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Students Gain Insight into Professional Woodworking
Earlier this fall, students in Sculpture classes witnessed woodworking on a large, elaborate scale at the Woodworking Show of Texas.
Displays included exotic wood species, professional tools, and precision machinery. Cristian Munoz ’22 said, “I enjoyed seeing how people use wood for things like knife handles, golf putters, and art.”
In addition to highlighting the many possibilities for working with wood, the field trip was also a hands-on experience. The Woodworkers’ Club of Houston helped students assemble birdhouses and turn wood on lathes. “The birdhouse was super fun to make, and I will put it up at my house,” said Sophia Perwien ’23. On the lathes, students turned wood blanks to create pens. “We had to sand it [the wood], shape it, and then polish it,” explained Cristian Munoz ’22.
Sculpture teacher Lauren Cunningham was touched by how much the students appreciated the communal aspect of the show. Whit Robertson ’22 shared, “I enjoyed talking with [everyone]. I learned that there is a community of woodworkers that is passionate and driven.” Cunningham hopes that by meeting people who have devoted years to perfect their craft, students will be inspired in the classroom and beyond.
For Hispanic Heritage Month, the Spanish Language Program introduced students to different areas of culture on- and off-campus.The Spanish II classes recognized Cuba while listening to the music of the Buena Vista Social Club and Celia Cruz. And the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica decorated the Library in honor of the month.
Ms. ReBecca Alcalá brought her Spanish III class to help with the display by teaching them how to make Fiesta flowers and prepare quotes from famous artists, scientists, and athletes. One of their favorite quotes was from the acclaimed author Julia Alvarez: “The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on.”
In Mr. Alex Bruton’s Spanish V class, an important theme is to constantly be “searching under the surface.” His class recently watched and studied the 1980s movie “El Norte” about two Guatemalan migrants who make their way to Los Angeles.
The students then went on a field trip to the Holocaust Museum of Houston to see Withstand: Latinx Art in Times of Conflict, which features the artwork of contemporary regional artists and their depictions of opportunity, justice, assimilation, freedom, violence, and human rights.
Leana Greene ’22, Spanish V student, adds, “Throughout my four years of EHS Spanish courses, being able to go to the Holocaust Museum’s exhibit was an experience unlike any other. I saw pieces of work that described emotions I was unable to put into words, and yet these artists have managed to make them into artwork.”
Performing Arts Back to In-Person Performances
The 2021‑2022 EHS Performing Arts season is in full swing. The season opener was the fall production of the timeless masterpiece “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder. Set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, this Pulitzer Prize‑winning play shatters conventual theatrical practices and celebrates the ordinary life lived fully and well.
In October, the EHS Band, Chorale, Midknight Blues, and Orchestra hosted their annual spooktacular concert “Hauntcert.” The evening of fun was marked by spooky music and guests were encouraged to wear festive Halloween costumes.
The winter production of “Eurydice,” by Sarah Ruhl, commenced with high attendance. “Eurydice” retells the myth of Orpheus from the perspective of Eurydice, his wife. The story focuses on Eurydice’s choice to return to earth with Orpheus or to stay in the underworld with her father.
And most recently, the performance season ended on a high note with the Fall Dance Concert “Resurfacing.” The student‑choreographed performance featured students from both Impact, Repertory, and Elevate.
You can find more information on upcoming performances by searching for Performing Arts on our website.
EHS Student is Top 10 Finalist in 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ 7th District
The Studio Arts program is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Minton ’22 is a top 10 finalist in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for the 7th Congressional District. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher displayed Minton’s self‑portrait “Uncovered” in her district office in Houston. Minton is one of 34 students who submitted artwork to the district.
Each participating congressional district selects one winner every year, whose artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. The other top 10 submissions get the honor of being displayed in the district office for one year.
Throughout the years, many EHS students have entered the Congressional Art Competition and received national and local recognition. Minton initially found out about the competition through Sharon Willcutts, studio arts teacher at EHS.
“Mrs. Willcutts, who I have had as my art teacher at EHS every year, always pushes me to keep up with and explore my passion for the arts by showing me artists who may inspire me,” Minton says. For Minton, art is one of her biggest passions, and she encourages others to enter the competition next year. “I can’t imagine my life without art. It has helped me in so many ways and allowed me to express myself,” Minton says. “I encourage anyone who has a passion for arts to enter.”
Established in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute, celebrates the artistic achievements of high school artists from across the country. More than 650,000 students across the country have submitted art for display throughout the past 40 years.
#KNIGHTS STAND OUT
Honors Chapel Recognizes Academic Excellence
In September, Episcopal High School recognized students who achieved outstanding academic performances for the Spring 2021 semester during Honors Chapel in the Alkek Gym. It was the first time in more than a year that all students, faculty, and parents gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Academic Pillar.
“While these recognitions focus on a result—a grade in a class or a score on an AP exam—the truth is that they reflect a wide range of journeys that students took to achieve their goal,” noted Eric Lerch, Ninth Grade Level Dean. “These honors represent hard work, integrity, intellectual curiosities, perseverance, and a positive attitude.”
New Head Coaches for Girls Lacrosse and Swimming and Diving Programs
The EHS Athletics Pillar is pleased to announce that Shaun Flood has been named as the head coach of the Swimming & Diving program, and Paige Moriarty has been named head coach of the Girls Lacrosse program.
Coach Flood is no stranger to EHS as he served as the JV head coach in 2020‑21. In addition to his coaching duties, Coach Flood teaches Biology and Anatomy & Physiology.
Before arriving in Houston, Coach Flood worked as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Loyola Marymount University. This followed a storied water polo playing career at LMU where Coach Flood was a three‑time WWPA Conference champion. Coach Flood helped lead the Lions to the NCAA Final Four on three occasions. Before working at his alma mater, Coach Flood was the head coach at Whittier College (CA). Coach Flood graduated in 2008 from LMU with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. Before her move to Houston, Coach Moriarty worked as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Amherst College. This followed a storied playing career at Franklin and Marshall College where Coach Moriarty was a three-time first-team All‑American and two‑time NCAA DIII Attacker of the Year. In addition to her national accomplishments, Coach Moriarty was a four‑time All Centennial Conference player and currently holds the conference record for points (393) in a career.
A 2018 graduate of Franklin and Marshall College with an undergraduate degree in American Studies, Coach Moriarty recently completed her master’s degree in sports industry management from Georgetown University.
EHS Chorale Students Receive Silver Award from the Royal School of Church Music
The Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce that Kate and Leah Teagarden ’22 have earned the Silver award from the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) for their dedication and excellence in choir singing. The silver medals are a point of prestige and distinction for those in the chorale community.
Kate and Leah are the first students at Episcopal High School to receive such a distinction and both were highly commended in their category. To earn awards, students must complete a rigorous examination, which includes singing, music theory, and a comprehensive oral interview.
The RSCM provides a series of grades and awards to signify varying levels of musical achievement. There are four basic merit awards, which include the light blue ribbon, the dark blue ribbon, the red ribbon, and the yellow ribbon. Beyond the merit, are the medals awarded after successful coursework and examination, which are the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. “This process made us realize how much we love choir and how church has played such a vital role in our lives growing up,” Leah says.
The RSCM is an international Christian music education organization dedicated to the promotion of music in Christian worship, in particular the repertoire and traditions of Anglican church music, largely through publications, training courses, and an award scheme. Both Kate and Leah have taken part in numerous summer choral camps run by the RSCM since the fourth grade.
When asked what motivated them to pursue such a distinction the sisters credited Mr. Garmon Ashby, the Performing Arts Department Chair, who also directs the EHS Chorale program. “He is very encouraging and helps us a lot, especially with music theory,” Kate says.
Freshman Retreat Returns to Camp Allen
The Freshman Retreat is back with a few changes. The decision was made to move the date from the Sunday before the school year begins to the Wednesday following Columbus Day. Freshman advisories were able to engage in activities that forged a stronger connection rather than a simple “get to know you” theme. Although it was still a bit warm for October, it was much more temperate than the summer temps of over a hundred degrees. Freshmen enjoyed an Adventure Summit “High Ropes,” or elevated obstacle course and zip line, “Low Ropes,” or community building games in an outdoor pavilion, Advisory, a session in which advisories bonded and wrote a letter to their future senior self they will read at Senior Retreat, Religion/Service, a session on the Religion Pillar led by Reverend Callaham, and some free time, where they got to relax or “get owned” by Dean Lerch in a game of Nine Square.
Ninth Grade Level Dean Eric Lerch adds, “It was fantastic to be able to return to Camp Allen for Freshman Retreat. The students had so much fun with the variety of activities, and the advisories were able to build even stronger connections with each other. We are looking forward to building on this experience for a great rest of the year.”
#KNIGHTS STAND OUT
The Office of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion Hosts DIA Mix and Mingle, Distinguished Guest Speaker
For the Office of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion, it has been a busy fall semester. The DIA (Diversity in Action), a student‑led organization, hosted its annual Mix and Mingle. After a year hiatus because of COVID‑19 related restrictions with in‑person gatherings, more than 150 students, parents, faculty and staff, and Board members congregated in the USC for the event. Rev. Beth Holden started the afternoon with a prayer, followed by Director of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion, Wayne Jones’ welcome.
Mr. Jones shared the vision for DIA “DIA is an organization for all EHS students to come together, be involved, and be their authentic selves.” DIA sponsor Ayesha Spooner followed and spoke passionately about relationships and the EHS mission. “DIA is a place where we get to understand ourselves and each other in really meaningful ways.” DIA students Chandler Hollis ’23, Quinn Charlton ’22, and Karma Elbadawy ’22 reflected on their time in DIA and how the group supports the School’s mission. In addition, with the help of DCI, the School was able to host Dr. George C. Wright, a noted African American scholar. Wright visited with senior administration, faculty and staff, and student organizations. He offered words of encouragement as the School prepared for a new school year. “I’ve always believed in the gospel of hard work,” Wright says. Dr. Wright was the seventh President of Prairie View A&M University, the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas. He currently teaches history and serves as a Special Advisor to the President at his Alma Mater, the University of Kentucky.
Entrepreneurship Club Wins Hybrid Work Challenge
The officers of the EHS Entrepreneurship Club entered The Microsoft Innovation Challenge and took home the win. The challenge: What product or solution can be added to the Microsoft Stack to help solve the hybrid work paradox? 16 other schools across Texas competed and each team had 30 minutes to come up with a plan.
Catherine MacConnell ’22, Sean MacConnell ’22, Stephanie Nelson ’22, Courtney Callahan ’22, and Wade Arntzen ’22 pitched a virtual conference room that makes collaboration and inclusivity a priority in the way we now work. Some features of their proposed application include a transportable interactive experience, surround screen, and spatial audio that give the feeling in an online meeting that you are sitting next to the other participants. This application would offer a full VR experience without the headset and include the ability to translate languages making international business more efficient.
For winning the Challenge, these budding entrepreneurs were rewarded with a laptop and $100 of seed money for a future competition.
Sean explained, “We brainstormed for 15 minutes, then wrote and practiced with timing to see what we needed to change. We made edits to make it shorter and kept repeating the process.” Courtney added, “We all immediately had the idea of something with VR and kept working together to get more specific with the features the tech could provide.” “It helped,” Catherine said, “that the challenge posed no limits to our creativity.” “We could come up with something convenient, or outer‑worldly,” Wade said. Wade believes their collaboration is what helped them win the challenge. “We all had very different ideas, thought differently, but ended up with something that worked.”
The club was started by Stephanie and Courtney. Stephanie is CEO of the company they are creating, Courtney is co‑president, and the others have more supportive roles like board members.
Advancing Educational Technology at EHS
EHS focuses on finding and implementing up‑to‑date educational technologies. With an experienced tech team led by Director of Educational Technology, Kyle Sumrow, our Knights experience a curriculum that takes full advantage of our one‑to‑one laptop program.
EHS is one of the newest members of the Southeast Texas GigaPop (SETG), a consortium of higher education institutions including Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, and the University of Houston, that provide an ultra‑high‑speed internet connection. EHS is the first and only private K-12 school in Texas to be accepted into the consortium. This year, the Technology Department rolled out Clever, a new EHS Student Launchpad. It’s a one‑stop shop for digital resources the students need on any given day. Clever remembers all the passwords students need and logs students into many of these resources automatically. This application has simplified day to day tasks for students by putting all the links for classes onto one launchpad page. Teachers can add links and resources to their students’ launchpads without adding anything to other students’ pages. In short, Clever has taken the complexity out of the systems and put them all in one place.
The Student Technology Council is a new club led by Kyle Sumrow and Computer Science Teacher, Alan Duncan. The club meets once a month to plan weekly lunchtime activities for students, faculty, and staff. The students will decide on collaborative projects (pending approval) like homemade rocket launches, coding stations, games, paper circuits to light up LED lights, the 10‑minute design challenge, and problem‑solving challenges.
Technology helps in the Arts as well. When Mr. Ashby (the EHS Choir Director) turns the page on his iPad, the ForScore app allows him to control the students’ page‑turning. This ensures that students are in the right place while singing along with a piece.
