Pillars Magazine - Spring 2022

Girls Athletics Community • Farewell to EHS Veterans • EHS Day of Service

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 the EHS Alumni Association. Send information to: Ashley Long along@ehshouston.org 713-512-3478

Episcopal High School 4650 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77401

b facebook.com/groups/EHSHoustonAlumni x instagram.com/ehs_alumni j linkedin.com/grps/Episcopal‑High‑School‑Houston‑Alumni‑1029617 This publication is printed on FSC certified paper with soy‑based inks.

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The Episcopal High School Magazine, Spring 2022

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Head of School 04 #KnightsStandOut 06 Athletic Director’s Report 10 Girls Athletics Community 12 Bright Knights 16 From Our Kitchen to Your Table 22 Farewell to Veteran Faculty 28 Inaugural EHS Day of Service 32 Pop Quiz 38 EHS Welcomes Chief Development Officer 42 Alumni Weekend 44 Alumni Spotlights 46 The Last Word 50

ON THE COVER

Cailen Graham ’22, Bright Knight, sings during Chapel. Photo by Lauren West

Student Council Vice President Chris Lahoti ’22 (left) and President Caterina Cruces ’22 (right) spread kindness by making happy cookies during “Dude, Be Nice!” Week.

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear EHS Family, Episcopal High School lunches are the stuff of legends, celebrated by students, faculty, alums, and parents alike! And it’s not just the chicken tenders, chicken fried steak, or mac and cheese of the old days, but also the Spanish paella, Indian butter chicken, and Venezuelan arepitas of the new. Just as was true at our founding, so it is true today: win their stomachs, and their hearts and minds will follow.

We are blessed to have a long-serving and dedicated kitchen staff to ensure we win each new generation of EHS students—stomachs, hearts, and minds alike. Between them, Gvahn Nelson, Darlene Alexander, Maria Arias, Karen Broussard, and Susana Borges-Pasini have over a century of service to the School. We share some of their favorite recipes for you to enjoy at home this summer. Just as we balance the traditional with the innovative in the kitchen, so we do in the classroom.

That balance of the traditional and the innovative is essential to the life of any school, and it is a balance EHS most always gets right. Compare the following two articles within: one, beginning on page 12, features five of our full time teacher-coaches; the other, beginning on page 28, features three faculty who are in their final year at EHS. What we do every day at EHS is instill in the next generation the virtues of the school’s mission, essential to our success since the school’s inception, while building the capacity to effectively meet the world as it is and as it will be. We do it every day with our students in the classroom, on the stage, in the studio, and on the field. And we do it with faculty who model that vision and mission.

The five faculty featured in the first article have been trained and led by the faculty in the second. Michael Hunt and Alice Davidson are retiring; Eric Lerch is moving on as the founding head of Houston’s newest private middle school. And, of course, the last word in this issue comes from Associate Head of School Nancy Eisenberg and her additional 33 years of experience. Nancy has been invaluable to me in my 15 years as Head of School, as I believe she has been to many during the entire length of her tenure, and we will miss her. Between the four, they have served EHS for over a century. They leave with us a tremendous legacy in the form of the next generation of EHS faculty and staff, better equipped to lead their charges into the future steeped in the EHS way.

Michael Hunt speaks of mathematics as a “window into the very mind of God,” and he describes his work as a teacher as every day inviting others, his students and younger colleagues alike, to join him at that window and marvel at the awesome view. The individual subjects are just windows we use to communicate bigger lessons about life and the type of people we want to be in our lives,” he concludes. No wonder EHS stands out.

Have a great summer, and Go Knights,

Ned Smith Head of School

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Head of School Ned Smith shares a friendly conversation with The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle moments before the confirmation ceremony of Sophia Berumen ’25, Kate Malta ’25, Ellie Pratka ’22, and John William Ray ’25 in the Benitez Chapel this past spring.

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# KNIGHTS STAND OUT Oh, What a Knight! Speech and Debate Team’s Hours of On Friday, February 18, the EHS community celebrated Episcopal High Hard Work Pay Off School’s 38th Auction, Oh, What a Knight! Chairs Mary Ellen Bos ’93, Anne Freeman, and Allison Jordan, along with countless volunteers and generous donors, raised the necessary revenue for the School’s operating budget.

The evening took on a new format with all silent items being sold in our Online Auction. The night consisted of a jubilant cocktail hour before attendees moved into the ballroom for dinner and a Live Auction. Guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by Jackson & Company, bid high in our Live Auction with energetic Auctioneer Johnny Bravo, and danced the night away with tunes spun by DJ Senega.

EHS is already gearing up for Auction 2023. Chairs Rebecca Martin, Cara Michael, and Mindy Rippstein promise an unforgettable evening as we celebrate The Greatest Knight. Save the date for February 24, 2023!

Our Speech and Debate Team competes between October and February, and it is a grueling schedule these students undertake on the weekends. “It’s for this reason,” Jordan Butler, Head Coach of Speech and Debate, says, “that I often describe our tournaments as marathons.

Our students have to be prepared to debate for four to five hours, non-stop on Friday, and wake up Saturday morning ready to continue for semi-finals and finals.”

This school year, the Speech and Debate Team has competed in the TFA Stratford Spartan Tournament, the Big Cat Swing at Cypress Creek, the Mayde Creek Ram Classic TFA Tournament, the Clear Creek Classic, and the Tompkins Cy Park Spring Swing.

Outside of the NSDA/TFA circuit, our students also compete in the Coolidge Cup at either SMU in December or online in May. Students who do well in the Coolidge Cup will qualify for the Coolidge Cup National Tournament in Plymouth, Virginia.

Our students also compete in Model UN with Coach Michael in the Spring semester. Accolades go to Emily McKay ’24, who qualified for Nationals in Program Oral Interpretation in late February.

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EHS Yearbook Earns National Recognition Episcopal High School’s yearbook The Hexagon, earned national recognition with its inclusion in the Jostens 2022 Look Book.

Celebrating the best-of-the-best in yearbook design and coverage, the Jostens Look Book is the largest and most comprehensive publication of its type in the world. The annually published Look Book honors the important role well-crafted yearbooks play in helping schools chronicle the experiences, stories, and achievements most relevant to students and that academic year.

A panel of judges comprised of nationally recognized scholastic journalism professionals and award-winning yearbook advisors carefully selected the best spreads and covers from outstanding yearbooks across the country.

Selected for its 2021 Born to Be Blue cover featuring a unique plexiglass design, The Hexagon has been included in the Look Book for four of the last six years. Congratulations to Mr. Framel and his group of students!

#KnightsStandOut

Musically Talented Interim Term Juniors Earn Notable 2022: Something Recognition for Every Knight Lydia Berckley ’23 was named a Finalist in the 2022 NATS Texoma Regional Musical Theatre auditions.

This is a considerable competition, and we are very proud of Lydia’s accomplishment! We also would like to thank Dr. Laura Ballard for her commitment to the students of EHS in giving them the support they need to excel.

James Neeriemer ’23 auditioned and won a chair in the 2022 TPSMEA All-State Band but he didn’t stop there.

He participated in the second round of auditions and won 1st chair amongst the best euphonium players in the state.

James is skilled in the piano, organ, trombone, trumpet, and euphonium.

“James is an integral part of our ensemble, and his success makes us all better. He is an inspiration and leader among his peers in the band,” shared Music Coordinator Grant Gould.

Lydia and James recently performed in Chicago: High School Edition. Lydia starred as Matron Mama Morton, and James was one of two student musicians in the orchestra.

With the full return of Interim Term in January, students had the chance to challenge themselves, explore new disciplines, and serve others through electives, trips, Freshman Arts Day, and Senior Outreach.

This year, Interim Term electives included but were not limited to costume design, printmaking, creative writing, stage combat, graffiti art, knitting, sewing, cooking, and dance.

Every Interim Term elective course concluded with a final project that allowed students to put their skills to the test. Some of the projects completed this year included a ramen cook-off, choreography, and filming stage combat in the theatre.

Additionally, Freshman Arts Day was a day full of excitement, learning, and creativity. The campus tradition is aimed at helping ninth grade students make informed decisions regarding their fine arts electives at EHS. Lastly, this year’s Senior Outreach paved the way for the School to make new community partners and for students to volunteer in multiple locations throughout the day. Our seniors devoted their time and service to help more than two dozen organizations in the Greater Houston area, including Small Steps, Mosaic in Action, Houston Food Bank, and Buffalo Bayou Park.

This year also included trips to Disney World and National Parks across the Southwest. At Disney World, 34 students explored the art and science of theme park design in the “Imagineering: The Science of Disney World” course.

14 students visited National Parks including White Sands, the Guadalupe Mountains, the Carlsbad Caverns, and Big Bend. With history, geology, geography, and astronomy as the primary focuses, students hiked mountains, slid down sand dunes, and explored caves while learning about the pre-history and culture of Native Americans in the regions.

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# KNIGHTS STAND OUT McMillian Named Head Girls Volleyball Coach

Spring Arts Performances Finish Strong

The Athletics Pillar is pleased to announce that Cyd McMillian will join EHS as the head varsity volleyball coach. Coach McMillian comes to EHS from St. Agnes where she led the Tigers to the 2021 TAPPS 6A State Championship. Coach McMillian has been recognized by both the Texas Association of Volleyball Coaches and the Greater Houston Area Volleyball Coaches Association as their Coach of the Year.

In March, the spring season kicked off with the wildly entertaining musical performance of Chicago: High School Edition. The cast and crew wowed audiences, and the Underwood Theatre was packed for every performance! There were 38 student performers, 16 student crew members, and an orchestra of 13 professionals and two student musicians conducted

by Dr. Jay Berckley.

In addition to leading the Girls Volleyball Program, Coach McMillian will teach in the Wellness Department.

Our beloved Coach Amanda Watts announced she is relocating to the Dallas area at the end of the 21-22 academic year. She inherited a tradition-rich program struggling to remain competitive in the SPC and quickly built the team into a perennial SPC contender. She led the Knights to two SPC championships in her time at the helm and solidified our standing as one of the top programs in the city, both public and private. We wish her well as she begins a new journey this summer and becomes our biggest fan in Dallas.

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In April, the Spring Dance Concert Moving Forms took center stage. The student-choreographed performances featured more than 40 dancers and 16 student choreographers from Impact, Repertory, and Elevate.

In a combined night of entertainment and student talent on display, the Spring Concert and Masterworks Concert impressed the EHS community.

The Spring Concert featured the EHS Band, Orchestra, and Chorale as they played selections from The Mandolorian, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Holst’s: The Planets, and more. In observance of Holy Week, the Masterworks Concert was held in the Benitez Chapel. The EHS Choir, EHS String Orchestra, and a professional string quartet performed Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater,” Bach’s famous “Air on the G String,” Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus,” and “Kyrie” by alumnus Todd Frazier ’88.

The student-directed One-Act Plays required student directors to choose scripts, hold auditions, plan rehearsals, advertise, and put on several performances of their shows.

We want to thank all the students, faculty, and staff, who made this performance season a success!

Additionally, thank you to the friends and family of our student performers for your unwavering support and encouragement.

#KnightsStandOut

National Healthy 29th Annual EHS Relationships Dads Club Golf Advocate Visits EHS Tournament EHS welcomed Katie Koestner, a national expert on healthy relationships and campus student safety, to speak with students and parents about dating violence in late March.

In 1990, Koestner appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine as the first woman in history to speak out publicly as a survivor of date rape. As an advocate against dating violence, Koestner has shared her stirring story with more than 5 million students across the country. Koestner’s presentation to students and the lunch-and-learn workshop for parents covered topics related to bodily consent, healthy decision-making, and the impact of substance use.

More than 170 parent and alumni registrants teed off at the 29th Annual Dads Club Golf Tournament at the Wildcat Golf Club. Ronnie Deyo chaired the event held in April. The day of fellowship and competition raised approximately $90,000 for student programs throughout the Four Pillars.

Thank you to all who attended!

Koestner’s visit was presented by the Consent, Advocacy, and Refusal Skills Education Initiative of the Diversity, Community, and Inclusion department, and generously supported by the Dads Club and Parents Association.

For the latest EHS news and updates, scan the QR code!

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# KNIGHTS STAND OUT Athletic Director’s Report The 2021-2022 school year produced a “new normal” for the students and coaches involved in the Athletic Pillar.

While some things felt a bit different, there was no denying the fact the community spirit that sets EHS apart from other schools is alive and well.

Home contests brought a return of the Gong Squad, enthusiastic fans, and outstanding competition. The Knights enjoyed another stellar year in athletics, highlighted by SPC Championships for the girls cross country, boys basketball, and softball teams. In addition to these championships, the girls basketball, girls track and field, wrestling, and baseball teams finished their seasons as SPC runners-up.

The EHS girls cross country team ran a race for the ages at the SPC Championships in Dallas and brought home the first conference championship in program history. The Knights finished 10 points better than runner-up Hockaday, placing four runners in the top 20 and six in the top 30. Madison Morgan ’25 (3rd), Julia Newman ’24 (7th), Lucy Holden ’23 (8th), Ella Newman ’22 (14th), Asher Luengas ’25 (22nd), and Kate Freeman ’22 (27th) led the way for the Knights.

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The EHS softball team earned their fifth consecutive SPC title and twentieth in program history as the Knights defeated St. John’s 7-3 in the championship game. Senior Reese Barrett capped an incredible SPC tournament with seven innings on the mound, striking out four while allowing just six hits. Emma Poirot ‘23 paced the offense with two hits while Barrett, Lily Tanner ‘22, Gianna Lewis ‘25, Allie Williams ‘24, Reagan Moriarty ‘25, and Kate Hale ‘25 added hits to the offensive output. The Knights earned big tournament wins over John Cooper (100) and Houston Christian (11-1) to reach the title game.

Sophomore Justin Begg’s three-pointer with 3.8 seconds left in regulation gave the Knights an improbable 56-55 win over top-seeded Greenhill in the SPC Championship basketball game.

Begg’s huge shot was his third in the final minutes of the game as the Knights erased a seven-point deficit. The Knights win was their fourth in three days as they entered the tournament as the #3 seed in the South Zone. The Knights opened the tournament with a 73-37 win over Trinity Valley and followed that win with a thrilling 69-64 win over ESD. EHS next faced familiar foe St. John’s in the semifinal and earned the season sweep of the Mavericks with a dominating 6350 victory. That win set the Knights up for the primetime matchup with Greenhill, a team ranked among the best in Texas.

History was made this year as Thalia Vogelsang ‘24 became the first female wrestler to compete and win in the SPC. The talented sophomore picked up a fall in the consolation final to place third in the 113lb weight class in the SPC Tournament. Vogelsang moved on to compete at the Prep National Tournament in Washington, D.C. and placed third overall in her weight class.

Beau Edwards ’22 defended his Texas Prep heavyweight championship this winter and added All American to his already impressive list of wrestling accomplishments. Jimmy Guzman ’24 also captured both an SPC and Texas Prep State Wrestling Championship.

The boys lacrosse team made an improbable run to the semifinals of the Texas High School Lacrosse League Class A State Championships this spring, overcoming the graduation of sixteen talented seniors from the 2021 season. The Knights won sixteen games and finished third in a stacked SPC 4A division.

Thank you to all of our students and coaches and congratulations on a terrific 2021-22 athletic year. Go Knights!

—Jason Grove

#KnightsStandOut

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Feature

A COMMUNITY FOR EACH OTHER Girls Athletics Programs Rise to Meet the Whole Student Where They Are

Episcopal High School’s Athletic Pillar supports the school’s mission of developing the whole person. A thoughtfully designed and varied curriculum in physical education, health education, and athletic and weight training provides opportunities for students both male and female to experience and enhance their physical health.

Sitting around the table are five coaches who lead several of our girls athletics programs, varying in tenure but aligned in their support of team building, positive attitudes, and a culture of commitment. Meghan Moake ’01, Rachel Stelter, Courtney Arnold, Emily White, and Paige Moriarty lead our Girls Golf, Soccer, Basketball, Field Hockey, and Lacrosse teams.

For Head Girls Golf Coach Meghan Moake ’01, it is important to be involved and participate with the athletes. “I want our girls to play with purpose. It makes a big difference that I am actively playing with them at practices. When they see me do it, they can buy in,” says Coach Moake. Field Hockey Coach Emily White echoes Coach Moake’s sentiment. “I never had coaches in my high school career who were so hands-on. All of us here at this table have been involved, and we show the girls, one, that we know what we are talking about and, two, that this is what it looks like. I think that is awesome for the girls to have that across the board in every sport.”

It’s this all-in mentality that has led EHS girls sports teams to bond through season play and SPC tournament wins and losses. Head Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach Paige Moriarty explains, “Our players are human, and we will do whatever possible to help them be the best version of themselves. We emphasize the importance of academics and what it takes to be a strong student at EHS.” Rachel Stelter leads our Girls Soccer Program. Coach Stelter played professionally in Prague, France, Boston, and Houston before arriving at EHS two years ago. When she arrived, first up was team building. “Our mission from the start was that we wanted to be the best place in Houston to play high school girls soccer. This year we have been intentional about how we treat each other on and off the field and about how we compete. We want girls who love each other but also who compete like crazy on the field,” shares Coach Stelter.

When Emily White joined the Field Hockey coaching staff, there were about 16 girls in the program in both Varsity and JV. Now there are 50 to 60 girls who show interest every year. “Similar to lacrosse, field hockey is more of a northeastern sport, so we have been trying to build field hockey interest both in Texas and in Houston,” says Coach White. continue reading>>

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“I am passionate about identifying as an athlete and getting our girls to identify and be proud to be an athlete.”

When you spend time with this group of leaders and their teams, it’s apparent that the programs aren’t just designed to give the students access to strong female role models. It’s also about encouraging them to motivate each other. “It’s about building exposure to the sport and showing them they can go play at the next level,” continues Coach White.

Head Girls Basketball Coach Courtney Arnold knew coaching was in her future, so she sought out opportunities in college to learn how to be a better coach.

“I walked on at Furman University, which is a smaller D1 school in Greenville, South Carolina. I think it’s special that we are all full-time here and teach. That isn’t true at a lot of other private schools. I saw that as a benefit for myself, but also I think it’s neat for our students to have head coaches who teach,” explains Coach Arnold.

—Coach Emily White

The Girls Varsity Basketball team entered the Winter 2021-2022 SPC tournament as the #2 seed in the South Zone. They reached the SPC Championship game for the first time in decades. The Knights competed well against Houston Christian in the title game and finished as SPC runners-up. By design, girls can come off that season-high and roll right into their next chance to compete at EHS. “Just in this past year alone, I think it’s awesome how Courtney’s program is feeding into helping my [lacrosse] program,” says Coach Moriarty. “You’ll have two or three girls that have been on the Varsity Girls Basketball team, and they get a taste of what it feels like to win and be a runner-up at SPC. They are rolling off that high and coming right into lacrosse season. They have been working hard and that transitions into how they are treating lacrosse practice.”

Coach and alum Meghan Moake was a star softball player at EHS. She earned a scholarship to play at Stanford where she and her team dominated. Reimagining her mark on sports and as a role model, Moake later returned to teach math and coach at EHS. Since leaving the softball cleats behind, she’s become one of the top mid-amateur female golfers in Texas. She has qualified and played in the USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Tournament, The Texas Cup, and won several TGA tournaments. “I needed something because I am so competitive,” explains Coach Moake. She took over as the head girls golf coach with six girls in the program.

The girls went on to win the 2016 SPC Championship, and this year 25 athletes participated. “Our goal at the beginning of every season is to finish in the top 3,” adds Coach Moake.

Not only does EHS have dedicated faculty members who lead our athletic programs, but we also have 2007 alum, Caitlyn Cain.

Coach Cain is a seasoned softball player and leads our softball team as head coach. She helped the softball team win four SPC Championships from 2004 to 2007 and has won seven as a coach. She played pitcher and catcher at Williams College before coming back to coach at EHS in 2013. “I loved my time at EHS and have so many great memories from high school softball. Being able to come back and assist Coach Kim Randolph was an incredibly rewarding experience that prepared me to take over the program as the head coach. EHS Softball is something truly special. The program has a tremendous legacy and holds very high standards for our athletes and coaches. I’m honored to be a part of it,” says Coach Cain.

Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach Amanda Watts is handing the whistle over to Coach Cyd McMillian who will join EHS this fall. EHS will miss Coach Watts’ tenacity and noticeable positivity. “Watching the volleyball program return to its rich tradition of being one of the most dominant teams in the SPC has been so much fun! I must say, my greatest joy has been witnessing these young women challenge themselves on the court and in the weight room to be the best players they can be for their team. They have shown such resilience. Winning two SPC Championships was a well-deserved reward! Our volleyball girls deserve to have a strong leader at the helm to help them continue this success, and I can’t think of a more qualified person than Coach McMillian. I am so happy our program will be in such great hands and look forward to continuing to watch the Knights achieve big things,” shares Coach Watts.

For Athletic Director Jason Grove, watching this all play out over the last several years has been win after win for him. “I’m so proud of the success of the girls athletic program. Our coaches and students have worked so hard to raise the profile of the girls athletic program and they deserve all of the accolades being tossed their way. The exciting part for me as the Athletic Director is knowing that we still have room for continued growth. I’m excited to see what our girls athletic teams will accomplish over the next several years.”

—Jessica Morales

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Courtney Arnold Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Shooting Guard, Basketball, Furman University

Caitlyn Cain ’07 Head Girls Softball Coach Pitcher and Catcher, Softball, Williams College

Meghan Moake ’01 Head Varsity Girls Golf Coach Second Base, Softball, Stanford

Paige Moriarty Head Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach Attack, Lacrosse, Franklin and Marshall College

Rachel Stelter Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Defender, Soccer, Davidson College Emily White Assistant Athletic Director (SY 22 - 23) Head Varsity Girls Field Hockey Coach (SY 22 - 23) Varsity Girls Field Hockey Assistant Coach (SY 21 - 22) Varsity Assistant Lacrosse Coach (SY 21 - 22) Forward, Field Hockey, University of Albany 15

Bright Knights

STEADY LEADERSHIP FRONT AND CENTER Connor Smith ’22

When we asked the EHS community about senior Connor Smith, a few words used to describe him were reliable, dependable, curious, and inclusive. Deeply involved in all Four Pillars, Connor is always up for a challenge and loves learning. His passion for problem-solving has propelled him to take on various leadership roles throughout campus.

What initially attracted Connor to EHS was its unparalleled Boys Volleyball program. Connor has been leading the team as a setter since his freshman year, a position crucial to the team’s offense. Setters must have a delicate touch with the ball and great communications skills to get the rest of the team on the same page. Given Connor’s personality, it comes as no surprise he thrived in that role. History teacher and Head Varsity Boys Volleyball Coach Kerry Hofmeister noted that Connor’s ability to think critically and analyze enhanced the team’s performance. “Many times, on the court, he would come up with a solution or have a perspective that I did not see myself,” says Coach Hofmeister.

“I was always told that if you work hard, you will find reward, and I have taken that logic to heart.”

While you would see Connor on the court during volleyball season, you could also find him in the fine arts wing of campus. Most recently, he gave an electric and thrilling performance as the charismatic and smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn in the Spring Musical Chicago: High School Edition. When auditions came up, Connor knew this was his last chance to act on stage and challenge himself. “I knew the role of Billy Flynn was a character I could portray well,” explains Connor. “It is fun and interesting to act out another personality than my own.”

While some may have seen Connor for the first time on stage, he has served from behind-the-scenes as the stage manager for the last four years. “I love the stage-managing side of things,” notes Connor. “It is nice to make sure everything is going well and running smoothly for everyone.” Theatre Technical Director and Assistant 10th Grade Dean, Paul Revaz, believes that Connor’s support and clear vision have benefited the program immensely. “He has been a go-to for stagecraft, set building, and stage management,” describes Revaz. “He stops by to see if I need a hand after school or on weekends. What you saw in Chicago: High School Edition is the on-stage face of his hard work and talent.”

Moreover, Connor’s determination and passion are also evident in his academic course load. While he has thrived in most of his subjects, there is no denying his love for the sciences, especially chemistry and physics. Connor’s penchant for science has influenced him to attend Northwestern University and major in materials science and engineering upon graduation from EHS. Aside from Connor’s involvement across the Pillars, he is very active in on-campus programs, clubs, and honor societies, including Student Senate and the School’s newspaper, The Knight Times, to name a few. Connor has had a continuous presence with the newspaper and steadily worked his way through the ranks, starting as a staff writer, becoming the opinions editor, and, eventually, serving as the current co-editor-in-chief.

As someone with such an active schedule, one may wonder what sparks Connor’s drive. “A big motivation for me is hard work,” says Connor. “I was always told that if you work hard, you will find reward, and I have taken that logic to heart.”

And although Connor is a self-starter, he credits his close relationships with Mr. Hofmeister and Mr. Revaz for helping to shape him into the person he is today. “Mr. Hofmeister’s way of teaching about the world stood out to me because I felt like what I was learning mattered,” adds Connor. “And without Mr. Revaz, I am not sure who I would be right now because he has taught me in almost every facet of my life, and I greatly respect him for that.”

—Lauren West

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Bright Knights

FINDING A COMMUNITY: PASSION AND VULNERABILITY IN DIA Karma Elbadawy ’22

Senior Karma Elbadawy is what one might call busy. She is a member of Art, English, Math, and Spanish Honor Societies, Admissions Council, the Choices Advocacy Committee and CARE, a frequent competitor for Debate, a Knight Ambassador, and the editor of Photojournalism. Her involvement with Diversity in Action (DIA), however, is the one that rises to the top for her.

Karma has been involved with DIA all four years of high school—as a member, committee member, co-president, and now president. “Coming to EHS from an international school,” Karma explains, “it was important to me to find a community where I could be surrounded by people I can relate to and understand my struggles around ethnicity and religion. My freshman year I found that community within DIA.” She stuck with it and has been a part of its monumental growth in the last four years. Because of the members and steering committee, full of passionate students who want to help others—planning meetings, leading discussions, being vulnerable in a group of more than sixty—DIA has become a present, supportive group on campus. Karma adds, “I truly believe that the passion and vulnerability of our members is what makes the EHS DIA experience so special.”

In addition to DIA, her involvement across the school has made her high school experience a memorable one. “I have done a little bit of everything,” she says, “and I love trying new things. I would definitely recommend others to do the same.” Karma’s advisor, Alice Davidson, describes Karma as someone strong in academics, community, and service.

“She is involved in Model UN, World Affairs, SOS, Student Senate, and DIA. She is known to advocate and vocalize her support for Muslim women. She identifies problems and proposes solutions and wants to make a difference wherever she goes,” explains Davidson.

When contemplating what advice she would give to other students, Karma reflects on initially feeling like an outsider.

“Since I came to EHS knowing only one other person and many of my classes were with upperclassmen, I definitely had a tougher time transitioning into the School. But, for me, what made it easier was getting involved in various activities, the biggest ones being soccer and DIA. It can be difficult to enter a completely new and different environment, but I guarantee you that you will find your people. Though I struggled at first, I am so happy with where I am now and with the people I’m surrounded by—both students and teachers.” Karma adds, “As Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, ‘Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time,’ and I’ve seen that in my four years at EHS.”

“I truly believe that the passion and vulnerability of our members is what makes the EHS DIA experience so special.”

Her interest in photography has proved to be a passion for Karma during her time at EHS. She is pictured in this feature article with her 2020 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest Advanced Open Category third place win for “Red on the Water.” “This self-portrait is a part of my portfolio on what it means to be Muslim in America,” explains Karma.

While she is still deciding on where she will attend college, with her leadership skills and her tenacity, Karma is guaranteed to Stand Out in her years beyond EHS. —Emma Kate Tsai

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Bright Knights

BRAINS AND BRAWN

Cailen Graham ’22

You see it on printed materials, banners, and posters. “Find Your Inner Genius, Stand Out, This is Your Moment.”

Senior Cailen Graham lives it at Episcopal High School. When he stepped on campus his freshman year, Cailen made a commitment to remain true to himself by staying connected to his core values and faith.

“I did not know what to expect. I went to a public middle school where it was very diverse. I am not the person to try to fit in. A core value of mine is The Golden Rule: treat others as you want to be treated,” explains Cailen.

Cailen’s advisor, teacher, and coach, Alan Bradshaw ’99, says “Cailen is one of the most solid all-around kids I’ve been around at EHS. He is a true Four-Pillar student. I’m constantly impressed by his consistency and commitment to being an outstanding person.”

He participates in track and field, throws shot put and discus, plays basketball and football, is a member of Chorale, and is an active participant in the Diversity in Action student-led committee on campus. His sophomore year was the big moment. Cailen scored his first touchdown ever and helped the Knights capture the 2019 Football SPC Championship.

Then in his senior year, the Varsity Boys Basketball team won the 2022 Basketball SPC Championship. Cailen now has two championship rings with the Knights. “I feel like I have made my mark,” declares Cailen.

Cailen is often asked to speak in Chapel and was selected to represent EHS at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference two years in a row. He credits his mom with motivating him and never allowing himself to be held back.

“She pushes me to be the best person I can be. She pushes me to try new things and see what I do and don’t like,” explains Cailen.

“Cailen has been in Chorale for almost his entire time at EHS. He is one of the most musically accurate singers I have taught and has a lovely bass voice. He is also particularly knowledgeable about music theory. He is a tremendous asset to our choral program.”

—Chair of Performing Arts, Garmon Ashby The reference to a “Bright Knight” has many meanings at Episcopal High School. The Four-Pillar foundation gives students opportunities to find their own sense of belonging. That is no secret and something the School is proud to give students the chance to explore.

“Academics has always been number one for me. Because, after football, what’s next if you don’t have academics?

That was a priority for me when looking at colleges.” When touring college campuses, Cailen looked for a reputation for outstanding academic programs and a foundation in brotherhood. He found that at Episcopal and knew he wanted to surround himself with that type of community in college. That led him to commit to playing football at Washington and Lee University.

In a true Stand Out moment, Cailen answered the question, “How do you do it all?” His answer was time management, study in advance, be accountable, and don’t wait until the last minute. That wise beyond his years answer got the attention of the interviewer and certainly isn’t the first time Cailen’s words have made an impact on those around him.

“He is a man of few words but when he offers something, it is always well thought out, thought-provoking, and worth sharing. Every time I’ve gotten to work with Cailen, he has positively impacted me as much as I have him,” shared Associate Director of Admission and DIA Sponsor, Ayesha Spooner.

—Jessica Morales

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FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOUR TABLE

Veteran Food Service Staff Share Their Favorite Recipes There is no doubt that the food at EHS reigns supreme.

From the famous Chapel break snacks to the mouthwatering lunches, the culinary greatness of the Food Services staff fuels the School and brings us joy every day.

The lunchtime favorites that make our mouths happy and stomachs full could not be possible without the passion and dedication of the Food Services staff. Many of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have enjoyed the delicious talents of food service staff veterans Darlene Alexander, Maria Arias, Karen Broussard, and Gvahn Nelson. Shared between them is a combined 94 years of service to the School, and we are grateful to have them.

Every day you see a smile on their faces and can expect a warm conversation. Maria Arias, who oversees the salad bar, notes that it is a pleasure for her to be able to make connections with the students. “It makes me happy to see them every day and ask them how their day is going,” says Arias. “I also like to make sure they are eating something healthy.”

The lunch selection at EHS is unparalleled. There are more than three entrée choices every day, including vegan and gluten-free options. What makes the lunchtime experience unique is the option to try different cuisines, including some from around the world. Notably, the Food Services staff has prepared cuisines that celebrate Asian, Caribbean, African, and South American dishes for students to experience. For Food Services Director Susana Borges-Pasini, it is enjoyable for her to share her Venezuelan heritage through food. “I love being able to connect with people through food, especially recipes that I ate growing up,” says Borges-Pasini.

The expansion and renovation of the Underwood Student Center in 2018 provided the opportunity to accommodate our growing community and offer a wider selection of food and drinks with the creation of the Holstead Family Servery, the Flores Dining Hall, and the Forrest Place Café.

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From right to left: Karen Broussard, Darlene Alexander, Gvahn Nelson, Maria Arias, and Susana Borges-Pasini Borges-Pasini initially came to EHS ten years ago to head the food service operations and was attracted to EHS because of the opportunity to have creative liberty on the food made here. “I have a love for diverse cuisines, and I like to incorporate them to make our menus delicious and fun,” says Borges-Pasini.

Borges-Pasini is not the only person who cooks and shares personal recipes in the kitchen. Karen Broussard, who oversees vegetables and starches, has been cooking her mac and cheese for years. Anyone who has had Karen’s mac and cheese knows how good it is, especially when paired with buffalo chicken bites. “I like making traditional and the white cheddar mac and cheese,” says Broussard. “It is easy to make and is the perfect comfort food.”

In addition to the tasty entrées are the out-of-this-world decadent desserts. For Catering Coordinator Darlene Alexander it is the desserts and you guessed it...the brookie (a brownie cookie) that is her favorite EHS indulgence. “I love the brookies, especially when they are fresh out of the oven,” says Alexander. “They are just the perfect combination of soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside.”

It may come as no surprise that this is their passion.

Gvahn Nelson, who has cooked more than 25,000 meals in her tenure at EHS, believes that you have to love what you do to stay motivated. “I just love to cook, and it’s what I have always done,” says Nelson, who oversees the main entrées and soups. “I have been here for 26 years, and I would not have it any other way.”

Whether you have enjoyed Darlene’s chicken salad or Gvanh’s famous meatloaf, the meals they prepare are close to their hearts, their own personal recipes, or their favorites to prepare.

To spark a little nostalgia or inspire you to add to your recipe book, we happily share some of the dishes that make the Episcopal experience special! Bon appétit!

—Lauren West

BROOKIES

An iconic dessert at EHS, these chocolate brownie cookies will put a smile on anyone’s face and are easy to make. The brookie is a dessert connoisseur’s dream. Crispy and chewy. Doughy yet fully baked. Chocolatey and sweet.

Ingredients 1 box brownie mix 1 cup flour 3 eggs ⅓ cup oil ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling cookies in) Directions Preheat the oven to 350F. Mix together brownie mix, flour, eggs, and oil. The batter will be very thick by the time you are done mixing (you may even have to use your hands at the end). Pinch off a small amount of batter and roll into a ball. Roll ball in powdered sugar, being sure to cover completely. Set cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove cookies and let cool on wire rack.

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KAREN’S WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE

Karen Broussard’s creamy mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food! As a stand-alone entrée or side dish, this mac and cheese will be a hit at dinner! You can always add some tender buffalo chicken bites or bacon crumbles for some extra taste. Yummy!

Ingredients 8 ounces elbow pasta 5 cups water (for boiling) 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 ½ cups whole milk 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 teaspoons ground white pepper 1 pinch salt 1 cup white American cheese ¼ cup shredded white cheddar cheese Directions Bring water to a boil. Add elbow pasta and cook for 8 minutes or until macaroni is tender (al dente). Drain well then place in a large baking pan. Mix the pasta with vegetable oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. In a large pot, bring the milk and butter to a simmer. Be careful to not let it boil over. Add the white American cheese gradually and stir with a wire whisk until the cheese mixture is smooth. Add the ground white pepper and stir with a wire whisk. Add the cheese mixture to the macaroni and stir until the cheese mixture is fully combined. Top the macaroni with the shredded white cheddar and a pinch of salt. Bake in the oven at 350F for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Remove from oven and serve!

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CILANTRO HUMMUS

Full of freshness and zest, our cilantro hummus can be served as either a dip or a spread and pairs well with tortilla chips, carrot sticks, or pita bread.

Ingredients 1 can (15 ounce) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained 1 cup firmly packed, cilantro leaves 3 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ¼ cup water 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon cumin (optional) 1 pinch paprika 1 sprig fresh parsley, chopped Directions Place garbanzo beans, cilantro, tahini, olive oil, lemon water, garlic, and cumin into a food processor and process until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley. For thinner hummus, add about ¼ cup of water. After refrigeration it will thicken.

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INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN

A lunchtime favorite at EHS, you cannot go wrong with Indian butter chicken for lunch or dinner! The chicken curry recipe is packed with flavor and gives a delightful, savory aroma. Don’t forget to pair it with a steamy bowl of basmati or jasmine rice.

Ingredients Chicken Seasoning 1 ¾ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast cubed 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chili powder salt to taste Chicken Marinade 1 cup yogurt salt to taste 2 tablespoons garlic paste ½ tablespoon garam masala 2 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 tablespoons ginger paste 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil

Curry Sauce 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon garam masala 1 tablespoon ginger paste 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 1 tablespoon chopped green chile pepper 2 cups tomato puree 1 tablespoon chili powder salt to taste 1 cup water 1 tablespoon honey ½ teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves 1 cup heavy cream

Directions Preparing the Chicken: Place chicken in a non-porous glass dish or bowl with lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and salt. Toss to coat; cover the dish and refrigerate to marinate for 1 hour. Then drain yogurt in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes. Place in a medium bowl; mix in salt, garlic paste, garam masala, butter, chili powder, ginger paste, lemon juice, and oil. Pour yogurt mixture over chicken, replace the cover and refrigerate to marinate for another 3 to 4 hours. Preheat the oven to 400F. Place chicken on skewers.

Place skewers in a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until almost cooked through.

Preparing the Curry Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garam masala. When masala begins to crackle, mix in ginger paste, chopped garlic, and green chile peppers. Sauté until tender, then stir in tomato puree, chili powder, salt, and water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring in honey and fenugreek. Finally, place the chicken into the sauce mixture. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink inside. Stir in fresh cream. Enjoy!

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SUSANA’S AREPITAS (MINI-AREPAS) A main staple in Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama, arepas are cornmeal cakes that can be a full meal, side dish, or accompaniment. You can stuff arepas with meat, cheese, vegetables, eggs, or beans. Typically, arepas are cooked on a griddle, but can also be fried or baked. We hope you enjoy Susana Borges-Pasini’s cheesy arepitas (mini-arepas)!

Ingredients vegetable oil 1 ½ cups precooked cornmeal 1 ½ cups warm water 1 tablespoon butter ⅓ cup queso fresco 1 pinch salt Directions Combine the cornmeal, warm water, cheese, butter, and salt. Mix thoroughly and let mixture stand for 5 minutes. Kneed with your hands for about 3 minutes, moistening your hands with water as you work. Form 12 small balls with the dough. Place each ball between your palms, pressing to form a thick patty. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, then fry arepitas in 2 batches, turning over once, until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve with guacamole, hogao, chimichurri, or ají.

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LEGENDARY FIGURES

Alice Davidson, Michael Hunt, and Eric Lerch Reflect on Their Years with EHS Alice Davidson, Michael Hunt, and Eric Lerch sat down with Faculty Writer Emma Tsai to reflect on and celebrate rewarding careers with Episcopal and are looking forward to what comes next, albeit with emotions of connection to leading Knights.

Michael Hunt, Math Department Chair celebrating his twenty-fourth year, puts it eloquently: “Mathematics is to me a window into the very mind of God. Every day I’ve gotten to step to that window and invite young inquiring minds to join me there and take in the awesome view. When I think about the classroom, I don’t think about particular instances. I think about a daily sense of well-being that comes from students and those meetings at that window.”

For Eric Lerch, Ninth Grade Dean among many other roles, the classroom shapes his memories at EHS. He reflects, “The classroom stands out. It’s always interesting when students come back and they share what they remember, whether it was an activity, a role playing game, or other things in class. They’ll say ‘that was so fun,’ or ‘I loved the hard work for that research project.’ Sometimes a former student will come to me twelve years later and say, ‘I still know all about Bolivia because I did that project.’ I love those moments. I find it encouraging and affirming when students share those specific memories of the classroom.”

Alice Davidson, History teacher, is still in touch with a lot of alumni from the early days of her career, as she gets ready to wrap up her thirty-second year. “Alums make comments all the time about things they learned in class, but the one I hear most about is mapping the world by heart. It’s a project where ninth graders learned to draw the world by heart, all on a blank sheet of paper, longitudinally and latitudinally correct.

Many of them have their project framed. No one thinks they can do this when it’s first assigned. They’ll say, ‘You cannot draw every country of the world and have it be correct.’ These kids are fourteen and fifteen and they learn, yes, they can.

It gives them a real sense of accomplishment. Then they feel like they can do anything because they’ve already done something that’s considered impossible.”

Alice has loved teaching ninth grade. She remarks that students do sometimes forget her by the time they’re upperclassmen, but she would never want to swap. She adds, “I really believe it’s a very influential year for them—the mindset, how they’re still young enough to be junior high-ish, they’re not cool yet, they don’t quite know all the rules, but just obey most of them, the attitude. They’re still at an age where a lot of things can be fun, and they haven’t lost their interest in trying.”

When thinking about his legacy after he moves on to be the founding Head of School at a new middle school, Eric hopes they remember him as someone who is passionate and enthusiastic. He says, “I think the students remember Mr. Lerch’s loud volume, and they carry that with them, but I hope they also remember me as someone who cares about history, and what I’m teaching, and that Mr. Lerch cared about them as a person. That’s a legacy a lot of us would hope to have.”

Michael feels extraordinarily fortunate to have had exceptional math teachers in high school, and one in particular he tries to emulate every day. He says, “She sticks out in my mind because of the exposition she gave. She was so clear. She could make the most complicated concept easy to grasp. I hope that has rubbed off. I do get many calls and emails from alumni. They’ll tell me they’re taking calculus again and that they’re having to keep themselves awake because they feel so well prepared. It’s why you do this kind of thing.” continue reading>>

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Alice’s advice to other faculty members who will be here after her: “Take advantage of everything that’s here. There’s so much for faculty and students. Go to the kids’ games, go to the shows. Even if someone is not the best kid in your class, they might be really shocking somewhere else. Take the opportunity to see the kids shine somewhere here. The faculty get so much help here with different programs. Take advantage of all there is to offer.”

Eric adds that many of us go into this profession because we have a passion for a particular area, whether it’s math or history or English or science. “Those subjects are important, really powerful,” he says, “but ultimately the students are young human beings in need of mentorship and advice. Remember to keep the child and the overall growth of the person at the forefront. The individual subjects are just windows we use to communicate bigger lessons about life and the type of people we want to be in our lives.”

For Michael, as a math teacher, he considers how many of our students have not had historic success with mathematics. He says, “They’ll show up in plane trigonometry and I get to be a wilderness guide helping these kids make pathways where they would see impenetrable forest. In a certain sense, the strongest kids don’t need a teacher—it’s the kids who haven’t had a lot of success in math you can turn out. When I taught Algebra I, I saw the most progress. Kids would go from being someone who says I hate math to someone who says I didn’t realize I could do this. My advice to fellow faculty is come in and join the crowd and jump in the deep end. When a young person is learning how to swim in the deep end, you have several ways you can assist them if they get into trouble, but we ask our teachers get in and help them to the side of the pool. I’d recommend any new teacher perceive themselves as a leader.”

In this farewell interview, Michael, Alice, and Eric expressed gratitude for their time at EHS and know when next year begins they will miss the students, faculty, and staff. The feeling is mutual. From all of us at EHS, thank you for your time, commitment, and leadership.

—Emma Kate Tsai

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EHS DAY OF SERVICE 2022 Inaugural Event Creates Service Opportunity for Wider Community

At the heart of the School’s mission is to prepare students for meaningful lives in service to others. In March, we extended that mission to members of our EHS community. EHS invited students, family, faculty, and staff to participate in the inaugural EHS Day of Service at the Houston Food Bank.

The four-hour event had a great turnout, and volunteers sorted and assembled 12,500 pounds of food, totaling 10,400 meals delivered to families across Houston.

The first of its kind event was the idea of the students in the Service Achievement Program. The program requires students to lead a day of service, and they felt passionately about making it a community-oriented event. “Making this an event that is open to parents, siblings, and teachers was their idea entirely,” says Dean of Spiritual Life Rev. Beth Holden. “It was a great event, and we had a lot of fun.”

The Student Achievement Program is an optional year-long program designed to motivate students to participate in service projects and take on leadership roles. Seniors who complete the program are represented by a special cord worn at graduation.

We are incredibly grateful to all the students, families, faculty, and staff who came, and we hope to see you for next year’s EHS Day of Service!

—Lauren West

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MOMENTS

Abigail Klinkerman ’22, portraying Velma Kelly, and company perform the opening “All That Jazz” in the Spring Musical “Chicago: High School Edition.”

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Q+A with EHS Teachers

Pop Quiz turns the table on teachers and asks them to respond to 10 quick questions. Their enthusiastic responses reveal the values, quirks, and interests that make them so effective in teaching EHS students.

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GARMON ASHBY

Performing Arts Department Chair, Musical Theatre Teacher, Chapel Planning Committee Garmon Ashby was born at St Mark’s, a mission station in rural South Africa. He grew up in a small university city in South Africa and went to school in Grahamstown. Mr. Ashby’s parents were British missionaries who went to South Africa to serve in the Anglican church and remained there for much of the latter 20th century. After grade school, Mr. Ashby attended St Andrew’s College, an Anglican (“Episcopal”) prep school for boys. He then went on to Rhodes University, South Africa, where he earned his Bachelor of Music, Licentiate Diplomas in School Music and organ performance.

He didn’t stop there, also attending Yale University, where he received his Master of Music and Artist’s Diploma, in choral conducting. Those experiences led him to EHS in 2011. Outside of his Chapel, performing arts, and musical theatre responsibilities, Mr. Ashby enjoys trying new cuisines, traveling, and being outdoors. He has five siblings and 14 nieces and nephews living on four continents and in seven countries.

What’s on your playlist?

Constantly changing, but today: Elton John’s Greatest Hits 19702002; Dire Straits “Love Over Gold”; several recordings of Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater”; Vaughan Williams’ “Mass in G Minor” What was the first concert you attended?

The first I can (vaguely) remember was Mozart’s opera “Marriage of Figaro.”

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you pick for a career?

I’d be a park ranger.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Past students who have gone on to live richer lives because of the musical experience I have been able to share with them at school.

Do you have a favorite app or tech gadget?

My Sous Vide machine.

Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired your career?

My first music teacher, choir director, and organ teacher, Jill Westcott.

If you could travel back in time, what period of history would you choose?

The Baroque era (on the condition I never had medical needs...is that allowed?).

What do you most respect about your students?

Their imagination, the care and respect many of them show others, and their willingness to be their authentic selves even when it’s not easy.

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

Welsh lamb.

What do you most respect about your colleagues?

Their never-ending passion and adaptability, especially over these past two years, to create remarkable opportunities for their students.

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KATE LIANG

National Chinese Honor Society Sponsor, Chinese-Mandarin Teacher Kate Liang spent most of her young life in Taiwan. She grew up in Taichung and attended high school in Miaoli before attending university in Taipei, Taiwan, where she earned her degree in mass communication. She later received her M.S. degree from Sam Houston State University.

Ms. Liang’s parents and two of her brothers still live in Taiwan. Her older sister settled in Australia with her husband. Ms. Liang joined us at EHS in 2015 and has won the hearts of her students ever since. She teaches all levels of Chinese-Mandarin, sponsors the National Chinese Honor Society, Chinese Club, and Asian Pop Culture Club. When she isn’t working, she is either hiking, trying new restaurants and foods, reading, or spending time with friends.

What’s on your playlist?

Chinese songs on the TOP 500 list, Lite music, K-pop hits.

What was the first concert you attended?

Andy Lau. Lau is an actor, singersongwriter, presenter, and film producer. He has been one of Hong Kong’s most commercially successful film actors and singers since the mid-1980s.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you pick for a career?

I would like to be in the business world.

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What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest moment was when I finished graduate school.

If you could travel back in time, what period of history would you choose?

The Tang Dynasty.

Do you have a favorite app or tech gadget?

Google Maps.

What do you most respect about your colleagues?

How they help their students succeed.

Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired your career?

Elaine is my best friend, a particularly important person, and a substantial influence in my life.

What do you most respect about your students?

Their ability to take criticism and learn from it.

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

I would choose my mom’s sweet and sour fish.

ALAN BRADSHAW ’99

Co-Director of Independent Study, Economics and Government Teacher, Football and Lacrosse Coach Faithful alum, Alan Bradshaw is a native Houstonian. He graduated from “the best high school in the world, Episcopal High School” in 1999. After graduation, he headed to Denison University where he received his B.A. in history with a minor in economics. He returned to teach at his alma mater, EHS, in 2008. Mr. Bradshaw teaches AP Macro and Microeconomics, and economics and government in Summer School. He is also the co-director of Independent Study. Outside of the classroom, you will catch him on the field coaching football and lacrosse. Beyond the EHS campus, Mr. Bradshaw says his fiveyear-old son Bear and three-year-old daughter Brooklyn keep him VERY busy.

What’s on your playlist?

It varies a lot but right now it looks like George Clinton, Blaze Foley, Joyner Lucas, The Rolling Stones, and Dennis Wilson are on my most recent Spotify listens.

What was the first concert you attended?

‘Weird Al’ Yankovic at AstroWorld.

It was on the “Smells like Nirvana” tour. Sadly, I never had the chance to see Nirvana live but I guess ‘Weird Al’ was a decent substitute.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you pick for a career?

I’d choose to be in private finance.

Do you have a favorite app or tech gadget?

I’m pretty popular on TikTok. Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired your career?

Sure did! I would credit all the great teachers I had at EHS with inspiring my career. I also get to work with some of them, cool deal, right?

If you could travel back in time, what period of history would you choose?

There’s no time like the present, but I would like to maybe have seen the 1971 Mint 400. Since you’re offering up your time machine, maybe we could also visit every heavyweight title fight…ever.

What do you most respect about your colleagues?

My colleagues are fantastic educators who create an amazing learning environment for the kids here at EHS. What do you most respect about your students?

They’re all around amazing and I learn something new from them every day.

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

Break cookies and chocolate milk.

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Feature

REALIZING THE VISION TO EMPOWER THE FUTURE Q&A with Chief Development Officer Allie Nikolaisen Allie Nikolaisen joined EHS as the Chief Development Officer in late 2021. With more than 20 years of non-profit development experience, Allie works alongside our Development Board Committee and a team of dedicated staff in the Development department. We hope you enjoy this Q&A as Allie shares her dedication to supporting the mission of Episcopal High School, its students, and the community.

Tell us a little about your career path and what led you to EHS. I’ve worked in development for 20 years, exclusively in the visual arts. After becoming a parent in 2018, my focus and priorities shifted, and the mission of EHS—preparing students for meaningful lives in service to others—inspired me to align my skill set with my personal outlook on the world. The opportunity to play a small part in shaping a responsible and compassionate global community for the next generation is a professional honor.

Why EHS? What speaks to you?

EHS’s commitment to the whole student—to celebrate and support young people through the Four Pillars—is such a unique and joyful educational approach. I love that there’s a place for everyone to find and develop their interests and strengths at EHS. I see it on campus every day—students thriving and being recognized for who they are, as they are.

Where do you see EHS in 5-10 years?

We’re in a strong position to fully realize the 2014 Master Plan by building both the Visual and Performing Arts Center and the new Benitez Chapel through the School’s current campaign.

The Board of Trustees is an amazing group of committed individuals who are championing our work and leading by example through their generosity and commitment. We’re so thrilled to bring the entire EHS community along for this exciting next chapter. It is because of the students and families we’ve known before that we now enjoy such a spectacular campus, unparalleled resources, and state-of-the-art facilities.

The willingness of so many to ensure our future is just as bright for those still to come, is truly remarkable. We will be successful because of the love and advocacy this community demonstrates time and time again. To help realize this vision is a true privilege for me.

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How do you motivate people?

I believe in everyone’s ability to lead from any chair.

Each person on this team has a voice, and the individual expertise they bring to the Development table is what makes us successful. When we feel empowered and respected by each other—even when we may disagree—we succeed in our shared goals.

When you walk across campus, what stands out to you and makes you think “This is EHS!”?

Oh, the list is too long. But I can say, every morning on my walk to the Lynda K. Underwood Student Center for coffee (admittedly my third cup most days!), I pass by the dance studios, the Library, the Alkek Gym, and the Benitez Chapel.

And every day I see students genuinely enjoying and engaging in activities across campus. It is a vibrant community, and that spirit and enthusiasm are palpable. I couldn’t ask for a better or more inspiring place to spend my days.

What do you do in your free time?

When I’m not working, I just enjoy lying low. I’m an introvert at heart (which is ironic given my line of work), but I love hanging out in pajamas around the house. My husband, Tom, is an artist, and my daughter, Molly, just celebrated her 4th birthday.

We love museum hopping, movies, takeout, and snuggling with our pets—our dog, Potato Chips, and our two cats, Andrew and Poppy. I take Pilates four times a week, but I’d be lying if I said I loved it. It’s a necessary evil at this stage in the game.

Tell us about an interesting trip you took. A vacation or trip that really meant a lot to you.

My aunt spent her entire adult life as a missionary in Beirut and Gaza. My mom and I visited her several times while she lived there in the 1990s and it is an incredible part of the world—such rich history and culture. And the people were wonderful. I hope to take Molly back one day and show her the place where such a strong woman in her life served a purpose so much bigger than herself. My aunt was, and remains, the definition of strength, service, and beauty.

Have you ever met someone famous?

Fame is subjective, but I’ve had meaningful encounters with several people who have influenced my life in meaningful ways. Jenny Holzer, Andrew Solomon, and last but never least, George Michael (who was less than impressed when I shared that I named my late dog after him).

If you could travel back in time, what period of history would you choose?

I am a child of the 90s and my nostalgia for that time runs deep. The dELIA*s catalogs, butterfly clips, Doc Martens, flannels for days, and sooooo much bad self-penned poetry (mostly about a busboy I met while working at my dad’s restaurant one summer—just in case I wasn’t a walking cliché already). When I was 16 years old, I used to stop in the same convenience store (RIP, Little Jennifer’s!) by my house every weeknight to buy a large fountain Coke and a family-size bag of Funyuns. And then I would drive aimlessly around my neighborhood listening to Prince, Mazzy Star, Pink Floyd (Meddle, TYVM), Bikini Kill, and Radiohead on repeat for hours. It sounds silly to say, but that ritual still brings up so many happy memories and feelings for me. It is the portrait of my youth and to this day when I go home to Fort Worth, I make time to drive around and listen to music by myself just like I did back in the day. Long live the 90s!!!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

In the wise words of Beyonce, “Houston, Texas, baby!”.

I’m where I’m meant to be.

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Alumni Weekend

ALUMNI WEEKEND Honoring Years Ending with 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, 7

After two years away, EHS alumni returned to campus to reminisce about their time as students and explore the campus. Alumni from decades of class years joined in the festivities and enjoyed an extraordinary food and spirit pairing from Jackson & Company.

In addition to honoring reunion years ending in 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, the evening included a presentation for the Hexagon Distinguished Faculty and Staff Alumni Weekend Award. This award recognizes current and former faculty and staff members who have cultivated Episcopal High School ideals and have made a significant impact on the School. The 2022 award went to Alice Davidson, for her passion, servant’s heart, love for EHS, and all her students.

Head of School Mr. Ned Smith ended the evening with a toast to the group reminding them that we may have new and updated spaces on campus, but the culture and spirit remain because of our outstanding alumni.

—Ashley Long Save the Date: Alumni Weekend 2023 is April 14-15.

We hope to see you there!

Hexagon Distinguished Faculty and Staff Alumni Weekend award recipient Ms. Alice Davidson (left) and her daughter, Emily Davidson ’12, celebrate her accomplishment in Benitez Chapel.

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Alumni Spotlight

KATE MCLEAN ’03

The Fine Dining Dance

2003 EHS graduate Kate McLean earned her degree in business and marketing. Her career began in restaurants in Boulder, Colorado. From an early start, as a prep cook at a Colorado resort, she quickly rose through the ranks, working first as a line cook “cooking burgers and pizza” and then ultimately landing a job at the famous Dahlia Lounge in Seattle, Washington. She traveled to Provence, France where she learned from a classically-trained French chef.

It was there she developed her knowledge and skill in haute cuisine. In December of 2010, she auditioned with restaurateur Tony Vallone. She got the job and worked as the restaurant’s sous-chef for nearly three years before being promoted to Tony’s Chef de Cuisine. In 2017, she left to explore different food-related opportunities.

McLean tended bar, was a podcast host, wrote on a variety of subjects for the Houston Press, and worked for the Food Bank in Sunnyside, eventually running the Food Bank’s supersites at NRG and George Bush International Airport. While at the latter, she earned her forklift license and organized fundraising events for nonprofits such as Urban Harvest and I’ll Have What She’s Having.

In February of this year, McLean returned to Tony’s as executive chef and partner. “I love my job so much,” she said.

“The precision, professionalism, but really it is the hustling alongside a strong management team, back and front house operator, and our catering department. We are all constantly collaborating and working to please our guests. Fine dining is this beautiful dance between food, wine, and service. It’s going the extra mile and it’s fun! I don’t think of fine dining as stuffy,” McLean said.

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A typical day at the restaurant involves implementing and preparing new items for the menu; meeting with vendors, clients, and coworkers; tasting the sauces; and making sure it all runs smoothly. “There are many aspects to the business of Tony’s, so my days vary with those tasks, and they all make me happy. When I can just cook, just pure cooking, that’s really, really nice. Or hang on the line in the middle of service, what a treat,” says McLean. “Cooking is very fast-paced, and I am ambitious in how I plan my day, so I am in constant motion moving from task to task.”

Reflecting on a creative writing assignment she wrote in high school, she always imagined having a fast-paced, exciting career. “Mrs. Becker said you have one page to write a story about yourself 10 years in the future. So, there I was living in France, by the sea, eating cheeseburgers and drinking champagne for lunch and later attending my boyfriend’s club opening where we danced until the sun came up. My life isn’t exactly that, but I have the freedom to live in the way I choose, and I am happy.”

She believes her greatest accomplishment has been returning to Tony’s as executive chef and partner, and the opportunity she has to continue in Tony Vallone’s style. She says “In my opinion, the Tony Vallone style is two things. First, is making delicious food, serving the world’s best wine, and doing it with thoughtful table service. The second is being genuine with our guests.”

—Ashley Long

Photo by Andrew Hemingway

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COLLIER CROUCH ’00

Alumni Spotlight

U.S. Navy Commander Living a Life in Service Commander Collier Crouch, Class of 2000, is living a meaningful life in service to others. As a Commander in the United States Navy, he exemplifies Episcopal High School’s mission honoring the U.S. Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment while he is sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Cmdr. Crouch is currently the Executive Officer of Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific, and will become the Commanding Officer in August. When asked about his extensive naval career, Crouch said, “I’ve had so many jobs over the past 18 years in the military that it is hard to fit them into a short narrative. I’m a fighter pilot with more than 2,500 hours in the F/A-18 Super Hornet with over 550 arrested landings on board numerous aircraft carriers, but I’m also a qualified test pilot, where I designed and tested software and weapons for our fleet.”

Crouch explained that the Navy is very technical, and it takes four years to train a pilot in the basic operation of the aircraft and another three years to be fully combat capable. “We are always training, improving our tactics and procedures, and integrating new systems and capabilities into our aircraft. Squadrons will go through a year of training prior to deployment onboard an aircraft carrier.” His command is responsible for training the West Coast Strike-Fighter fleet in advanced tactics, weapons employment, and ordinance procedures; 23 squadrons, 350 aircrews, and 2,300 ground personnel, ultimately preparing them for combat deployments.

The command has about 70 people.

Thinking back on his time at EHS, he recalls that he fully embraced the Four Pillars and was involved in activities and clubs, but for him, the best part was the teachers and staff.

“Looking back on my time at EHS, my teachers were more mentors than instructors. I developed a personal relationship with the majority of the faculty and staff at the school,” he said.

“I knew they were invested in my success at EHS and in the future and that continues today, more than 20 years later.”

Crouch is quick to point out that he doesn’t like to focus on the ideas of awards but on the lasting impacts he has been a part of. Though he has accomplished an incredible amount during his military career, a few accomplishments stand out. He advised the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (OUSD(P)) in the development of

a congressionally-mandated DoD Civilian Harm Mitigation Instruction where he worked with 12 global Non-Governmental Organizations, like the International Red Cross, to educate the public on DoD policies and compliance with the Laws of Armed Conflict. He also synchronized changes to six major issuances that enacted policies to further protect non-combatants, significantly enhancing public trust. He credits Mr. Becker’s ethics class as the basis for every ethical challenge he has faced.

As a Test Pilot, he designed, tested, evaluated, and reported on two major software suite upgrades for more than 800 F/A-18 Hornet aircrafts where he corrected more than ten major show-stopping deficiencies prior to operational testing and fleet release. The software is currently in use worldwide, supporting operations.

The Navy has taken him to many places including Japan for more than six years split across two periods as a part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF). He deployed onboard three separate aircraft carriers for a total of six deployments across the Western Pacific. In addition to Japan, he has visited Wake Island; Iwo Jima; Singapore; and South Korea, which included a trip five feet into North Korea at the demilitarized zone; Hong Kong; Australia; Guam; and New Zealand.

He piloted solo across the Pacific from Japan to California in a single seat fighter jet. “There is not a lot of room in a single-seat aircraft, but it has a great view with its bubble canopy. It’s generally quiet when you aren’t aerial refueling and you have a lot of time to think. You get a real sense for the size of the world and the vast distances involved in traversing the oceans.”

Cmdr. Crouch and his wife Denise live in Lemoore, California, at the Navy’s West Coast Master Jet Base and have two daughters, Cesley, Claire, and Camille.

—Ashley Long

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THE LAST WORD After 33 years at EHS as English teacher, Academic Dean, and Associate Head of School, Nancy Eisenberg is retiring and offers a Last Word.

Walking from my office one afternoon in early spring, I found myself thinking about my final semester of teaching after a multi-year career, and as I reflected on the fall English seminar—the intensive, intimate work with my 13 charges— something just didn’t feel right. Had my students and I had not quite synched up? Had we not meshed? Senior year is challenging, particularly with the pandemic, and I worried that I had missed my chance, that I hadn’t been able to “get them.”

After decades of planning and encouraging and discussing and assessing, after starting out as an elementary school substitute teacher in Houston’s third and fifth wards and ending up as Associate Head of Episcopal High School, my nearly half century’s worth of intuition told me—unsentimentally and certainly—that I had failed.

Ruminating on my shortfall, I bumped into Caylon, one of those seniors I felt I had shortchanged, and I was honest. “Caylon,” I hesitated, “I feel like last semester I got it wrong. That we—as a class—as teacher and students—never fully connected.”

Caylon’s bright eyes perked up immediately and she smiled a huge Texas smile. “Ms. Eisenberg!” she gushed, “We totally connected! You just let us be ourselves!”

Thanks be to God—and to EHS. In my moment of doubt, Caylon reminded me of what I have been doing (or aiming to do) all these years: letting students—and adults—be themselves, all while inviting them into new ways of thinking, working, and living. That’s been my job as a teacher, school leader, colleague, mentor, friend, and even parent. I haven’t always been perfect at it. But I have loved every minute.

Granted, it was hard to let those tattle-taling third graders be themselves all those years ago, and it was challenging, too, when, some years later, I had to fail a talented HISD sophomore for reasons I neither fully understood nor endorsed. That’s why, 13 years into my career, I was excited and a little nervous to embark on Bishop Benitez and the founders’ grand experiment on Bissonnet. For this was a school where letting students be

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themselves—all while inviting them into the ways and means of the Four-Pillar mission—was at the heart of everything we did.

In fact, it is that mission that has kept me here all these years. Students discovering and developing their talents in an inclusive and joyful Christian community. Preparing them for meaningful lives in service to others. As an Episcopal school, EHS recognizes the dignity and worth of each individual, which means that we embrace differences and different ways of seeing the world. Central to the mission is the belief that each child is created in the image of God. Each child is to be known and loved, and the talents and capabilities of each are to be nurtured and celebrated. In the Episcopal tradition, we are encouraged to use individual understanding, intellect, and experience to make sense of scripture, to understand God and the things He has created, and to question what has been “handed down.” As an Episcopal school, therefore, EHS nurtures inquiry, dialogue, and debate.

Teachers create collaborative environments, posing questions to which they sometimes have no answers, and encouraging students to observe, reflect, explore, challenge, and defend.

My memories, though, are mostly about students. As an English teacher in the early days, I was very particular about the arrangement of the classroom. The student desks had to be arranged diagonally facing toward the center on two sides of the room and fairly close together to promote discussion. I remember one May, as school was about to close for the year, my juniors, the future Class of 1994, moved the furniture from the entire classroom—teacher desk, student desks, bookshelves, podium—to the lawn outside the classroom, set up perfectly, just how I liked it!

I remember the boys from the Class of ’92 who donned tuxedos and showed up at my ten-year-old daughter’s Bellaire movie theater birthday party, and waking early one Saturday morning to find two girls from the Class of ’94 raking the leaves in my front yard. I remember Arts Day in the late ’80s when we, students, and faculty, made and flew kites together, and Humanities Day when we attempted to teach students about free speech and ended up on the 6:00 news.

Nancy’s last class.

Last fall after Reverend Grace’s Founders’ Day homily on the light (I suspect, by the way, that he was a perp in the Spring ’93 furniture heist!), I asked my students to write about their own light and how they share it. Predictably, I was asked about mine, but on the spot, I found the answer easy. “My light is my love of language,” I answered, “and I share it each day in this classroom with you as you share yours with all of us.” In other words, as Caylon so perceptively noted, we are all ourselves.

And maybe that’s what all these years have been about. Whether it was through the exploration of Whitman and Dickinson or Morrison and Wilson, really the class was about the young men and women sitting in those desks in front of me. About their responses to and interactions with the words on the page, the characters and struggles and ideas played out in all those poems and novels and plays. It was through the texts that my students tested their own ideas and their burgeoning senses of self and place in the world and that we built a community, a safe space to which everyone belonged.

As English teachers, we are in the business of ensouling students, of lighting the fires that develop their souls, of building spirit and the consciousness of spirit. All those years of reading Beloved were not about the characters Sethe and Baby Suggs and Paul D. They were really about my students—Jimmy and Victoria and Quatera and Bria and Morgan and so many others. About how Morrison’s words changed us, tunneled deep down into our souls and transformed us—in different ways—from what we had been the moment before. The novel may have ended, but the images and ideas remained with us, becoming a part of who we are. And who these students are and will become matters. It’s all that matters. “You let us be ourselves,” Caylon said. In fact, EHS lets us be ourselves. Insists that we be ourselves. From its founding in 1983 through the third year of the School when I arrived, to this day, EHS is about recognizing and celebrating the dignity of each individual student and providing a loving community in which all of our students can be the best versions of themselves. To have been a part of that, I shall be forever grateful.

—Nancy Laufe Eisenberg

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Megan Knight ’22 (left) and Caroline Rootes ’22 (right) give an acoustic performance of Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” during the spring talent show Coffeehouse.

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2021 ‑ 2022 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairman The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle Executive Chair A. Haag Sherman Frances Alexander, Shelley Torian Barineau, Jane Johnson Dabney, Emerson K. Hankamer, Sr., Terri Havens, Andrew B. Hawthorn ’91, Thad Hill, Richard A. Howell ’01, Elizabeth K. Howley, Simmi Jaggi, Jenna Junell, Alecia Lawyer, Clay Manley, George O. McDaniel III, Joel Moore, Laurie N. Morian, Charles H. Prioleau, William Randall, Ned Smith, James E. Taussig, The Very Rev. Barkley Thompson, Duncan K. Underwood ’89, Kent Wallace, John Weinzierl, James Whitehead ’94 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, The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, William F. Galtney Jr., Melinda Budinger Hildebrand, Richard A. Howell ’01, Victor A. Kormeier Jr., Clay Manley, William Randall, A. Haag Sherman, Ned Smith, Lynda Knapp Underwood, John Weinzierl, James Whitehead ’94, Randa Duncan Williams † deceased

LEADERSHIP Head of School Ned Smith Associate Head of School Nancy Laufe Eisenberg Dean of Arts and Innovation Jay Berckley

Director of Finance and Operations Evelyn Cambria Director of Athletics Jason Grove Dean of Spiritual Life The Rev. Beth Holden

Director of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion Wayne Jones Chief Development Officer Allie Nikolaisen

Dean of Faculty Nguyet Xuan Pham Principal Kim Randolph

PILLARS MAGAZINE TEAM Director of Communications Jessica Morales Faculty Writer Emma Kate Tsai

Contributors Chris Bailey Photography Nancy Laufe Eisenberg Mauro Gomez Jason Grove

Ashley Long Jessica Morales Emma Kate Tsai Lauren West

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Photography and Graphic Design Lauren West

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