SEVENTH STRENGTHS FOR SUCCESS — In an address to current St. Andrew’s students, including his own children, Isabelle and Warner, Stewart Speed cited a recent study that identified seven strengths necessary for high achievement and satisfaction in life. “Those seven traits are zest, grit, self-control, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism, and curiosity,” Speed said. “St. Andrew’s nurtures and encourages all seven.”

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Good

SPORTS St. Andrew’s welcomes four new inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame LULU LEMASTER ’74 LuLu LeMaster played both basketball and tennis at St. Andrew’s, but tennis was her passion. Her senior year, LeMaster was ranked #1 in Mississippi and in the South in both singles and doubles play. LeMaster led the St. Andrew’s tennis team to its first State Championship, which was also the first State Championship claimed by St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in any sport. Following her graduation from St. Andrew’s, LeMaster was offered a full tennis scholarship to Mississippi State University, but ultimately chose to attend Millsaps College. At that time, Millsaps did not have a women’s

tennis team; LeMaster accepted an invitation to play on the men’s team instead. While she saw college attendance as “the expected route,” LeMaster had known for years that what she really wanted was to pursue a career in teaching tennis. The summer before her senior year at St. Andrew’s, LeMaster was the youngest student at Tennis America University, a school for professional tennis instructors in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Two years into her college career, LeMaster left Millsaps to accept a position as a tennis pro at Brookhaven Country Club, launching a 27-year career as a tennis teaching professional with a focus on the development of competitive junior players.

Left: PAUL CATHERWOOD, META POOLE GINN, LULU LEMASTER, AND CARL MENIST

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“High school sports gave me the determination to work to become the best I could be, first as a player and later as a coach. I learned the importance of continuing education as a part of the success equation, and kept striving to improve my coaching skills through the years.” LULU LEMASTER ’74

“My participation in high school sports gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion as a career,” LeMaster says. “I gained an understanding of the hard work and preparation it takes to succeed. I learned the concept of perseverance, and to keep on keeping on in spite of setbacks. High school sports gave me the determination to work to become the best I could be, first as a player and later as a coach. I learned the importance of continuing education as a part of the success equation, and kept striving to improve my coaching skills through the years. Hopefully, these life skills were ones that I also helped to instill in my students.” For the past decade, LeMaster has been raising alpacas on an Indiana farm, a hands-on business endeavor that’s left her little time to play the game she loves, but her long, successful career as a tennis player and coach is still a source of pride.

“My three sons, Jason, Ryan, and Hunter, were always the first to remind me that I was the only one in the family who didn’t hold a college degree,” LeMaster says. “But after a 27-year career as a teaching tennis professional, I know that pursuing my passion was the right choice.” CARL MENIST ’76 Carl Menist played football and basketball for the Saints, and then went on to play wide receiver and run track at Mississippi College. Menist was a member of the 1979 Mississippi College football team that won the Gulf South Conference Championship and finished the season ranked #3 in the final NCAA poll, and was also a member of the 1980 Gulf South Conference Championship track team. He

BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE — LuLu LeMaster’s most vivid memory of St. Andrew’s isn’t necessarily her fondest. “When I began at St. Andrew’s in the first grade, the school was located in a renovated house on North State Street in downtown Jackson. I vividly remember standing on the street and watching the school burn down. Our temporary classrooms were then moved to St. James Church before the new school on Old Canton Road was built.”

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“Our coaches, in particular football coach Andy Mullins, ensured that we worked hard, equipped us with a game plan that used our strengths, and gave us confidence that we could win.” — CARL MENIST ’76

A FAMILY AFFAIR was selected for the All Gulf South Conference academic, football, and track teams. Mississippi College recognized Carl Menist’s wife, Judy, is a longtime first grade Menist with the R.A. McLemore Award, presented to the teacher at St. Andrew’s. The couple’s children, Carrie student athlete with the highest cumulative GPA. Despite his personal successes on the field, Menist ’04, Tye ’06, Skylar ’12, and Tanner ’13, are Alpha Omega credits his teammates and coaches for his induction into graduates. Tye and Tanner are second generation the St. Andrew’s Athletic Hall of Fame. “My St. Andrew’s teammates pushed me to do my football Saints; their proud father notes that his sons best, to compete and improve every day,” Menist says. “have had a big part in continuing to contribute to the “Our coaches, in particular football coach Andy Mullins, ensured that we worked hard, equipped us with a game rivalry with St. Joe.” plan that used our strengths, and gave us confidence that The Menist family’s ties to St. Andrew’s run deep. we could win. My teammates and coaches blessed my life and were a major part of helping me grow from a “I’m so thankful for my parents, who sacrificed to boy to a young man.” send me to St. Andrew’s, and the long-term impact that Menist still takes pride in St. Andrew’s choice to comdecision has had on my family,” Carl Menist says. “Their pete in the Mississippi High School Activities Association, which included the public schools, during a time desire for me to have the opportunities that St. Andrew’s when segregation was a major issue in Mississippi. The offers changed my life, and instilled values that have decision meant that St. Andrew’s then-fledgling sports afforded my own children the same opportunities at teams faced tough competition from larger schools with St. Andrew’s. What a gift!” longstanding athletic programs.

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“So many of my memories don’t revolve around a meet or game, but how a friendship was developed or how a certain conflict was worked out with a teammate.” META POOLE GINN ’98

“I was fortunate to have been a student athlete at St. of really caring about and committing to something. I Andrew’s during the athletic program’s formative years. learned toughness and intensity, and that success is a There were lots of ‘firsts’ to celebrate, and at times, lots process. I learned to seek out things that are challengof ‘firsts’ to lament. The commitment of our teams to ing, and the immeasurable value of persistence. I learned competing against well-established programs with play- how to throw everything you have toward a goal knowers who were typically bigger, stronger, and faster pre- ing you might fail, and if you do fail, how to pick yourpared us to meet other challenges. We gained confidence self up and keep going.” from early successes and humility when progress was slow, as well as the discipline and toughness not to quit. It’s been especially rewarding to see through my chil- META POOLE GINN ’98 dren’s involvement at St. Andrew’s how the work that began when I was in high school has developed and pro- Meta Poole Ginn played basketball, tennis, and softgressed over the years.” ball, ran track, and swam for the Saints, earning 15 var Today, Menist is vice president and audit manager with sity letters in four sports. Ginn claimed five individual Trustmark. While he’s no longer catching passes or lin- state championships in tennis and the discus throw and ing up for a free throw, his experiences as a student ath- four team state championships in tennis, basketball, and lete still resonate with him today. track. She was named the MVP of the tennis team six “My experiences as a St. Andrew’s athlete shaped my times and MVP of the basketball team twice, and comlife direction in so many significant ways. St. Andrew’s pleted her basketball career as St. Andrew’s all-time leadsports taught me how to be resolved and resilient ing scorer. Off the court and the field, Ginn was elected through difficulty as well as in good times, and the power Student Body Vice President and Miss St. Andrew’s.

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“The most important lesson I learned is that there’s absolutely no substitute for hard work. That applies not just to athletics, but also to any endeavor in life.” — PAUL CATHERWOOD ’85

While she was a standout athlete, what Ginn remem- IT’S IN THE GENE POOLE bers most about sports at St. Andrew’s is learning how “I have many family members who played sports at to work with other people. Ole Miss,” Meta Poole Ginn says. “My father, Jim Poole, “The most important thing I learned and what sticks out was an All-SEC tight end for Archie Manning, and my to me the most about sports at St. Andrew’s was how they grandfather, Buster Poole, played football, basketball, helped me develop relational skills,” Ginn says. “Playing on and baseball for Ole Miss. He was the first football player teams with other teenage girls is a lesson in friendship, conflict resolution, problem solving, and living in a world with from Ole Miss ever drafted to the NFL and won a World others. So many of my memories don’t revolve around a Championship with the New York Giants. After his career meet or game, but how a friendship was developed or how in New York, he came back to Ole Miss and coached a certain conflict was worked out with a teammate.” football on Johnny Vaught’s staff. Ginn went on to graduate from the University of Mis- “What I really love these days is watching my six-yearsissippi and the University of Mississippi School of Law. old son, JoJo, play soccer, baseball, and basketball,” Ginn “I didn’t play on any Ole Miss athletic teams, but I did continues. “It brings me so much joy watching these play intramural sports for my sorority. My senior year, kiddos try to figure out how the game works. My threewe went to the Flag Football National Championships year-old daughter, Gayle Smithson, is into the color pink, in New Orleans. It wasn’t Division I athletics, but we did dolls, and the movie ‘Frozen,’ but I have a feeling she’s have a great time.” going to like sports like her mama, her grandmother, and The lessons Ginn learned through St. Andrew’s athletics continue to apply today to her life as a wife, mother, and her aunts, Trhesa Barksdale Patterson ’92 and Anna Rose Poole Carlson ’99, who both played sports at St. Andrew’s.” professional with Sample & Poole Properties in Oxford.

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“The St. Andrew’s girls basketball team had an acronym, ‘PDDH.’ Coach Burney King was always chanting ‘PDDH!’ and we wore it on our t-shirts and jerseys. ‘PDDH’ stood for pride, determination, desire, and hustle. We learned how to take pride in what we were doing, to have a purpose, and do it to our very best. We learned about what can result from determination – one season, that determination led the basketball team to a 25-1 record. We had to have desire for what we were doing. If not, what was the point in doing it? And certainly, and probably most importantly, hustle was demanded. I like to think that I’ve since exhibited these characteristics and am still applying them in my life today, whether it’s in the real estate world or at home as wife and mother.” PAUL CATHERWOOD ’85 Paul Catherwood was a four-year starter in football, baseball, and basketball, earning a total of 12 varsity letters. He was the co-MVP and leading offensive player on the Saints 1985 State Championship baseball team. Catherwood was selected to play in the Mississippi High School All-Star Football and All-Star Baseball Games at a time when players from Classes 1A through 5A played in one game. To the best of his recollection, Catherwood was the only student athlete chosen to play in the All-Star games for both sports. He was the only Class 1A player chosen for the All-Star baseball team, and his All-Star football teammates included players who went on to careers in the SEC and NFL. “I have so many memories from St. Andrew’s sports, but the most satisfying was playing on the State Championship baseball team,” Catherwood says. “That championship was particularly gratifying because it was the product of the entire St. Andrew’s community, not just the players and coaches. So many parents, faculty members, and classmates went to such lengths to support us. They traveled with us and volunteered in every capacity you can imagine.” Perhaps the best example of that community support

came on the way to the South State tournament in Gulfport, Mississippi. The team stopped to practice at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where Catherwood connected with a fastball that shattered his metal bat. “Three of the dads on the trip sprang into action. They called sporting goods stores all over the state looking for the same bat with the exact same length, weight, and handle width. And they found it – in Meridian. One of them hightailed it from Hattiesburg to Meridian and by the time we arrived in Gulfport, he was already there with the bat. It was an incredible display of support not just for me, but also for the entire team.” Catherwood’s St. Andrew’s memories aren’t limited to sports. “St. Andrew’s encouraged me to be far more than just an athlete. I was also heavily involved in performing arts. And of course, my day job was to be a scholar, and I was very well prepared to meet the academic challenges I faced at Georgetown University.” Catherwood went on to play football his freshman year at Georgetown. Following his college graduation, he returned to St. Andrew’s for two years as a humanities teacher, assistant varsity football and baseball coach, and Middle School football, girls basketball, and junior varsity baseball coach. Today, Catherwood lives in California, where he works in communications for Capital Group, a global investment management firm. He spends his free time running the trails of the San Gabriel Mountains, and competes in the occasional marathon. Many of the lessons Catherwood learned as a St. Andrew’s athlete continue to influence him today. “The most important lesson I learned is that there’s absolutely no substitute for hard work. That applies not just to athletics, but also to any endeavor in life. Talent is important, but it’s nothing without work, repetition, experience, and sweat. Long before you can win the game on Friday night, you’ve got to play to win each and every day on the practice field.”

“WE PLAYED LIKE WINNERS.” — “In my freshman and sophomore football seasons, we won only one game. But we were getting older, stronger, faster, and better coached, and we were also, frankly, tired of losing. I recall a moment during a football game my junior year against Pisgah. We’d been beating them up and down the field and led by a couple of touchdowns going into the fourth quarter. An exasperated lineman from Pisgah said, ‘Man! St. Andrew’s is beating us!’ I sidled up to him and said, ‘Get used to it.’ For the next two years, we played like winners. We expected to win every time we took the field and recorded outstanding seasons in football, basketball, and baseball.”

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It’s How

THEY PLAYED THE

GAME ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME. Alumni candidates must have played at least one sport at St. Andrew’s and graduated before 2010. Coaches, faculty members, and others who contributed to the St. Andrew’s athletic program in a meaningful way are also eligible. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO COMPLETE AN ONLINE NOMINATION FORM, VISIT WWW.GOSAINTS.ORG/HALLOFFAME.

THE ST ANDREW’S ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Mike Barkett, Coach • Bev Bishop ‘85 • Chris Burgess ’79 • Paul Catherwood ’85 • Meta Poole Ginn ’98 • Akili King ’91 LuLu LeMaster ’74 • Brad MacNealy ’75 • Carl Menist ’76 • Andy Mullins, Coach • Trhesa Barksdale Patterson ’92 Jim Peoples ’76 • Brad Teague ’88 • Alan Vestal ’79 • Whitney Luckett Watkins ’92 • Catherine Yelverton ’77

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ALL ALUMNI WEEKEND 2015 SAVE THE DATE • SEPTEMBER 18–20

MORE THAN 300 MEMBERS of the St. Andrew’s community attended All Alumni Weekend 2014, including alumni and their spouses, children, and parents, as well as former faculty and staff members. The weekend packed with festivities included a fall festival and Rockfest reunion, campus tours, class reunions, a 5K Fun Run, and the Eucharist in the Jean Jones Downey Chapel. Don’t miss your chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new friends at the 2015 event this fall.

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EYE ON

ALUMNI

IF YOU’RE HOSTING OR WOULD LIKE TO HOST A ST. ANDREW’S ALUMNI GATHERING IN YOUR AREA, THE ALUMNI OFFICE WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP. CONTACT EMILY ALLENBURGER GORDON ’94 AT GORDONE@GOSAINTS.ORG.

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1. The Class of 1994 2. The Class of 1974 3. Annual Holiday Party 4. Alumni Games Soccer 5. Alumni Games Basketball 6

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6. Alumni Games Football


C

lass

notes

Please e-mail future Class Notes to Emily Allenburger Gordon ’94 at gordone@gosaints.org. Amy Lymberis Mungur graduated from Teachers College, 1979 Ben Wynne and his wife, Carly, welcomed a son, Benjamin Columbia University in May 2014 with a Ph.D. in social Mullican Wynne, on December 23, 2014. He joins big sister, studies education. In August, she joined Green Mountain Lily. Dr. Wynne’s latest book, In Tune: Charley Patton, Jim- College in Poultney, Vermont, as an assistant professor of mie Rodgers and the Roots of American Music, was published secondary education. She and her husband, Vijay, are enjoyby Louisiana State University Press. He serves as associate ing their new home. professor of history at the University of North Georgia. 1994 Alicia Ruvinsky and husband, Felipe Rojas, welcomed twins, 1981 Glen Stripling is a science fiction writer and has been pub- Juliana Beatris and Camila Andrea, on July 14, 2014. The lished in a number of magazines. His story “Cultural Clash” twins join big sister, Natalia. has just been released in A Robot A Cyborg and A Martian Walk into a Spacebar. Look for Stripling in a funeral scene in Seleta Reynolds was appointed general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. She has more the upcoming movie Same Kind of Different as Me. than 17 years of transportation experience throughout the United States in both the public and private sectors. Prior to 1985 Laura Lacey Dashner, her husband, Eric, and their daugh- her current position, Reynolds was a leader in the San Franter, Margaret, live near Baltimore, Maryland, where Dash- cisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s Liveable Streets ner is chief operating officer of the American Substance Section, coordinating street projects citywide. Abuse Providers of Baltimore. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Millsaps and her master’s degree from the Uni- Susan Fieselman Watson and her husband, Sam, welcomed a son, Phoenix Scott, on July 14, 2014. He joins big sisters, versity of Maryland. Juliette and Genevieve. Watson is a psychologist at Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson. 1989 Jim Hurley relocated to Atlanta, where he is the supervisory 1995 special agent of the FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force, which includes law enforcement personnel from other federal, Audrey Zapletal and Ross Berkowitz welcomed a son, Hans state, and local agencies, in addition to FBI agents. Hurley Aviv Berkowitz, on February 2, 2014. He joins big sister, previously served in New Orleans, where he was assigned Martina Maia. to the FBI’s Violent Crime Squad, and also acted as an oper1996 ator and sniper team leader on the FBI’s SWAT Team. He was previously assigned to Washington, D.C., as a mem- Marcus Louis Britton participated in a fundraiser for the ber of the FBI’s Undercover/Clandestine Operations Unit. Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Mississippi. Based on the Food Network show “Chopped,” the event was called “Cooking with the Stars.” Britton emerged victorious and 1992 Mich Coker and his wife, Kate, welcomed a daughter, Mara, helped to raise over $10,000 for the charitable organizaon June 26, 2014. Coker is a foreign service officer with the tion. He and his wife, Jenea, live in Tupelo with their sons, Marcus and Micah. U.S. Department of State. 1993 Lee Knight Caffery married Dana Draa in North Carolina on November 1, 2014. They have two children, Miller and Margot. Caffery serves as general counsel at Wildlands Engineering.

Ben and Benjamin Wynne

Lee Caffery and Dana Draa

Gilbert “Bret” Ford illustrated his latest book, Mr. Ferris and His Wheel. In December 2014, Ford had a book signing in Jackson complete with fun-filled activities for his young fans.

Maurice James, Deanna Ciaccio Jennings, and Greg Graeber

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Caitlin, Mary Mackenzie and Cecilia Ann Penton

Marley Louise Weathersby


1999 Pooja Shivangi Amin and her husband, Chirag, welcomed twin boys, Jaidan and Dilan, on February 28, 2014. The family lives in Houston, Texas, and make frequent visits to Jackson.

Greg Graeber enjoyed a mini-reunion in Little Rock with fellow alumni Maurice James ’97 and Deanna Ciaccio Jennings ’97. Graeber lives in Dauphin Island, Alabama, with his wife, Mendel, and their children, Owen, Lela, and Greta. Katherine Louis Penton and her husband, Jody, welcomed their third daughter and future Saint, Cecilia Ann, on July 21, 2014. She joins big sisters Caitlin and Mary Mackenzie.

Lindsey Adair Greer received her LLM in international law from the London School of Economics in 2012. She practices law in Charleston, South Carolina, with the international law firm of K&L Gates. Greer married Charles Christopher Kemper on November 15, 2014.

Scott Sumrall completed his doctorate from Tulane University in health systems management in 2014. He is the intellectual and developmental disabilities services administrator for Region 8 Community Mental Health in Brandon, Mississippi. Sumrall and his wife, Judy, have a daughter, Finley (3).

Katherine Underwood Hallen and her husband, Benjamin, welcomed a daughter, Campbell Elizabeth, born on July 17, 2014, in London, England. The family recently relocated to Seattle, where Katie is director of executive communications at Microsoft.

1997 Wellington Lee accepted a position with Na Ali’i LLC, a Native Hawaiian Owned (NHO) 8(a) firm specializing in professional services for federal government and the Department of Defense.

Laura Young Louis and Chris Louis live in Nashville, Tennessee, where she teaches 10th and 11th grade English and coaches cross country and track at Hume Fogg High School. The couple has a dog named Tenaya.

Dr. Sol Mundinger completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins, and then relocated to Seattle, Washington, for a craniofacial surgery fellowship at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Harborview Hospital. He and his wife, Shannon, welcomed their second child, Nyssa Bluebell, in December.

2000 Lauren Jones Sinclair has an original line of shoes, Lauren Lorraine, available at Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, and other retailers nationwide. Her husband, Dr. David Sinclair, will begin a fellowship at UMMC in neurophysiology this summer.

Heather Keith Weathersby and her husband, Troy, welcomed a daughter, Marley Louise Weathersby, on October 10, 2014. She joins big brother, Troy. The family lives in Decatur, Georgia, where Heather is a fulltime mom and Troy works for Rush Enterprises Inc.

2001 Sarah Hensley Ware Abbott married her husband, Wes, in May, 2013. They live in Colorado, where she is an associate attorney at a general practice law firm and Wes is in the family business at a Ford and Nissan dealership. The couple’s two large dogs keep them busy.

1998 Frances Patterson Croft and Justin Croft welcomed a daughter, Catherine Frances, on December 3, 2014. Catherine joins big brothers, Ben and Thomas.

Chase Bryan and Jordan Hailey Bryan ’03 welcomed twins, Hailey Elizabeth and William Carson, on August 4, 2014. Chase is the manager of market development and home services for fiber to the home for C Spire. Jordan is a shareholder at Ross & Yerger Insurance and was recently promoted to vice president.

Megan Hitt Mayhan was named Parent of the Year for Madison Avenue Elementary School. Mayhan, her husband, Anthony, and their daughters, Kelsey (13) and Katy (9), recently appeared on stage together in The Center Players Community Theatre production of Miracle on 34th Street.

Monica Green earned a master of science in higher education administration from Mississippi College. She is the associate director of student life with a concentration in multicultural affairs and international programming for Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana. She is also the director of the Benjamin Templeton Scholarship Program for Social Justice, Cultural Diversity, and Human Rights at Hanover College.

Alison Fielder Porter and her husband, Christopher, were married on May 10, 2014 in Houston, Texas, at the Hotel ZaZa. Porter is the manager of investor relations at Black Stone Minerals and her husband is a partner at Yetter Coleman LLP, where he specializes in complex commercial litigation matters.

Catherine Frances Croft

Megan Hitt Mayhan

Christopher and Alison Porter

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Campbell Elizabeth Hallen

Hailey and Carson Bryan


Margot Montgomery Roach

Will and Madeleine Nichols

Le’Spencer Walker

Nell Linton Knox and William Goodman

William Chism and Alex Weisser ’14

Knox married a former St. Andrew’s student and local artist, William Goodman ’99, on June 1, 2014.

Josh Hailey relocated from Jackson to New Orleans in the fall of 2014. He is opening a new art studio as well as showing recent works at his first solo show in New Orleans at Bywater Art Gallery.

Bailey Kathryn Sanders received her master’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia in 2013. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in political science at Duke University.

Ashley Mallinson received her MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management in June 2014, and was recruited by Microsoft to relocate from Los Angeles to Seattle to work as a marketing manager. She began work at Microsoft in September following a delayed honeymoon in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

2007 Selby McRae returned to her Southern roots with a move from New York City to Nashville last August. McRae works at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations, one of the largest independent public relations firms in the South. She is a member of the Nashville Junior League and volunteers with the Sexual Assault Center as an advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

Montgomery Davis Roach and her husband, Steve, welcomed a daughter, Margot Montgomery Roach, on January 26, 2015. The family lives in New York City.

2009 Jenny Murray graduated from the University of Florida in 2013 with a major in English and a minor in education, and is now working on her master’s degree in English at the University of Central Florida. Murray visited St. Andrew’s in October and observed the school’s English/language arts faculty as a part of her studies.

2003 Ellie Evans Goldman and her husband, Lowell Goldman, welcomed their first child, a son named Alexander, in November of 2014. The family lives in Nashville. 2004 Will Nichols and Madeleine Peeples ’07 were married on May 31, 2014 in Jackson. The wedding party included St. Andrew’s alumni Selby McRae ’07, Kirby Lee ’07, Ashton Ballard Tart ’07, Anna Drake ’07, Hannah Foreman ’07, Caroline Peeples ’09, Robert Rives ’04, Will Fontaine ’05, Drew Hyatt ’04, Alex Bondurant ’04, Jerad Myers ’96, Jamie Mallinson ’04, Ben Nichols ’98, Sam Peeples ’04, and Douglass Peeples ’11.

2010 Timothy Crook attended the 22nd International Conference on Nuclear Energy and was co-awarded the Best Student Paper – North America. Crook earned his undergraduate degree in December 2013 from Texas A&M, and is studying for his master’s degree. His research involves computational analysis using system codes like RELAP5 in support of utilities’ GSI-191 responses. Crook serves as the graduate chair for the 2015 ANS Student Conference to be hosted at Texas A&M in April, 2015.

Steven Whatley was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the United States Navy. Previously stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, on the USS Porter and in San Diego, California, with Coastal Riverine Squadron 3, he is currently assigned to Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee.

Macharia Funches recently relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, to begin a new position as a process engineer with ConAgra Foods.

2005 Le’Spencer Walker proposed to his girlfriend, Lauren Woodie of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, on December 20, 2014. The couple attended Philadelphia University. They live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Michael Tauchar graduated from Texas Christian University in 2014 with a degree in psychology and a minor in child development. He is working on a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs at the University of South Carolina. This summer, Taucher will work in the Teachers Education Center developing curriculum for classes and analyzing Asian collegiate systems at Ming Chuan University, an international university in Taipei, Taiwan.

2006 Hal Flowers married Megan McRaney Flowers on October 25, 2014. The couple has a dog, Lily. Flowers is a senior medical student at UMMC planning to pursue a career in dermatology. He also plays tennis and performs in the cover band, 4 Hearts, 1 Beat. This spring, he will visit the Peruvian Amazon on a medical mission trip.

2011 William Chism played rugby at Yale University following four seasons on the varsity football team. Chism concluded his senior football season with All-Ivy, Academic

Nell Linton Knox published her first book, Studio Jackson: Creative Culture in the Mississippi Capital in November 2014. 60


All-Ivy, and FCS Directors Association Academic All-Star Team honors in 2014-15. He was awarded the Yale Football Woody Knapp Memorial Trophy in 2014, as well as selected as a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. In the summer of 2014, Chism worked in the industrial coverage group at Barclays in New York City. He will return to the Investment Banking Division at Barclays in the summer of 2015.

Harrison, and Myers Foxworth; her brother Walter (Susan) Bone; and sisters Beverly ( Jimmy) Ware and Ginger Mattiace, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime friends. Richard “Rick” Redmont, Jr. ’56 1/9/1939 – 3/14/2015 Rick Redmont was a member of the first sixth grade graduating class of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and later graduated from Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. He completed his studies at Brown University in 1961, and earned his MBA at Northwestern University. He and his wife, Barbara, then returned to Jackson to make their home. Rick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara, and daughter, Sondra ’90.

Meredith Ury was named KIAC women’s soccer offensive player of the week by officials in September of 2014. She plays soccer for the Asbury University Eagles. 2013 Aumbriel Schwirian is a biochemistry major at Mississippi State University. She is assisting the biology department by completing undergraduate research on the Little Cayman rock iguana.

Diedrich Shanks ’93 4/2/74 – 12/25/14 Diedrich Shanks graduated from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in 1993 and then attended the University of Southern Mississippi and Belhaven University. She was the comptroller of the William J. Shanks Companies. Diedrich will be remembered as a loyal and dear friend to many. She is survived by her husband, Matt Olson ’94; her parents, William and Donna Shanks; her sister, Parrish Shanks Malouf and her husband Justin Malouf; her niece, Lily; and Chewy, her loving silky terrier.

IN MEMORIAM

Carl André Conway ’87 1/9/1969 – 3/31/2015 André Conway was a student leader at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, where he was named Mr. St. Andrew’s, served Susan Toler Travis ’80 as president of the student body, and was a four-year foot1/27/62 - 12/11/2015 ball letterman. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English Susan Travis attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School through literature and creative writing from the University of Ala- the tenth grade, later graduating from Jackson Preparatory bama. At the time of his death, André was the commu- School. She earned a degree in elementary education from nity relations manager for Youth Villages of Mississippi. the University of Mississippi in 1984, and later pursued a He had held previous positions at the National Coun- master’s degree in educational counseling. For nearly 20 cil on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the Boys and years, Susan enjoyed a career in interior design, as well as Girls Club, the Mississippi Center for Non-Profits, and serving as a devoted mother to her children. Spending time DREAM. André is survived by his parents, Jack and Sigrid with her family and friends was her greatest pleasure in life. Conway; his brother, John Conway ’85, and sister-in-law She is survived by her mother, Judy Travis Mullen, and her Laurie Conway; his nephew Benjamin Conway ’11 and aunt, Barbara Toler Todd; daughter, Mary Travis Barkley niece Julia Conway ’16; his aunt Jeanne Kotis (Dick); his ’02; son, William Donald Barkley, III; daughter, Susannah uncle, Jim Conway; his aunt, Tina Smith; his aunt, Mar- Barrett Barkley, and son, Colin McRae Ridgway. tha André; and his first cousins (and their children): Chris Royer (Kevin), Jase Conway (Kate), Katie Conway, Sigrid Melanie Profilet Reed Wright Goodspeed ’80, Yerger André ’82 (Laura), and Sarah André Former Faculty Member Neulander ’86 ( Jason). 10/19/1940 – 12/15/2014 Melanie Wright was a graduate of Natchez High School Melinda Bone Hooker and Louisiana State University, where she earned a degree Former Faculty Member in English. Melanie later graduated with honors from 12/27/1940 – 3/24/2015 Mississippi College, earning a master’s degree in school Melinda Hooker graduated from Murrah High School and administration. She taught in New Orleans for Jefferson continued her education at Belhaven College. She taught Parish Schools and later relocated to Jackson, where she kindergarten at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Broad- was a longtime teacher at St. Andrew’s. Melanie was premeadow, and Briarwoods. Melinda found great joy in ceded in death by her husband, Monroe Morgan Wright. attending the activities of her beloved grandchildren and Survivors include her son, Monroe Morgan Wright, Jr. ’85 in following the lives and careers of her former students. and his wife, Kathleen Brown Wright, and their sons, PeyMelinda is survived by her husband of 52 years, John Ber- ton Monroe and Brodie Ewing; and her daughter Eliznard Hooker, and her children Maribeth (Teddy) Gibson, abeth Wright Ainsworth ’89 and her husband, Robert John Hooker, and Allison (Drew) Foxworth; grandchildren Ainsworth, and their sons, John Gerson, William MonCatherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson, and Nathan, roe, and Reed Evans. 61


THE TIES THAT BIND THE CLASS OF 2015 INCLUDED 39 MEMBERS WITH SIBLINGS OR PARENTS WHO ARE ALUMNI OR CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, PATRON SAINTS (OR FORMER TRUSTEES), CORPORATION, OR FACULTY AND STAFF. 48 PERCENT OF THE CLASS CLAIMS A TIE TO ST. ANDREW’S.

Emma Arthur ’13, Madeleine Arthur, Beth Arthur (Faculty). Not pictured are Barbara Brunson von Gal ’89, and Amy Brunson ’93

Gray Welch ’12, Olivia Becker, Duncan Becker ’11

Madyson Brown, Tammye Brown (Trustee)

Cadden Christie ’11, Cody Christie, Patty Christie (Trustee)

Riley Cooper ’14, Mary Hannah Cooper ’12, Peter Cooper

Henry Daly, Jack Daly ’14

Clay Davidson ’77, Mary Parker Davidson. Not pictured is John Clayton Davidson ’14

Anne Dulske (Corporation), Sarah Chase Dulske, Luke Dulske ’14. Not pictured is David Dulske ’12

Jacob Fijman ’11, Katie Fijman

Bethany Gaillet ’83, Robert Gaillet, Elisabeth Gaillet ’13

Sadie Gasc, Jordan Gasc ’13. Not pictured is Whit Musick ’08

Dolly Goings ’86, Hugh Goings, Wesley Goings (Trustee)

Debbie Good (Faculty), Carly Good, Alex Good, Jeff Good (Former Corporation)

Luke Harth ’10, Michelle Harth (Faculty), Julia Harth, Chris Harth (Faculty)

Hank Holman ’82, Ella May East (Patron Saint), Honey Holman, Honey East ’89 (Trustee, Former Corporation), Brenda Bethany (Patron Saint)

Ethel Ann Jones, Bessie Burton Jones ’09. Not pictured are Hewitt Jones ’03, and Morgan Jones ’05

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Emily Kirkland ’12, Bennie Kirkland, Bruce Kirkland ’83

Barney Robinson ’84 (Former Corporation), Elizabeth Kruse

Tippy Lyell ’58, Crawford Lampton, Louise Lampton ’84

Meaghan Lee, Jessica Lee ’12

David McMullan ’82, Mark McMullan

John Ross Mitchell, Brittany Mitchell ’13

Katie Morse-Gagne, David Morse-Gagne ’12

Salmon Richardson, Michael Germany ’12

Madeleine Robinson ’12, John Robinson ’82, Jack Robinson

Jessica Rubinsky ’13, Ashley Rubinsky, Bert Rubinsky ’79

Nitisha Shrestha ’08, Shikha Shrestha

Stewart Speed ’82 (Patron Saint), Isabelle Speed, Leland Speed (Patron Saint)

Grace Teal, John Teal ’87

Alex Villeret ’12, Avery Villeret

Hughes Walker, Winn Walker ’13

Louis Watson ’84, Jane Ashley Watson, Jamie Watson (Trustee)

NOT PICTURED: Laurel Arrington and Hannah Arrington ’12; Caroline Jaques, Benjamin Jaques ’09, and Michael Jaques ’83; and Callie Summerlin and Ann Stewart-Sachs ’03 Nichole Williams (Faculty), Zaria Williams

Alex Wilson, Bradley Wilson ’83

Rebecca Wolfe ’09, Anna Wolfe. Not pictured is Victoria Wolfe Parker ’06

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How Soccer Kicked Off at St. Andrew’s

ST. ANDREW’S COACHES Erik Snyder and Jerrod on the first high school soccer team in Mississippi.” Myers ’09 are still in their first years of their St. Andrew’s Their participation had a lasting impact on those first soccer coaching careers, but both inherited successful Saints soccer players. When club soccer became popuprograms and predict a bright season ahead. Synder lar in Mississippi, St. Andrew’s students had a competiand Myers are the latest leaders in a soccer story that tive edge since they were already playing for their school stretches back to 1973, when St. Andrew’s Episcopal team. One of Lyle’s first players funded his college eduSchool launched the first high school soccer team in the cation by working as a soccer referee – a position in high state of Mississippi. demand since so few people at that time knew the rules Soccer was still something of a novelty in Mississippi of the game. Several of the Lower School players Lyle 42 years ago, when St. Andrew’s board member and par- coached went on to play on the Upper School team, ent Albert Lyle approached the head of school with the and some continued to play in college. idea of fielding a soccer team. Lyle, For three of those Lower School who had played soccer on a club team, players, Wilson Lyle ’81, Patrick Lyle “I HAD NO IDEA not only launched a Lower School and ’82, and Charles Lyle ’84, soccer had THAT SOCCER WOULD Upper School soccer program, but also an even deeper meaning because they BECOME SO POPULAR volunteered as its coach. were playing for their father. STATEWIDE, BUT I DID “The first question was who were “It was an exciting time for soccer THINK AT THE TIME THAT we supposed to play?” Lyle recalls with in Mississippi and to have our dad at FORMING THE STATE’S a chuckle. “St. Andrew’s had the only the forefront of the sport was a source FIRST HIGH SCHOOL team in Mississippi, so all of our oppoof pride for the whole family,” Wilson SOCCER TEAM WOULD TIE nents came from out of state. We didn’t Lyle says. “My brothers and I were IN WITH ST. ANDREW’S have a soccer field, so we lowered the fortunate to play on the same field ROLE AS A LEADER.” football goalposts and improvised.” together, and to have Dad there made Albert Lyle Under Lyle’s leadership, that first it even better. He was on the field soccer team put not only St. Andrew’s more than the sidelines, always playsoccer, but also soccer itself in the Mississippi spotlight. ing with us in practice. He was quite the competitor but Soon other schools followed suit. Today, some 175 Mis- even though he was always out to win, Dad was the epitsissippi high schools field soccer teams, but it all began ome of a good sport.” at St. Andrew’s. “I’m so proud that my father had the vision to start a “I had no idea that soccer would become so popular team and that we got to be a part of it,” Patrick Lyle says. statewide, but I did think at the time that forming the “His contribution to soccer at St. Andrew’s and in Misstate’s first high school soccer team would tie in with St. sissippi still comes up today in conversation with friends Andrew’s role as a leader,” Lyle says. “Starting the pro- who are soccer fans.” gram at St. Andrew’s is one of the happiest memories of “Dad set a strong example of what can happen when my life. Several parents of boys that played on that first you make the extra effort,” Charles Lyle says. “I’m proud team told me that it helped their sons become leaders of my dad for his role with soccer in Mississippi and on and off the field. I run into some of the kids today, proud of St. Andrew’s for being the school where it and they still tell me how proud they are to have played all started.” 64


THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HAVING A CHAPEL at the center of our campus and God at the center of our lives is a clear statement of our mission. In our image-based society, concrete religious imagery – like the cross and the bell tower and the statue of St. Andrew – is the best way to speak to the emotional needs of our students. Our noisy, technological world creates the need for a place of silence and beauty to lift us out of the material world, to remind us that our spiritual health is as important as our physical wellbeing. All of these truths make the chapel the most essential piece of this visionary campaign. The word “chapel” comes from the Latin word capella, or little cloak. Supposedly, Martin of Tours, who later became St. Martin, tore his military cloak in half and gave one part to a man freezing in the cold. Like St. Andrew, who brought the first foreigners to meet Jesus, His chapel here on our campus will come to symbolize a place of welcome and shelter where strangers become participants in this community of learning. The bell tower will call everyone, its reverberations ringing out, “Here, you can belong.”

Ruth Holmes, Upper School English Teacher


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Our Mission TO N URT UR E A DIV E R SE C OMMUNITY IN TH E E P I S C O PA L TR ADITION, FOSTE R ING SPIR ITUAL G ROW TH , M O R A L R E SPONSIB ILITY, AC ADE MIC E XC E LLE N C E , AND ARTISTIC AND ATHLE TIC P UR S UI TS, W H I L E PR E PAR ING FOR A LIFE OF S E RVI C E TO O UR COMMUNITY AND THE WOR LD.


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