Pillars Spring 2024

Episcopal High School was founded in 1983 as a four‑year coeducational day school within the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

ACCREDITATION

Independent Schools Association of the Southwest

MEMBERSHIPS

National Association of Independent Schools

National Association of Episcopal Schools Council for the Advancement and Support of Education Educational Records Bureau College Board

National Association for College Admission Counseling Texas Association for College Admission Counseling Southwest Preparatory Conference

MISSION

Episcopal High School, founded and guided by the Diocese of Texas, is an inclusive and joyful Christian community where students discover and develop their individual talents through the Four Pillars – academics, arts, athletics, religion – preparing for meaningful lives in service to others.

ADMISSION

Episcopal High School admits students of all races, colors, and national/ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national/ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school‑administered programs.

ALUMNI

Please share your news with EHS. Send information to:

Director of Alumni Affairs

Colleen Kearns ckearns@ehshouston.org 713‑512‑3478

Director of Parent Programs

Steve Leisz sleisz@ehshouston.org

713 512 3673

Alumni, please stay connected: facebook.com/groups/EHSHoustonAlumni instagram.com/ehs_alumni https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1029617/

This publication is printed on FSC certified paper with soy‑based inks.

The Episcopal High School Magazine, Spring 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Head of School 04 Student-Led Projects 06

Knights 10

Stand Out 14 The EHS Founding Vision 16

for EHS 20

Quiz 24 Alumni Updates 28 The Last Word 36

Bright Knights Kara Thomas and Evan Ringwald share a walk through Glassell Hall reflecting on their time as Knights as they look with optimism toward the future.

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear EHS Family,

What a treat you have in store in this issue of Pillars! We capture the School’s earliest years, even before there was a property identified or any employees at all; we also look ahead to the plans we are making to further improve the campus to allow for best living our Mission, the clear and consistent theme throughout.

Long time teacher and school leader Nancy Eisenberg begins a planned series of articles on the School’s founding with a wonderful timeline and essay on the vision that led to what we know as EHS today. Nancy, who knew our founding bishop well and worked with all three of the School’s headmasters, sets the table. Dean of Spiritual Life Beth Holden, who was ordained by founding Bishop Ben Benitez, highlights the through line when she writes in her “Last Word” article that we aim to live our lives according to the Baptismal Covenant across all Four Pillars and with a sense of joy that remains our signature today. In other words, we aim to live our lives today just as Bishop Benitez and our other founders hoped we would when they laid the foundation forty years ago.

Of course, it is our faculty and our students, those like Nancy and Beth, who make this vision a reality on and off campus. Similarly, it is folks like Shelly Edmonds Canella, Jenny Cantrell, and David Framel, all interviewed within, who model and teach with purpose and passion, living that vision with our students day in and day out, each of whom calls out the little moments in a day that make life at EHS so rich and rewarding. They lead their charges, inspiring them to find ways that they might live and serve as well.

The students we highlight within do indeed live such lives, and what stands out in this issue is the way that they are inspired to do so independently. Each has responded to the freedom they’ve been offered in such programs as independent study, the student directed one acts or the student choreographed dance concert. Across all our Four Pillars, they aim to make a difference in their world, shaped as they have been by our School’s vision and its people. We may point the way, but they make it happen in ways that best fit their identities and the needs of their world.

None of this would be possible without the support of the broader EHS community, support highlighted within and for which we are so deeply grateful. It is that support that causes us to continue to thrive, living as our founders intended. Thank you for that strong support, thank you for allowing us to live so well the founders’ vision.

Thank you, and have a wonderful summer!

Ned Smith

STUDENT-LED PROJECTS INDEPENDENT STUDY

The Independent Study program allows students to propose a semester of self paced study in a concentration about which they are passionate. Each semester, a few students embark on this project, checking in regularly with their appointed faculty advisors and with chair of the program Alan Bradshaw, and preparing for the culminating presentation for the Principal and selected faculty to celebrate the end of their project.

This year’s projects include a digital art portfolio created by Lindsey Levan ’25 and the restoration of two automobiles by Jack Bumgarner ’25, as well as projects by others. Bumgarner’s project led him to rebuild the engine of a Chevy as well as to restore the interior and exterior of an ’88 GMC, which he did to “learn how different parts of an engine and machine that thrills work.” Not only did he complete a strenuous, self paced project, but Bumgarner says, “At the end, I got to drive a sweet ride that I had restored.” For Levan, the time afforded by Independent Study allowed her “the freedom and time to focus on my art.” Her process included lots of rough sketching and playing with color tones. She says this has made her “more confident with colors” and allowed her to “step outside of my comfort zone.”

Students who participated in Independent Study for the ’23 ’24 school year are: Jack Bumgarner ’25

Brooke Crabtree ’25

Sriya Dev ’24

Lindsey Levan ’25

Dylan Nguyen ’25

McKenzie Poindexter ’25

John Ray ’25

Izzie Song ’25

Jules Weinstein ’24

AI CHAT BOT

Seniors Ainsley Snell and Emily McKay took on a class project for Mr. Alan Duncan’s Computer Science Projects class with a little extra stand out. They created an AI chat bot tailored to answer questions about EHS. The two gathered data from the School's website and student handbook to equip their chat bot with accurate information about various aspects of the School, ranging from academic programs to extracurricular activities, facilities, and policies. Their project goal was to create an interactive and user friendly tool to provide quick and accurate answers to commonly asked questions. With the help of Amelia Novotny ’24, the group implemented KnightChat, which can be found on their project website at https://ehscs.org/wordpress/projects.

“Brainstorming my project for this year, I knew I wanted to create something that would benefit the EHS community through AI technology. Since AI is the next upcoming thing in the STEM world, I wanted to shift my focus from Java coding to understanding AI.” Ainsley Snell ’24

“My journey in computer science and AI has been driven by a blend of intellectual curiosity, a passion for innovation, and a strong desire to contribute to the advancement of technology for the betterment of society.” Emily McKay ’24

Art by Lindsey Levan ’25

AMERICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

“In January, Mr. Hickey and I went to New Orleans to present our research to the American Astronomical Society. Being a part of the conference was amazing. The conference was almost like a massive science fair but with actual scientific research and presentations. Now that everything is done, I am super glad that I was a part of this program because I learned so much about astronomy and also about what type of career path I might like to take.” Sam Marino ’24

Earlier this year, senior Sam Marino and science teacher Justin Hickey joined teachers and students from across the country to attend the 243rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society. The EHS team presented a poster regarding the astronomy research they’ve conducted over the last year. For more than a decade, NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP) has partnered small groups of educators with a research astronomer for original, year long, authentic research projects. Hickey was accepted to NITARP in 2022 and began the year long program in January 2023. Selecting Sam as his student partner, the research began.

The pair met weekly over Zoom throughout 2023 with the other teachers, students, and their astronomer, Dr. Varoujan Gorjian. In July, the entire team spent a week together at Caltech, engaging in data analysis for several hours a day. “When I first started the NITARP program, I had no idea what I was getting myself into except that I would be performing real research. I later learned that continuing the program was one of the best learning experiences that I have ever had,” shared Sam Marino ’24.

“It is important to me that my students not view science as a history of old facts or lists of equations, but as a vibrant, growing, ever changing field. Science gives us a way to ask questions about our universe and try to answer them with the best data we can find. Getting to work alongside Sam, not as a student but as a collaborator, is an experience that few students or teachers ever get. As an educator, it is important to remember what it feels like to be challenged, to not know all the answers, and to learn something new! Sam did an amazing job of presenting our research to professional astronomers at the AAS conference and represented EHS on a national stage,” explained astronomy teacher Justin Hickey.

“It is important to me that my students not view science as a history of old facts or lists of equations, but as a vibrant, growing, ever-changing field." – Mr. Justin Hickey

STUDENT-LED PROJECTS

LIGHT AND SHADOW LITERARY MAGAZINE

Light and Shadow is a student run literary magazine that features creative writing, studio art, and photography from the student body and faculty. Working on Light and Shadow affords Advanced Creative Writing students the opportunity to celebrate the art and craft of writing, and because Light and Shadow is a student run publication, the editorial staff is fully involved in each stage of production, with the support and guidance of their teacher advisor.

Students determine a theme for the magazine; call for submissions from students and faculty; review and select the submissions to include; collaborate with the graphic designer on layout, font, and colors; and finally proofread the magazine mockup to ensure the publication is ready for print and distribution. The students also put together a special Chapel presentation during which they debut the magazine to the student body and even share some pieces! The entire process is a lot of work but also fun and allows

students to explore many aspects of creative writing, publishing, and marketing.

“I am always pleased to witness the moments when a student realizes his or her potential, which is exactly what happens throughout the production of Light and Shadow.”

– Jordan Harris, Light and Shadow Faculty Advisor, English Teacher

2024 Student Participants:

Justin Begg ’24

Ava Black ’25

Clare Bogart ’24

Sammy Durand ’25

Maddie Gonzalez ’25

Danny Langlais ’24

Annie Lyons ’24

Berklee Lyons ’25

Emma Michael ’24 (not pictured)

Emma Vanderbloemen ’24

STUDENT-DIRECTING & STUDENT-CHOREOGRAPHY

The spring Student Directed One Acts and the Student Choreographed Dance Concert provide EHS actors and dancers the opportunity to test their artistic voices in new ways. Directed by students from the Directing for the Stage course, the One Acts are auditioned as a whole, so the student directors must work together to cast the group of shows from the audition pool. Student choreographers must be in Repertory or IMPACT Dance Ensembles and audition with 30 seconds of choreography. This year’s concert offered 12 pieces with 16 choreographers.

“The Student Directed One Acts are my opportunity to support students' burgeoning artistic voices and give them the confidence to lead with creativity and passion.”

– George Brock, Theatre Program Coordinator, Spring Musical Director

Student-directors this year: Brooke Crabtree ’25, Mary Katherine King ’26, and Tait Love ’25.

ART CAR CLUB

Did you catch EHS in the 2024 Houston Art Car Parade?! A group of EHS students rode the 1968 Chevy C 10 pickup truck that they built themselves as part of the after school Art Car Club. They not only designed and built the “art” part of the car, but they also built and installed their own engine and worked on other systems including the suspension, electrical, cooling, exhaust, and brakes. This student led opportunity combined engineering and art into a single project.

Student-choreographers this year:

Ashley Bloome ’24

Berkeley Deutsch ’24

Izzy Proler ’24

Emma Schoppa ’24

Lili Shore ’24

Alex Sonsino ’24

Jules Weinstein ’24

Grace Bauch ’25

Ella Bennett ’25

Scarlett DuBose ’25

Gracie Garcia ’25

Carina Garza ’25

Sophie Marshall ’25

Lauren Bohn ’26

Alexa Choi ’26

Abby Horn ’26

“The spring Student Choreographed Dance Concert provides our dancers with the opportunity for creativity, unity, and personal growth. The choreographers provide a stage where students are able to express themselves through their own choreography and transform their artistic vision into movement. These concerts not only showcase talent but also instill confidence, discipline, and collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on both the student choreographers and dancers.”

– Karen Pfeifer, Dance Program Coordinator

FOCUS AND DILIGENCE

Evan Ringwald ’24

Balance has been the key to Evan Ringwald’s success at EHS.

Throughout the years, with the support of his teachers, coaches, directors, and friends, he has been able to succeed in each of his diverse interests. With a foundational dedication to academics, Evan has challenged himself with honors and AP courses since his freshman year, particularly pushing himself to take rigorous math and science courses. This excitement for academics led Evan to get plugged into Quiz Bowl, Model UN, and Math Club, where he found community with peers. He says: “I enjoy being around the people who are willing to spend weekends competing in something that might not seem fun at first. It is also fun to use academic skills in a competitive way.” Evan’s teachers see his academic tenacity evident in class and in extracurriculars. Math teacher Dr. P notes that “when Evan puts his mind to something, he gives 100%.”

Evan’s devotion to excellence is clear on the theatre stage as a performer as well as in the classroom. Theatre teacher George Brock says Evan’s stage presence has been evident since his freshman year: “His big baritone voice and great comedic sensibility immediately caught our attention.” Even when the theatre shows conflicted with his athletic commitments or academic demands, Evan tried to find ways to have it all, which Mr. Brock recognized. “Evan has managed to achieve great things in each of the Four Pillars, doing so with a smile on his face and gratitude in his heart.” With a grin, Evan recalls a particularly stressful yet rewarding day when technical rehearsals for theatre were happening on the same Saturday morning as a track meet, and he had to oscillate back and forth: “That morning I ran the distance medley relay, then returned to seven hours of theatre, and afterward went right back to the track meet, where I anchored the 4 X 4 to win the meet.” This exemplifies the balance that Evan has been striving so hard to maintain throughout his EHS journey.

Stellar in multiple pillars, Evan’s athleticism is as impressive as his commitment to arts and academics. Running both cross country and track, Evan garners the praise of Coach Julius Michael: “It is very rare for one person to have the range in distance and races that Evan does. He is currently ranked number two* in Texas and number six* in the United States in the 800 meter race—Evan has a range that no one else in the country can match.” Evan holds the school records in the 800, 1600, and 3200 meter races* and leans on Coach Michael for guidance. “Coach Michael keeps me honest and disciplined. I have learned that I can’t do everything, although I’m interested in everything. I’ve learned that I must pick what is important and focus.” This extreme focus and dedication have made Evan not only a stand out student and performer, but what Coach Michael believes is “the best distance runner to ever come through EHS.”

“Being an EHS Knight means exploring what's possible, whether it be through clubs, sports, academic competitions, or beyond, even outside of school. Not only this, but to strive to excel in each thing we do for ourselves and others.”

Although Evan might make excellence seem easy, he is adamant that learning to prioritize balance is what has allowed him to give his all to each of his endeavors. Whether it is the classroom, the stage, or the track, he brings focus and diligence, which help him persevere. When asked what being an EHS Knight means to him, Evan says, “Being an EHS Knight means exploring what's possible whether it be through clubs, sports, academic competitions, or beyond, even outside of school. Not only this, but to strive to excel in each thing we do for ourselves and others.”

– Tennessee Sipe, Communications Faculty Liaison

* Evan's race times and placement listed as of April 2024.

SELFLESS STEWARDSHIP

Kara Thomas ’24

Kara Thomas attributes her growth at EHS to becoming involved, even when it felt difficult. Throughout her time, she has taken an impressive academic load, stacked with honors and AP courses and four years of choir, all while at the helm of our SPC champion volleyball team and serving as president of the student organized Diversity in Action group (D.I.A) and the Choices Advocacy Committee. Kara feels that “the more involved I was, the more well rounded I became. I have felt a lot of growth over the years.”

Following her passions has led Kara to success. She has been a member of the EHS choir all four years, singing during events like Advent Chapel and Eucharists, working her way up to performing the occasional solo. She says that choir classes “don’t even feel like classes” and particularly appreciates that “the songs are diverse; we sing in many different languages.” Similarly, Kara has pursued Spanish passionately with the goal of someday becoming bilingual. As a hopeful future physician, she thinks knowing Spanish will “help me better provide equitable patient care.” This deft recognition of the importance of challenging oneself to embrace diversity stems from Kara’s experience with D.I.A. As president, Kara has led many on campus initiatives aimed at cultural education and appreciation: “This club has opened my mind and taught me awareness about how I approach others–to set aside assumptions.”

“The more involved I was, the more well-rounded I became.”

Deeply plugged in to all Four Pillars, Kara is known to her teachers as the best kind of steward of campus life. English teacher and 12th Grade Level Dean Mark Mitchell says of Kara: “Her calm patience and gentle sense of humor allow her to make friends easily and to help other students find where they belong in our community.” Kara’s stewardship is often selfless as she regularly volunteers at school productions, art openings, and prospective student events, and serves in the Chapel program. The reach of her infectious positivity is wide and is anchored in the desire to serve others.

A key member of the varsity volleyball team for three of her four years and captain as a junior and senior, Kara led the team to an SPC Championship as a junior, then to a runner up title the following season. Coach Cydryce McMillian observes Kara as “a servant leader to others” who can “seek clarity before making pressure filled decisions,” all of which makes her a stand out athlete. Kara is cognizant of the importance of a leadership persona as volleyball captain, saying, “I knew I had to be more of an example for both varsity and JV because I knew that the other girls would follow my lead.” Her demeanor of leading with gentle self assurance surely contributed to the team’s dynamic that Kara describes as "family like.”

Kara exemplifies the best of EHS. She is not afraid to challenge herself academically, socially, or physically and has pushed herself toward growth time and time again. Mr. Mitchell notes, “I’ve rarely seen anyone who can balance a tough mind with a soft heart the way that Kara can. She uplifts simply with her presence.”

Reflecting on her experiences, Kara says, “Thank you, EHS. My time here has been even better than I could have imagined.”

– Tennessee Sipe, Communications Faculty Liaison

KNIGHTS STAND OUT | ATHLETICS

Knights Continue Dominant Year in Athletics

The EHS winter athletic teams will long remember their exploits from this past season as four programs earned SPC 4A Championships in thrilling fashion. Girls Basketball set the tone for what proved to be a historic season as the Knights defeated #1 seed Kinkaid 66 54 in front of an outstanding crowd in Alkek Gym. The Knights entered the tournament as the #2 seed and earned wins over Episcopal School Dallas and Greenhill to advance to the 4A championship game.

As action wrapped up in Alkek Gym, the Girls Soccer Team was taking #1 seed Hockaday to overtime in their 4A title game. After ending both regulation and overtime knotted at one goal apiece, the Knights converted all five PK’s to earn the first SPC Championship in program history. The Knights earned their spot in the championship game thanks to opening round wins over ESD and Kinkaid.

On the boys side, the EHS Basketball team entered the tournament as the #3 seed and defeated both ESD and St. John’s to advance to their third consecutive championship game. In front of a packed gym at Houston Christian, the Knights dominated #1 seed St. Mark’s en route to a 62 55 win. The title is the second in three years for the Knights. The Boys Soccer team completed the day with a thrilling 2 1 win over Awty in the 4A Final. The Knights entered the tournament as the #4 seed and picked up opening round wins over St. John’s and St. Andrew’s. The win gave the Knights their second consecutive SPC Championship.

The young EHS Wrestling team capped their season with a sixth place finish in the SPC Championship meet as senior Jimmy Guzman earned his fourth individual gold medal. Both the Girls and Boys Swimming and Diving teams gained valuable experience as they competed in the championship event at the University of Houston. The girls team finished seventh and the boys team eighth in highly competitive divisions. In addition to the SPC tournament, senior Thalia Vogelsang earned a trip to Prep Nationals in Pennsylvania where she finished third overall and earned All American.

The spring season teams have continued the momentum established earlier this school year as all nine varsity teams look forward to competing in their respective SPC tournaments. The Girls Lacrosse team has enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent memory as they enter their SPC tournament with a 14 2 record. The Softball team continues to excel as they look for their seventh consecutive SPC title. The Baseball team has also enjoyed a stellar season as they look to defend their SPC Championship. Both the Girls and Boys Track teams have dominated the competition in the regular season and are primed to finish well in the SPC Championship meet. Both the Girls and Boys Golf teams will enjoy home course advantage as the SPC Championships return to Houston after a two year run in Ft. Worth.

– Jason Grove, Athletic Director

*Spring SPC tournaments will take place after this publication print deadline. Go Knights!

THE VISION

As part of the celebration of Episcopal High School’s fortieth anniversary, we have been researching the history of the founding of the School. In this issue and going forward, Pillars will include a piece of that history, beginning here with the first seeds of the idea and the creation of a steering committee.

Palm Sunday 1975. An EHS Founder was attending the service at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church with her then just under ten year old elder son. The rector, the Reverend Maurice “Ben” Benitez, was talking about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem when the son leaned over, pulled on his mother’s skirt, and whispered, “Doesn’t he know that Jesus hasn’t come yet?” The founder was surprised. Her son attended an independent school with former ties to the Episcopal Church, and she assumed he was getting some Episcopalian theology. A short time later, she relayed the child’s question to Reverend Benitez, and they agreed to check the school's charter for any reference to the Christian religion. There was none. In the rector’s mind and in the founder’s, Houston needed an Episcopal school, guided by the core values and beliefs of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, and since K 8 Episcopal schools already existed, an Episcopal high school.

Additionally, there was a sense among many families in Houston’s Episcopalian community that there were simply not enough upper school spots at the other independent schools. Although there were a number of faith based parish schools for grades pre k through eight, many students did not have a spot for high school.

1981

12-17-81

Bishop Maurice “Ben” Benitez called a meeting at Christ Church Cathedral, inviting a group of rectors and parishioners from several area Episcopal churches to discuss founding an Episcopal high school. Obtaining the Marian High School property was discussed, and a steering committee was established.

12-22-81

Chair John Bonner called the Episcopal Steering Committee together at noon in the St. John the Divine conference room.

And when students returned from boarding schools in various parts of the country for one reason or another, they could not necessarily get into the existing upper schools. This was the late seventies and early eighties with companies considering Houston for relocation, but where were the transplants to send their high school aged children?

1982/1983

1-5-1982

Between 1/5/82 and 3/24/83, more than a dozen meetings of the Steering Committee were held at Christ Church Cathedral or St. John the Divine to discuss foundational ideas, finding a site, renovating the site, and raising funds.

1-7-83

Episcopal High School of Houston was incorporated and chartered by the State of Texas.

1-12-83

The Bishop updated the Steering Committee in the St. John the Divine conference room on the purchase details of the north approximately 19 acres of the Marian High School property.

1/31/83

The Bishop updated the Headmaster Search Committee on the purchase of the Marian property and said that all papers would be signed within the next few days. The Search Committee agreed to hire Robert M. Sandoe and Associates as the consultant for the headmaster search.

There was also a sense that the other schools served primarily one type of student—the driven, high achieving, academically motivated student—and that the high school experience should be about developing the whole child in the areas of arts, athletics, spirituality, and character in addition to academics. The founders envisioned a school for a diverse group of students from throughout the Houston area, which would encourage each student to develop his or her full potential in academics and in areas beyond academics; to be of sound character, integrity, and personal honor; to respect and support one another; and to serve others. This would be a school “with the utmost care and concern for each student” where no child would be “denied admission solely due to lack of funds.”

Central to their vision was the belief that each child is made in the image of God, to be known and loved, and whose talents and capabilities are to be nurtured and celebrated. The founders envisioned a school where students and adults would “respect the dignity of every human being” in their daily lives, as stated in the Baptismal Covenant, which means that all in the school community embrace differences and different ways of seeing the world. Most importantly, the founders envisioned a school where students would be as happy coming to school in the morning as they were leaving in the afternoon. The founders envisioned a place of joy.

On June 13, 1980, Reverend Benitez was elected on the eighth ballot as Bishop of Texas during a daylong session of the Diocesan Council held in Christ Church Cathedral. He was consecrated Bishop on September 13, 1980 in the Albert Thomas Convention Center by Presiding Bishop John Allin. In December of the following year, he called a meeting of the rectors of several Episcopal churches in Houston in Latham Hall at Christ Church Cathedral to discuss the possibility of founding an Episcopal high school and asked each of them to invite two parishioners. The following rectors attended: from Christ Church Cathedral—the

2/10-12/83

The Diocese of Texas approved Canon 27, establishing Episcopal High School, at the 134th Annual Diocesan Council in Beaumont. Bishop Benitez announced to the Council the purchase of the Marian property.

Very Reverend Pittman McGehee; from Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church—the Reverend Jeffrey Walker; from Trinity Episcopal Church—the Reverend Everett Cain; from St. John the Divine Episcopal Church—the Reverend Laurens Hall. Among the parishioners in attendance were Jerry Allgood, Anthony Ambrosino, John Bonner, Dorothy Headwick, Y. Frank Jungman, Jim and Betty Key, Lee Kobayashi, Graham Luhn, Frederick R. McCord, William James Miller, Claudia Moursund, Larry Neuhaus, Joel Shannon, Susan Shannon, Liz Walker, and Sally Woolrich.

Bishop Benitez presided and began by calling for the founding of an Episcopal high school. "The idea is crazy, I know,” he said. “We have neither the land nor the money, but we can get both.” The almost two dozen attendees didn’t disagree that the idea of founding a school was a pipe dream, most had never been involved in a project of that magnitude, and each had his or her own reasons for wanting such a school; but they shared the vision of a faith based high school for an academically broader demographic than currently existed in Houston’s independent schools. The possibility of purchasing the former Marian High School from developer Wayne Duddleston was discussed as was looking at other sites. At the end of the meeting, the Bishop asked for willing participants and said he would appoint a steering committee to be chaired by John Bonner to move forward with the vision.

Next issue: “Acquiring the Property”

(Thanks to Founders The Rev. Laurens Hall, Betty Key, Graham Luhn, Claudia Moursund, Larry Neuhaus, Joel Shannon, and Lynda Underwood and former Director of Development Sukey Fenoglio for their ongoing help with the research.)

–

Nancy

2/17/83

The Steering Committee viewed the television coverage of the purchase of the Marian property. John Bonner announced that a canon had been passed at the Diocesan Council establishing Episcopal High School and that a Board of Trustees had been appointed. He also announced that Paul Howell would lead the fundraising committee. Rick McCord announced that it would cost $1,750,000, not including furniture or fixtures, to renovate the physical plant. The figure escalated considerably in the following months.

2/21/83

The State of Texas Articles of Incorporation were amended to change the School’s name to Episcopal High School.

4/6/83

The initial meeting of the Episcopal High School Founding Board of Trustees took place at the Ramada Club.

6/15/83

The Founding Board of Trustees approved the Reverend Warren R. “Jess” Borg as the School’s Founding Headmaster.

Laufe Eisenberg, Former Associate Head of School

VISIONARIES

(Left to right) Larry Neuhaus, Jack Trotter †, Howard Horne†, John Connelly, III, Paul Howell†, Bishop Maurice “Ben” Benitez†, Sidney Smith†, and John Bonner † in the Green Room of the River Oaks Country Club, where they met monthly to discuss raising funds to support EHS.

Central to their vision was the belief that each child is made in the image of God, to be known and loved, and whose talents and capabilities are to be nurtured and celebrated.

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

Scan the QR code to view the campaign vision as we Stand for EHS.

MARCH 18, 2024

Dear EHS Community,

EHS students are exceptional! The Construction Committee’s charge is to shape our buildings so that our physical plant is equally remarkable, thereby providing spaces that nurture the talents of our current and future students! Our buildings are not just bricks and mortar; they are incubators for sowing the seeds of vision and talent that will grow and mature as our students branch out into the broader community as alumni and industry leaders.

Designing spaces on our EHS campus starts with a messy and complicated process called programming. The Construction Committee and our professionals collaborate with our students, faculty, senior staff, employees, donors, and the end users of the anticipated space. It is our goal to give voice to all viewpoints, in hopes of creating optimal utilization and functionality. When the ribbon is cut, we hope to have achieved an inspiring building that matches the exceptionality and sophistication of the EHS community and gives our students a deep sense of pride in being Knights!

Currently we are constructing our Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC). The VPAC includes a first of its kind Versatile Performance Venue that is highly adaptable and provides a

multipurpose space for many academic constituencies. In addition, the VPAC reimagines the classroom functionality of all 50 Arts Pillar course offerings that impact every EHS student over all four years. For example, currently there are over 925 Arts Pillar enrollments (some students take two arts courses simultaneously). Upon completion, the VPAC will transform the footprint of our campus and provide college level facilities for our students to imagine the greatness within themselves.

Next, the Construction Committee is engaged in the sacred mission of re envisioning our beloved Benitez Chapel. The impact of our new worship home will define us as one joyful Christian community in preparation for meaningful lives in service to others.

Sincerely,

Shelley T. Barineau Construction Committee Chair Board of Trustees

BENITEZ CHAPEL

When we look at the halls of Episcopal High School and consider the ambitious 2014 Campus Master Plan, it is beyond exciting to see the transformation that has occurred. We celebrated the opening of the Hildebrand Athletic Center in 2017 and the Underwood Student Center in 2018; each of these buildings quickly filled with teachers, coaches and students as they jumped into their activities across the Four Pillars. And in December, we broke ground on the Visual and Performing Arts Center. After years of having arts classes scattered throughout campus, many on the third floor of the Convent, we are thrilled to re imagine the Arts, a cornerstone of EHS, centrally located in the middle of campus.

With the Arts Center underway, we are turning our attention to the final effort in the campus master plan – the renewal of the Benitez Chapel. Since our founding, EHS has gathered for daily Chapel where we come together as one before God. The new Chapel will offer the same sense of tradition and community while accommodating our thriving student body of 800 students as well as faculty and staff. In addition, there will be ample space for guests to participate in traditional events like Advent Chapel. We look forward to sharing many more updates as we strive to build upon a foundation provided by those who came before us. Please know how grateful we are for the founders, trustees, and donors who have invested countless resources in building a school not only for the past and present but for the students who will be our future.

– Margaret Young, Chief Development Officer

Q+A with EHS Teachers

Pop Quiz turns the table on teachers and asks them to respond to a list of quick questions. Their enthusiastic responses reveal the values, quirks, and interests that make them so effective in teaching EHS students.

SHELLY EDMONDS CANELLA

History Teacher, 11th Grade Level Dean, and Assistant Field Hockey Coach

Born and raised in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, in Lehigh County, about an hour and a half northwest of Philadelphia, Shelly received a B.A. in history from the University of Virginia where she also played field hockey. She always knew she wanted to teach. Even in an early job in sales, she most enjoyed her time speaking to and working with students. Shelly will begin her tenth year at EHS in the fall of 2024, where in addition to serving as the 11th Grade Level Dean, she teaches World History 2 and assistant coaches field hockey. She served as Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach from 2015 through 2021.

In her spare time, Shelly likes to exercise, either running around Memorial Park or attending a workout class most mornings. Weather permitting, she and her husband also bike around the bayou trails. Since the pandemic, she walks and listens to podcasts biweekly as a way to relax outdoors and disconnect. Shelly also likes to puzzle, read sci fi, try new restaurants, hike, and cook and bake, although she is quick to add that she has mastered neither of the latter.

What is on your playlist?

Classic Rock and 90’s Country

If you could eat only one meal this week, what would it be?

Breakfast tacos

What is your favorite EHS food item?

The scones and the empanadas

What is your favorite family tradition?

My family and I have always made a big deal out of Christmas. When I was growing up, we hosted a big Christmas Eve party each year with all of our friends and family from both sides. Now that my siblings and I have moved away from Pennsylvania, the event has shifted into one for just immediate family. But we always spend time together at Christmas–it is really special.

Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired you?

Both a coach and a teacher. My high school field hockey coach was intense and had high expectations, but those expectations taught me how to be the athlete I always wanted to be and how to set goals and reach them. My high school history teacher inspired me and helped me to believe in myself as a student. I loved history and because of him, I majored in history in college.

If you were not a teacher, what would you choose for a profession?

A yoga instructor on a beautiful beach or an archeologist.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I am really proud of the life I have built here in Houston. Moving halfway across the country at the age of 25, knowing only one person, was daunting when all of my college friends were in DC or New York hanging out together. But they were working jobs they didn’t love, and I love working with all of the great students at EHS! Also, I am really proud of being a D1 athlete and making the Final Four twice in college–it was just a long time ago!

What do you most respect about your students?

Their drive. I am always amazed by how much these students do and how well they do it all–from creating and joining clubs to being involved in multiple pillars to volunteering inside and outside of school. I’m continually impressed by them and the effort they put in to reach their goals.

In your time at EHS, what is a favorite moment?

I can’t say if there is ONE favorite moment. Every senior retreat is special to me, and any time an athletic team wins a big game or there is a musical, an ETV showing, arts award, dance concert, signing day, Hauncert etc., I love seeing the students enjoying their accomplishments.

What do you hope your students take from you as a teacher?

Using positive affirmations during times of stress and, hopefully, one or two facts about World History.

DAVID FRAMEL

English Teacher, Student Publications Coordinator, and Head JV White Football Coach

A true Four Pillar man, David Framel touches academics, arts, athletics, and religion at Episcopal High School! Having taught for 38 years, 18 of those at EHS, David has taught English in grades 7 12 and student publications in high school. He has also coached football, basketball, baseball, and tennis. Presently, in addition to serving as Student Publications Coordinator, he teaches Yearbook, Newspaper, Broadcast Journalism, and two sections of junior English. And he head coaches JV white football and assists the varsity program. And he advises a group of seniors, sponsors the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for Journalists, oversees the publications feature “The Guild” on the School’s website, and sings in the faculty choir.

A telecommunications and English graduate of the University of Tulsa, David was born in Oklahoma City and grew up in Tulsa. An athletics coach first, he entered the classroom when he discovered how much he liked working with young people and has been at EHS since January of 2006.

What is your favorite family tradition?

The aftermath of decorating the house for Christmas has become something I anticipate. Each year my wife and I swear never again, but after two days and ten Christmas trees of work, sitting in the evening in the tree lit house and marveling over the scene with her is just amazing.

Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired you?

My mother was my greatest fan and perfect example of how to interact with the world around me. Everyone who knew her loved her, and if I picked up on just half of the qualities she embodied, I would consider myself lucky.

If you were not a teacher, what would you choose for a profession?

Before I became a teacher, I was on the degree path to becoming a TV news anchor and reporter, which I still get to put into practice in my broadcasting class.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Professionally, recognition as Teacher of the Year at my previous school in Oklahoma coupled with the same honor at EHS in 2014 are moments of great pride and validation for me. Personally, the legacy of children and grandchildren with my wife stands as a significant attainment.

What do you most respect about your students?

I respect the dedication and perseverance my students demonstrate and value their approach to learning with enthusiasm, wonder, and a willingness to overcome challenges. Ultimately, this leads to a commitment to personal growth, academic excellence, and making positive contributions to their community. The outcome couldn’t be better.

In your time at EHS, what is a favorite moment?

Thankfully, the moment always repeats itself. Every time a student or athlete applies what he or she has learned to the next chapter in life, I celebrate the student’s success and my impact on his or her life. Teachers and coaches are motivated by the small victories.

What do you hope your students take from you as a teacher?

It is my hope that they will not only absorb knowledge but also cultivate a deep sense of curiosity and passion for learning. If I can encourage them to develop the critical thinking skills and empathy needed to navigate complexities, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships, they can use these as foundations for lifelong growth and success.

JENNY CANTRELL

Director of Academic Assistance

Jenny was born in Chicago and moved to Houston at age nine. She remembers her Chicago friends asking if she were going to ride a horse to school in Texas! Considering herself a Texan now, she is not a fan of the cold! Attending The University of Texas at Austin, Jenny loved and still loves being a Longhorn. She studied psychology and accounting at UT because as a 20 year old college student, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. When she learned some years later that her two children had dyslexia, she went back to school to become a teacher so that she could teach them how to read and says it is the best decision she ever made!

She came to EHS in 2015 as the Director of Academic Assistance and Learning Specialist, and she loves working with the bright, spirited, funny, warm, and hardworking EHS students. In her spare time, she loves being with family and friends, and she enjoys reading–is part of a book club, playing games–dominoes and board games, traveling–Italy is her favorite country, walking and hiking, and hanging out with her sweet dog Bear.

What is on your playlist?

My playlist is eclectic – right now I am enjoying the album Texas Sun by Leon Bridges. I also have everything from Willie Nelson to David Bowie to Post Malone.

If you could eat only one meal this week, what would it be?

Tacos and chips with salsa!

What is your favorite EHS food item?

I love the butter chicken and any dessert in a cup!

What is your favorite family tradition?

My husband’s birthday is on Christmas Day, and I love celebrating with everyone. I make two cakes – a birthday cake and a Christmas cake.

Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired you?

I had a professor in college who inspired my curiosity and encouraged me to think of learning as a lifelong pursuit.

If you were not a teacher, what would you choose for a profession?

I think perhaps a journalist – I wrote for the Daily Texan at UT Austin and love writing.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I am in the process of publishing a children’s book, a dream of mine for a long time. I am also very proud of my children, who inspire me every day to be the best teacher and person I can be.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Leila-Scott M. Price ’93

Leila Scott M. Price ’93, along with her husband John Price, Ph.D., LPC, Depth Psychotherapist, are the co founders of The Center for Healing Arts & Sciences, PLLC in Houston, and parents to two children, River and Sufi. The Center for Healing Arts & Sciences is a mind, body, and spirit wellness collaborative, offering psychotherapy, group therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and holistic health coaching. Leila Scott says her path was not exactly direct, but she is where she is meant to be. The Center is a manifestation of the Prices’ dream to create an all encompassing healing experience. Licensed practitioners combine years of knowledge in psychology, education, Chinese medicine, and health to deliver a holistic care model. We met up with Leila Scott to dive deeper into what’s transpired since life at EHS and how her work fulfills her today.

EHS: What have you been doing since Episcopal?

LMP: I was so fortunate to be able to go to my dream school, Vanderbilt University in Nashville; and during that period, I spent a semester in Paris and London, going to culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu. After graduation, I moved to San Francisco where I pursued catering and event coordinating for five years and became vice president of the International Special Event Society (ISES), San Francisco chapter.

Then I followed my entrepreneurial spirit and began my own event coordinating business, which was absolutely thrilling. After September 11, 2001, I moved home to Houston to be close to my family but soon realized that I wasn’t ready to plant roots here yet and was off to Chicago, where I re entered the food industry and worked for a high end chocolate company to help launch their ice cream product.

Toward the end of my time in San Francisco, I began practicing yoga and continued both in Houston and Chicago. I did long term and intensive teacher trainings, which taught not only the asana or posture aspect of yoga but also the philosophy piece.

While I lived in Chicago, I felt a ‘calling’ to pursue Chinese medicine, which I ignored for three years until I finally took the plunge and got my master's in Chinese medicine here in Houston at the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. ACAOM was an intense and rigorous program which taught almost as much western medicine as eastern medicine, allowing me to pursue my interest in both at the same time. Learning the philosophy and practice of Chinese medicine felt like second nature to me as it dovetailed with my yoga training and philosophy.

As a trained acupuncturist and with my entrepreneurial spirit, I began my own wellness practice, which has grown organically since the beginning.

Running parallel to all these adventures was my spiritual path or what I would call my “holy longing” that has driven me most of my adult life. I have dedicated myself to living my life in as sacred a way as possible. I consider my mothering sacred and the work I do through business ownership sacred. When I work with patients, it’s sacred. Marriage is the hardest of all relationships, and I consider that one sacred as well.

EHS: In what ways is your work meaningful to you?

LMP: What I do through the Center is sacred and meaningful to me. Sometimes I pinch myself that despite all the hard work in running this business, this place exists, and that it has such beautiful human beings helping to make it exist, and that it has people who trust us to work with them coming and going from our front door every day.

EHS: What activities did you participate in at EHS? And what classes did you take or do you remember most?

LMP: I absolutely loved and appreciated the Four Pillars, and I fully participated in all that EHS had to offer. When I think about it, the Four Pillars was my first exposure to the concept of mind, body, and spirit! I rotated from dance to drawing to pottery to music. I was always in the choir and did a short stint in theatre, although I wasn’t confident enough to really pursue that at the time (and still have a suppressed theatrical aspect of myself inside!).

My favorite classes were biology, chemistry, and math. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Pham (Ms. Ho at the time)!

Originally, I wanted to be a western physician who healed people naturally, and I didn’t know what I meant when I said that. There was some kind of inner desire, although I hadn’t been exposed to the possibilities. I credit EHS science classes with my love for science and the human body.

EHS: Will you share some of your best memories of EHS with us?

LMP: I was on the field hockey team at Episcopal. So many of my favorite memories are practices, games, and tournaments with that crew of strong young women. Field hockey was a new sport to EHS in 1990, and none of us had any experience in the game so we didn’t win a single game that first year, but we had a blast! And now look at EHS field hockey!! So exciting to have been an inaugural member.

I was voted most likely to have my own cooking show for senior superlatives!

EHS: What from EHS led you to do what you are doing now?

LMP: The Four Pillars and the diversity of classes influenced me greatly. I am someone who values the well being of my mind, my body, and my spiritual life. I have dedicated my life to the well being of each of those aspects of my own life and am called to assist other people in being able to do the same.

EHS: How was the Center born?

LMP: Even from my earliest childhood memories of “play,” I was pretending to be an entrepreneur – owning a business and playing office. When people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say, a French veterinarian. I guess that about sums me up – I have a strange mix of love for business, leadership, being involved with health and healing, caretaking, and a love of aesthetics. At the Center, we have created a space that offers a healing experience.

– Colleen Kearns, Director of Alumni Affairs

Photo by: Kallie Cokinos

ALUMNI WEEKEND

Hexagon Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Steve Leisz

Each year, Knights of years past return for Alumni Weekend! This year it all started at the Friday night Stars at Knight Reception with our beloved Coach Steve Leisz accepting the 2024 Hexagon Distinguished Alumni Award, voted on by alumni! Coach Leisz’s smiling and supportive family joined the celebration. Alumni toured the campus that night as Knights of years past checked out what’s different, yet still the same, about EHS. Throughout the weekend, alumni gathered around Houston to celebrate the classes of 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019. Always EHS!

ALUMNI IN THE ARTS

Marlo Saucedo ’87

Spencer Evans ’05

Word artist Marlo Saucedo ’87 and abstract painter Leslie Gaworecki are collaborating on two colorful pieces in 15 panels, which will be installed in Gate 5 at the new International Terminal D of George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

"It was a significant experience to arrive at a brand–new EHS in the fall of 1984. This School had just begun – and many of us hadn’t felt able to reach our full potential in the schools we’d left behind. EHS allowed us to do that. Being at EHS changed my life, and I will be forever grateful for that."

Spencer Evans ’05, a Rhode Island School of Design professor, has been commissioned to design and sculpt a memorial sculpture as part of Bristol, RI's recognition of its involvement in the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade.

"EHS served as an amazing outlet for my passion for visual storytelling. Teachers like Sharon Willcutts and David Trauba found ways to feed my curiosity without stifling my direction, which is incredibly important for young artists who are trying to develop their own visual dialect."

Abigail Henningsen Haley ’ 14 and Ally Ondarza ’ 16

Founded in 2023 by Abigail Henningsen Haley ’14 and Ally Ondarza ’16, Avant Art Gallery stands as a vibrant and inclusive haven in the heart of Houston's Historic Gallery Row. Our mission is simple: to make art a dynamic and accessible experience for all.

"For both of us, EHS was not just a school; it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and a shared journey into the art world. Ally discovered her passion for sculpture in ceramics with Mr. Trauba, while Abigail honed her skills in drawing and painting under Ms. Willcutts. EHS instilled in us not only a love for the arts but also the confidence to pursue our dreams, laying the foundation for our entrepreneurial spirit."

Photo by: Lila Henningsen ’23

Photos by: Marlo Saucedo ’87

Photo by: Justin Case "Our Ancestors Come with Us"

Photo by: Richard W. Dionne Jr.

A MASTERFUL KNIGHT

A Masterful Knight Auction Gala met all marks for success in the beautiful Hildebrand Athletic Center's Alkek Gym earlier this year. The evening raised funds for our students and programs across all Four Pillars, with proceeds directed toward the current 2023 2024 school year.

Guests enjoyed a beautiful evening, with a delicious dinner catered by City Kitchen. Chairs Tricia Georgiou, Amy Airhart, and Tiffany Utterson set the vision for the night, bringing in new Live Auction items, incorporating a fun raffle, and recruiting a fabulous team of volunteers. Bergner & Johnson and Prime Systems helped turn the Hildebrand Athletic Center into the ultimate Champions Dinner setting!

Thank you to all who supported A Masterful Knight and EHS!

31ST ANNUAL DADS CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT

A hole in one day for EHS golf lovers! The Dads Club hosted the 31st annual Dads Club Golf Tournament at the Wildcat Golf Club. It was so much fun to see parents, alumni, and friends on the green. Thank you to all our sponsors and participants who helped us fundraise! Go Knights!

LAST WORD

The Rev. Beth Holden

3,180. That is the number of students who have shared the journey with me during my sixteen years at Episcopal High School. Our journey since August 2008 has included school closures for Hurricane Ike, “Swine ’09,” Hurricane Harvey, and the COVID pandemic. Our journey has included the opening of the EHS parking garage, the Trotter Academic Building, the Hildebrand Athletic Center, and the Underwood Student Center. We have broken ground for the new Visual and Performing Arts Center and refined the design for an upcoming new Benitez Chapel. We have celebrated numerous academic, athletic, and artistic feats. We have prayed together, broken bread together, cried together, cheered together, and served together. A lot has happened in the lives of our EHS family during these sixteen years, and it has been a joy to share this journey with you.

With the students in my Old Testament classes, I have wondered about Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites in the book of Deuteronomy. He has led them out of slavery in Egypt. He has taken them to Mount Sinai and brokered their covenant with God. He has journeyed with them for forty years in the wilderness and brought them to the brink of entering the Promised Land at last. As I reflect with my students, I can imagine that Moses might have had one or two important ideas he wanted to leave with them as he faced his departure from this earth. What might we want our “Last Word” to be, shared with those we love when we prepare to leave them?

Similarly, in the New Testament, we have Jesus’ Last Supper with the disciples he loved, at which he was able to impart important final instructions for them, and when he prepared to breathe his last on the cross, he was heard to say, “It is finished” – “It is accomplished.” Jesus is able to say he has done what he set out to do. His purpose has been fulfilled. I wish that for all of us: that at our end – or upon major endings in our lives – we would be able to know that we have fulfilled our purpose. That we have loved God

with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. That we have loved our neighbors as ourselves. That we have lived our lives with honesty and integrity. That we have made at least a small positive impact on the people whose lives we have touched and scattered a few seeds of God’s kingdom.

I am no Moses or Jesus (in so many ways!), and I am certainly not facing imminent demise, but leaving Episcopal High School is the end of an important chapter in my life, so I leave you with my “Last Word”: Episcopal High School prepares students for meaningful lives in service to others. In serving others, we are humbled. We are taken down a notch and reminded that other people have needs, too, and our own problems are part of being human and serve to connect us to other people who also struggle. The Episcopal Church’s Baptismal Covenant asks us if we will “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being” (BCP, page 305). Serving our neighbors, striving for justice and peace among all people, humbling ourselves, recognizing our own limitations, and diagnosing our deep need for our God, who loves us – all of us – immeasurably and beyond reason – these things bring us to our knees and inspire us to respect the dignity of every human being. These things also remind us that we are part of a larger community, a support net, and that sometimes I need to lean on you and sometimes you need to lean on me, and together, we lean on God. The “meaningful life” EHS helps prepare students for is a life in which we can love and serve our neighbor, be humbly aware of our shortcomings, trust that help is there when we need it, and know ourselves to be loved and valued by God, who is with us always. No matter how dark the world may seem or alone we may feel – no matter how much we may have failed or fallen – no matter how lost we might feel at times – we can be assured that there is an entire network of support for us from the pilgrims we share our journey with and that God is in our midst. God is with us, and God loves us.

Whether we are high school students, alumni, parents, or grandparents, that’s a Word I pray we will take to heart.

2023 - 2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chairman

The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle

Executive Chair

Richard A. Howell ’01

Shelley T. Barineau, Katie Barnes ’92, Edward B. Crain, Jr., Jane J. Dabney, Morrow B. Evans ’94, Carl Giesler, Jr., Curtis Hartman, Andrew B. Hawthorn ’91, Steve W. Herod, Thad Hill, Simmi Jaggi, Jenna B. Junell, George O. McDaniel III, Amy Melton, Joel Moore, Eloise (Fay) Novotny ’94, Charles H. Prioleau, Courtney (Lanier) Sarofim ’88, Ned Smith, The Rev. Dr. R. Leigh Spruill, James E. Taussig, Dr. Ramsi (Bethany) Taylor ’98, Duncan Underwood ’89, Mollie Phelan Wallace

Life Trustees

John F. Austin III, Edward C. Becker, The Rt. Rev. Maurice M. Benitez †, W. Craig Childers, Lacy Crain, The Rev. Laurens A. Hall, Victor A. Kormeier, Jr., Frederick R. McCord †, Laurence B. Neuhaus, The Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, Joel I. Shannon, Lynda Knapp Underwood, The Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly

Executive Committee

W. Craig Childers, Edward B. Crain, Jr., The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Andrew B. Hawthorn ’91, Melinda B. Hildebrand, Richard A. Howell ’01, Joel Moore, Eloise (Fay) Novotny ’94, A. Haag Sherman, Ned Smith, Duncan Underwood ’89, Lynda Knapp Underwood, Randa Duncan Williams † deceased

LEADERSHIP

Head of School

Ned Smith

Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations

Evelyn Cambria

Associate Head of School for Academics & Student Life

The Rev. Tyler Montgomery

Principal Dr. Antonio Avalos

Director of Athletics

Jason Grove

Dean of Spiritual Life

The Rev. Beth Holden

Director of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion

Wayne Jones

Director of Communications

Jessica Morales

Dean of Faculty

Nguyet Xuan Pham

Dean of Arts

Paul Revaz

Chief Development Officer

Margaret Young

PILLARS MAGAZINE TEAM

Director of Communications

Jessica Morales

Senior Graphic Designer

Diana Mumford

Photography Contributors

Chris Bailey Photography

Charles Holt

EHS Archives

Webmaster

Charles Holt

Website Content Developer

Bob Matthews

Communications Faculty Liaison

Tennessee Sipe Editor Nancy Laufe Eisenberg