5 minute read
Pop Quiz
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.
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 1970‑ 2002; 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 colleagues?
Their never‑ending passion and adaptability, especially over these past two years, to create remarkable opportunities for their students.
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.
KATE LIANG
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, singer‑ songwriter, 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.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest moment was when I finished graduate school.
Do you have a favorite app or tech gadget?
Google Maps.
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.
If you could travel back in time, what period of history would you choose?
The Tang Dynasty.
What do you most respect about your colleagues?
How they help their students succeed.
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.
