9 minute read
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.
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.”
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.”
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
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
