J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2 N ewsletter Episcopal Collegiate School Earns Service Award From SAES
NATIONAL MERIT HONORS Congratulations to seniors (second from left) Anna Wilbourn, Sam Thoma, Ellie McDonough, and Maggie Beetstra on being named National Merit Semifinalists, scoring in the top 1% of students in Arkansas taking the qualifying PSAT during their junior year. Senior Kelsey Brass (left) was named a National Merit Commended student. VARSITY VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS EARN POST-SEASON AWARDS In recognition of their stellar contributions to Varsity Volleyball, (left to right pictured with Coach Monty Smith) Junior Olivia Rawlings, Sophomore Brooke Davis, and Senior Maddie Vollers were named to the All-Conference team. Brooke and Olivia were also selected for the All-State team, and Maddie was selected for the All-State Tournament team based on her tournament performance with 14 kills and 7 blocks. Brooke also set two team records with 20 digs in a game (in two games!) and 257 total digs for the season.
Left to right: Joy Schultz, Lisa Conyer, Steve Hickman
Episcopal Collegiate received the Ken Bastian Service Award for Outstanding Community Service from the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools, SAES, one of the school’s two accrediting agencies. This award is presented annually to a member school which has created an exemplary program of community service or service learning. Head of School Steve Hickman commented, “Every current student and teacher as well as the many young people and teachers who have come before us helped our school receive this distinction. I cannot think of a better glimpse into the soul of our school than what this award represents.” Information on our community service efforts was compiled by US English teacher Lisa Conyer (Interact Faculty Sponsor) and US Art teacher Joy Schultz (Homes for Haiti Sponsor).
STUDENTS RACK UP AWARDS AT ARKANSAS STUDENT CONGRESS Students (left to right) Jacob Rowell, Sonia Helen Pascale, Ned Garrett, Ben Winter, Edward Thompson, Houston Downes, Dara Rowell, and Ned Curran, along with Coach Martene Mourning, attended the state-wide Student Congress in November. The students worked diligently writing bills and researching proposed legislation. At the competition, they ran for legislative offices, debated bills using parliamentary procedure, and came away with numerous awards.
Back row: Coach Andrea Richmond, Maggie Beetstra, Steele Strauss, Bo Turney, Jeff McIntyre, Trent Brandon, Coach Jerry Reese Front row: Sonia Helen Pascale, Laura Lanier, Mary Grace Munson, Elsie Pugh
VARSITY TENNIS TEAMS TOPS IN STATE Congratulations Episcopal Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Tennis team members on achieving top honors at the State Tennis Tournament. This is the fifth consecutive win for the Varsity Boys’ team, which has won the State title in eight of the last nine years, and the fourth consecutive win for the Varsity Girls’ team. Trent Brandon is the Boys’ Singles State Champion for the second year, and Boys’ Doubles State Champions are Bo Turney and Jeff McIntyre. Maggie Beetstra is the Girls’ Singles State Champion for the fourth time and Elsie Pugh is the State Runner-up. Laura Lanier and Steele Strauss were named State Girls’ Doubles Champions.
Varsity Boys Golf Team Named 3A State Champs For the second time in three years, our Varsity Boys’ Golf team won the State 3-A Golf Tournament. Team members were (from left) Foster Pollock, Edward Thompson, Coach Jerry Reese, William Pollock and Conley Hurst. Junior Conley Hurst was the Medalist for the second year in a row, shooting an even par 72. Conley, William, and Edward were named to the All-State team.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
FACULTY FOCUS
Maggie Beetstra
STAN WHITTLESEY
“I grew up in West Hartford, CT, and graduated from Trinity College in Hartford with a bachelor’s degree in 1989 and a master’s in 1990, both in mathematics. I began my teaching career at The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT, and then moved to Casady School in Oklahoma City, where I remained for the next decade. From Oklahoma I moved to Episcopal High School in Houston. With over 12 years of experience in the classroom, I moved to Little Rock to join Episcopal Collegiate. I was honored and delighted to be named the 2011 recipient of the Jackson T. Stephens Award for Outstanding Faculty. I was a little overwhelmed with this recognition, but I am looking forward to applying the monetary component of the award on a continued educational opportunity! One interesting common denominator of my last three positions is daily chapel. Daily chapel helps center the life of a school in a way that uniquely supports students and faculty through their daily triumphs and challenges. Chapel reminds us that our gifts and sustenance ultimately come from God, and provides time to rest, reflect, and learn from one another through prayers, speeches and artistic performances. I believe our model of education continues to be one of our nation’s best-kept secrets.”
Maggie is a most accomplished young woman. In her senior year, in addition to serving as President of the Honor Council and President of the Math Club, she also serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society and serves as a member of the Episcopal Collegiate School Headmaster’s Council. She tutors students, teaches Sunday school, and finds time to volunteer for a variety of organizations. She excels in athletics, achieving State Finalist status in the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award program, serving as the Girls’ Varsity Tennis team captain, winning the State 3A Girls’ Tennis Singles Championship and receiving All-State honors in each of her four years on the Varsity team. Last summer she served as a Stella Boyle Smith Summer Science Scholar at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This year, Maggie has been named a National Merit Semifinalist and a College Board AP Scholar with Distinction. According to Maggie, “As I reflect upon my years at Episcopal, I am most grateful for the outstanding faculty and administrators who always encourage me to reach my full potential. I know that each and every member of this community genuinely cares for me and wants me to succeed in all of my endeavors.”
Awards and Achievements
Awards and Achievements
2011 Jackson T. Stephens Award for Outstanding Faculty Recipient Founding member of Episcopal Collegiate School’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society Varsity Quiz Bowl Coach Five Class 3A Quiz Bowl championships in six consecutive appearances at the televised state final National Honor Society Sponsor and Senior Class Sponsor Upper School Math Teacher
National Merit Semifinalist Girls’ Tennis 3A State Singles Champion for the 4th year in a row President of the Honor Council Stella Boyle Smith Summer Science Scholar at Arkansas Children’s Hospital One of 20 State Finalists for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Memorial Trophy Award which recognizes top student-athletes from around the country
Left: Hunter Brown ‘08, Will McLeane ‘08 Right: Jason Joyner ‘06, Lauren Hampton ‘05, Jonathan Joyner ‘04.
ALUMNI CHRISTMAS GATHERING LOWER SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTIONS
Over 40 alumni attended a mini-holiday reunion on campus in the US Hussman Commons. They were joined by faculty and members of the Class of 2012.
Audiences were enthralled with Christmas performances by our Lower School students. Under the direction of Mrs. Karen Clark, students in Pre-K through 1st grade presented a delightful musical rendition of Silent Mice, Holy Mice (above), an imagining of the creative impetus for the writing of “Silent Night.” In two performances later in the day, our 2nd through 5th grade students presented a musical telling of the story of Jesus’ birth in Miracle at Bethlehem (below, left).
Left: David Liem ‘07, Ms. Ashley Honeywell, Randall Johnston ‘05, Sarah Richardson ‘06 Right: Kyrie Culberson ‘10, Kim Elliott ‘10, Ms. Mary Cameron
CHRISTMAS CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT
6TH GRADE RELIGION PRESENTS “STORY OF CHANUKAH” During Middle and Upper School Chapel on December 8th, Mrs. Sandra Curtis’ 6th grade religion students shared a delightful skit which explained the origins of the Jewish celebration of Chanukah (above, right).
CHRISTMAS Celebrations
choir, orchestra, Alumni and theater productions
Our festive Christmas Concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church featured performances by the Orchestra, 6th grade Chorale, Middle School Chorus, Upper School Concert Choir, and the newly-formed Men’s Glee Club. Solo performances included Junior Conley Hurst on piano and Senior Kelly Singer on vocals. LESSONS AND CAROLS Our Middle and Upper School Chapel of Lessons and Carols helped get our community into the true spirit of the season. Father John Childress began with a Litany of Thanksgiving, followed by nine lessons spoken by selected staff and students. Each lesson was followed in succession by a hymn or carol sung by the Upper School Concert Choir; 6th Grade Chorus; Middle School Episcopal Chorus; Lower School students Caroline Ewy, Holdyn Hoskyn and Madison Perry; our newly-formed Men’s Glee Club; Senior Kelly Singer; and the new Faculty Chorus. Following the Lessons and Carols Chapel, a reception was held for alumni parents.
Middle School
education on politics, science and healthcare
In September, Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Robert Brown visited Mrs. Lara Beard’s 8th Grade American/Arkansas History classes. Justice Brown led a discussion that focused on several concepts that had been covered in class, including separation of powers, limited government, and the foundational principles of the US Constitution. The 8th graders had a chance to ask questions and to participate in hypothetical scenarios. Lower School In Mrs. Bridges’ Lower School Science, third grade students conducted a blind taste-test using the scientific method to determine if they could tell the difference between various water samples (tap, distilled, generic bottled, Episcopal-brand bottled.) The answer is "yes," they can tell a difference, but they also had a winner in the taste test. And what proved to be the tastiest water? Our own “Episcopal Collegiate School” bottled water provided by Premium Water!
Classes In Action
Upper School On a beautiful October afternoon, Dr. Suzanne Wilmoth's Environmental Science class traveled to historic Mt. Holly Cemetery to investigate demographic changes in our community. Using information collected from the headstones, students compared survivorship rates among four groups: women and men born before and after 1950. While expecting to find a significant difference in survivorship over time, students were astonished at just how dramatically women in particular have benefited from advances in healthcare.
wildcat ROUND UP
Lower School Safety Day Lower School students were treated to visits by local firemen, police officers, ambulance paramedics, and even a Medivac helicopter crew that flew in from Baptist Health Medical Center. In addition, they learned about bus safety, sports safety equipment, and watched a demonstration by Nurse Lenna Hopkins on the importance of wearing bicycle helmets! HOMECOMING 2011
Lower School students and families enjoyed jumpin', dancin', fishin', climbin', slidin', munchin', and dunkin' at the third annual Wildcat Round-up!
Congratulations Wildcats on a terrific game and a win for the home team! Capping a fun and festive spirit week, the Varsity football team played to a big win (31-28) against Brinkley in front of cheering fans at the Homecoming Game on October 24th! The Homecoming celebration started with a rousing pep rally at the end of school followed by a tailgate party with entertainment by Erick Saoud and our very own “Steelcats.” The Cheer squads entertained during half-time, followed by the crowning of the Homecoming Court.
Students enjoy Round-Up fun (above). Zack McGinnis in action (right).
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FINISHES FAST The Episcopal Collegiate Cross Country team traveled to Harrison to compete in the State Cross Country Championships. Facing an incredibly difficult course, the Wildcat runners were undeterred and produced spectacular results, finishing 3rd overall in the boys’ state-wide meet. The boys’ team was led by Junior Zack McGinnis, who ran to a 2nd place finish and earned All-State honors. Zack also earned a place on the Arkansas All-Star team, a first for an Episcopal runner. The girls’ team earned a team score for the first time in school history, finishing in 6th place. Senior Anna Wilbourn led the girls' team by finishing 9th and earning All-State honors for the second consecutive year.
Football team (top) A few members of the Homecoming Court (bottom): Claire Worley, Sine Wilhelmson, Olivia Rawlings
Spikefest The Episcopal Collegiate Spikefest volleyball tournament is nine years old! Episcopal Collegiate served as one of the four hosts this year for over 335 students competing on 28 teams representing 5A, 6A and 7A schools!
GIVING Back
SHOE DONATIONS, FOOD DRIVES AND ARTISTIC CREATIONS
SHOES FOR AFRICA While vacationing with his family in the East African country of Tanzania, Junior Adam Angel visited a private Christian school in the village of Arusha. According to Adam, “I had always heard of the poverty in Africa, but nothing could have prepared me for such an intense level of impoverishment. While interacting with the children at the school, I noticed that despite their many differences, they had one thing in common: they were all without a pair of shoes. In the weeks following our trip, I reflected on how I could help improve the lives of these children. Every child's need for a pair of shoes led me to initiate a shoe drive at Episcopal Collegiate. I challenged every student to bring at least one pair of athletic shoes or cleats to improve the lives of these needy children in Africa. After the two-week shoe drive, we managed to donate an incredible 385 pairs of athletic shoes to help improve the lives of the school children living in extreme poverty in Tanzania.” Mittens for St. Francis House The Sophomore Class sponsored a “mitten drive” for St. Francis House; students brought new or gently-used mittens, gloves, scarves, caps, or socks for distribution at the annual St. Francis House Christmas party.
race for the cure Led by Sophomore Brooke Davis (standing, sixth from right), this year’s Episcopal Collegiate Race for the Cure team ran, walked, or cheered from the sidelines, sharing their spirit in the fight against breast cancer. KIDS COOK FOR A CAUSE Under the direction of Episcopal Collegiate parent Faith Anaya, 33 students, four community volunteers, one mom and one sibling joined together with the Kids Cook!™ staff over three days to prepare and assemble 790 Katie Bowen preparing a meal. kid-sized meals for Potluck Food Rescue. The food goes to Potluck’s warehouse in North Little Rock and is distributed to after-school programs for at-risk kids in Central Arkansas.
Alumni Come Home Mary Katherine Parke Hastings, Class of 2004, and Maggie Meadors, Class of 2006, joined the Episcopal Collegiate family this year as members of our Lower School! Mary Katherine (left) is a Pre-K3 Associate Teacher and Maggie is a Pre-K4 Associate Teacher. CANNED FOOD DRIVE Lauren Hampton, Class of 2005, provides her artistic services as a freelance graphic designer for the school.
The ArKANsas food drive is a Student Council-sponsored event that takes place every fall. All three divisions participated in collecting a record 6,833 canned and non-perishable food items for the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church food pantry. Helping make this a successful event were (left to right) Ned Garrett, Edward Thompson, Laura Bonds, Kristin Barnes, Irby Jennings and Celeste Jennings.
Colleen Dempsey, Class of 2005, (far right) served as the Head Volleyball Coach of our Junior High Team. She says, “It was great to be at Episcopal and to give back to a school and a program that gave me so much.” Megan McCain, Class of 2005, volunteers her time to introduce the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team at home games! It is great to have our alums return to the nest!
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