Spring 2015
E P I S C O PA L
C O L L E G I AT E MAGAZINE
What does it mean to be an Episcopal school?
Episcopal Proud: A Parent’s Message
WELCOME
CHRIS TOMPKINS
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editor’s note
Editor’s Note It is with great pleasure that we introduce a new publication, Episcopal Collegiate Magazine. While this magazine includes
EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE MAGAZINE
much of the same information as past issues of our tabloid print newsletter, Episcopal Collegiate Magazine features articles and other news that better tell our story. Episcopal Collegiate is
Winter 2015 Volume 1, Issue Number 1
a unique learning community and this magazine provides a wonderful opportunity to share more about who we are. One of the stories that I encourage you to read is “Episcopal
Interim Head of School Thomas N. Southard
Proud.” It is a beautiful expression of gratitude from the mother of our first female football player – Mirielle Clayton. This letter says so much about our community and what makes us special. Please read on and enjoy Episcopal Collegiate Magazine.
Sincerely,
Communications Director & Editor Marty Trieschmann
Designer Lauren Hampton (Class of 2005)
Photography Marty Trieschmann Bethany Jennings Fletcher Carr Christian Rogers
Marty Trieschmann Communications Director
Dr. Rong Cai Erick Saoud Bridget Johnson Cindy Pugh Joel Schultz Karen Segrave
Cover Photo: Third grader Jett Lasiter examines a marine fossil from the Cretaceous period in the Lower School Science Lab
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events
Upcoming Events March 23-27
April 22
Spring Break
Upper School Sports Banquet, MS/US Dining Hall, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
April 2 Annual Fund Celebration, Dickey-Stephens Ballpark, 6 p.m.
April 27 Spring Choir Concert, MS/US Dining Hall, 7 p.m. Arkansas Children’s Theater performs Chicken Little and Little Red Hen, Erwin Hall Performance Center and Gymnasium, 9 a.m.
April 3 Good Friday, No School
April 8-15
April 30
Lower School Book Fair, Braunfisch-Stella Boyle Smith Library, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Senior T-Shirt Picnic, Quad, 12:30 p.m.
May 1
April 15 Lower School Book Fair Family Night, Braunfisch-Stella Boyle Smith Library, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Parents’ Auxiliary Meeting, Erwin Middle School Library, 8 a.m.
May 2
April 9-11
Wild Game Dinner, Quad, 6:30 p.m.
Spring Theatre Production, The Secret Garden, MS/US Dining Hall, 7 p.m. nightly
May 10 Baccalaureate, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2 p.m.
April 10 Grandparents and Special Friends Day; Middle and Upper School, 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.; Lower School, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 15 MS/US Class Day, Championship Gym, 10 a.m.
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April 15
Commencement Ceremony, Quad, 9:30 a.m.
Middle School Sports Banquet, MS/US Dining Hall, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
May 22 Last Day of School, Pre-K3-11th grades (full day)
April 18 Jr./Senior Prom, Women’s City Club, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Be a Social Butterfly FIND US • LIKE US • SHARE US
editor’s note
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What It Means To Be An Episcopal School
by Thomas N. Southard, Interim Head of School
BEING AN EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, Episcopal Collegiate joins in a community of over 1200 such schools in this country and across the globe. While each has its own relationship with the Episcopal Church be that a parish day school, diocesan school, cathedral school, boarding school, there are common characteristics we share as Episcopal schools and to which we often refer as our “Episcopal Identity.” From nearly 35 years in Episcopal schools and as borrowed heavily from the work of NAES, there is much to share that is special about our wonderful schools. Episcopal schools value “Learnedness” and as such we at Episcopal Collegiate are deeply committed to the opening of minds in pursuit of discovery, truth and academic excellence. High standards are set, believing that each student accepted to our school can be successful according to his or her God-given capacities to learn; faculty and staff work toward that end daily. At Episcopal Collegiate, an independent Episcopal school, we, like other Episcopal schools, value “Inclusion” in all we do and that begins with a respect for the other person’s beliefs. Being inclusive, we seek and highly value the strength that the diversity of many faith traditions brings to all we do as an Episcopal school. We joyfully celebrate that strength and richness each and every time we are gathered together as a community in Chapel or otherwise. We are intentional in our admission practices of seeking a mosaic of differences be that of race, gender, economic, religious, cultural, et al wherein each retains his or her own identity in an educational program which values the academic, physical, spiritual, social and emotional growth of each. While various types of “church affiliated” schools, Christian and otherwise, tend to be clear in their missions of indoctrination or proselytizing as end goals, Episcopal schools choose to be clear about who they are as a Church called to offer the redeeming love of Christ to all. Each student is nurtured to grow, and is supported and celebrated in his or her particular faith journey, whatever that might be. Strength through diversity is something in which Episcopal Collegiate believes deeply. Episcopal schools believe there is “Unity in Liturgy” and at Episcopal Collegiate there is use of portions of the Book of Common Prayer on a regular basis in our Chapels while at other times not. Unity and community is built through ongoing worship together in Chapel; students often speak of the importance of this time together and how it enriches their lives at school as well as life in general. Our two full-time Chaplains oversee our Chapel programs as they and other faculty, students, and guests, clergy, rabbis and outside speakers provide a myriad of daily or weekly programs. It is a special “unifying” time together. Each Episcopal school determines how it fulfills this portion of their Episcopal identity. At Episcopal Collegiate School we “Value the Excellent” whereupon there is an overall culture of excellence throughout as we are committed daily to the development of the whole child in terms of his or her maturity academically, physically, spiritually, emotionally or socially. Such excellence in Episcopal schools translates to service and servanthood as well. Anything worth doing is worth doing well and whatever we do and whatever we accomplish individually or as a School, we strive to do so and celebrate that truth and sound learning in a humble manner so as to be pleasing to God believing that it is “He who has made us.” Although Episcopal schools across the world have their unique callings and differences, one would always tend to find the similarity of their commitment to learned, inclusivity, ritual-providing unity, and a value of the excellent with all components in constant interrelationship and interaction with one another. Episcopal Collegiate, unique in its own mission and true to its motto of Respect, Reverence, and Responsibility, lives out its Episcopal Identity as shared above.
EVERY DAY IS AN OPEN HOUSE on the Episcopal Collegiate School campus. We invite you to visit us at any time during the year when it is most convenient for you. We look forward to seeing you! To schedule a tour or for more information about Episcopal Collegiate School admission, call: Ashley Honeywell, Middle and Upper School Director of Admission, 501.372.1994 ext. 2406. Mary Jane Briggs, Early Childhood and Lower School Director of Admission, 501.372.1194 ext. 2306.
welcome
Episcopal Collegiate Names Christopher R. Tompkins Head of School In September, Episcopal Collegiate School shared the exciting news that Mr. Christopher R. Tompkins of East Greenville, Pennsylvania, would serve as the next Head of School. Mr. Tompkins brings over 25 years of experience in independent school education to Episcopal. In his career, he has served as an enrollment director, classroom teacher, and in senior leadership roles for 20 years. Most recently, Mr. Tompkins has served for seven years as Head of School of The Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, PA, a co-ed, boarding and day school serving students in sixth through post graduate grades. Prior to that, he was Assistant Head of School for Enrollment and Director of Admissions and Financial Aid for eight years at Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, PA. He has served in leadership roles at a number of prestigious independent schools, including The Canterbury Episcopal School in Desoto, TX, St. Andrews-Sewanee School in Sewanee, TN, and South Kent School in South Kent, CT. “It is with the utmost of enthusiasm and confidence that we welcome Mr. Christopher R. Tompkins as Episcopal Collegiate School’s next Head of School, effective July 1, 2015,” said Chuck Erwin, President of the Board of Trustees, in an announcement to the School community. “Mr. Tompkins’ exceptional leadership background as a current Head of School, combined with his experiences in teaching, institutional advancement, enrollment management, financial aid, strategic planning, boarding, and international education make him the perfect choice of the Board of Trustees to lead Episcopal Collegiate to the completion of numerous 21st century initiatives,” said Erwin. “Episcopal Collegiate has a tremendous reputation in the independent school community,” said Tompkins. “I toured the School some years ago when it was still new but the reputation that it was an excellent school had already begun. I am excited about being able to do big things in the next phase of the institution’s history,” he added. Mr. Tompkins started his career as a history teacher and coach and has continued to teach throughout his years as an independent school leader. His teaching career began at Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio, and continued at Greens Farms Academy in Greens Farms, CT, and at Academia Cotopaxi in Ecuador. “Chris’s approachability, breadth of knowledge as a teacher and administrator, and his leadership in independent school education at the state, regional, and national levels will not only be a great asset to Episcopal Collegiate, but to Little Rock and the mid-south areas as well,” said Thomas N. Southard, Interim Head of School and long-time independent school leader who came out of retirement to assist the Board of Trustees in finding a permanent Head of School. Mr. Southard’s term will end June 30, 2015. “Little Rock is exciting to us,” said Tompkins. “We were looking for a mid-size city that is forward-thinking and dynamic. My wife and I also wanted to return to our roots in the Episcopal community. I have worked in schools for 25 years and my favorite years were in Episcopal schools,” he added. Mr. Tompkins is a founding trustee of the Association of Independent Schools Admissions Professionals (AISAP) and has served on the National Association of Independent Episcopal Schools (NAIS) SSS task force. He is a trustee of the Cloud Forest School Foundation in Sewanee, TN and Monteverde, Costa Rica, and the Montgomery School in Chester Springs, PA. Mr. Tompkins graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine with a double major in History and Government with a concentration in Comparative Politics . He holds a Masters of Social Science degree from The Maxwell School of Syracuse University. He holds a certificate in Independent School Leadership from Harvard University’s Principals’ Center and certificates in Administrative Management and Leadership from Cornell University. He completed the Head of School Fellowship Program at Columbia University’s famed Klingenstein Center. Mr. Tompkins currently resides with his wife Kate in East Greenville, PA. The Tompkins have three children.
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Student News Eight Seniors Earn National Merit Honors Eight Episcopal Collegiate School seniors were honored this fall by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for their performance in the nation's foremost academic competition. Ezra Feldman, Alan May, Therese Janosky, and Shelby Powers were named National Merit Semifinalists. Josie Hurst, Liza Hill, Laura Dunnagan, and Dylan Wright earned the designation of Commended Student for their high scores. About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2014-15 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test, which serves as an initial screening of entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. In Arkansas, only 150 students made it to the semifinalist stage. Congratulations and good luck to this outstanding group of students!
Photo (l to r, sitting) Josie Hurst, Therese Janosky, Shelby Powers, Laura Dunnagan, and Liza Hill; (l to r, standing) Ezra Feldman, Alan May, and Dylan Wright.
Summer Science Scholar Publishes Pediatric Study 2014 Episcopal Collegiate graduate Brooke Davis has co-authored a medical journal article entitled, "Comorbid Psychosocial Issues Seen in Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinics." The article appears in the October issue of Common ENT Disorders in Children published by the Otolaryngological Clinics of North America. Davis co-wrote the article with Christen Holder and Wendy Ward, both Ph.D's at the UAMS College of Medicine.
Brooke Davis, Class of 2014
Davis, who is now a freshman at Southern Methodist University, conducted research on pediatric otolaryngology psychosocial issues as an intern in the Episcopal Collegiate Summer Science Scholars Program. Through the School's partnership with Arkansas Children's Hospital, Davis spent eight weeks shadowing physicians, attending rounds and clinics, and touring different hospital units, as well as participating in the mentored research project in children's health. Arkansas Children's Hospital faculty members from various subspecialities teach our summer science scholars basic science and clinical techniques and help students gain exposure to clinical medicine. The internship is funded by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust. Through a partnership with UAMS, a second summer science research fellowship is available each summer to a rising junior at the Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute.
Alan May Wins Highest Award at Arkansas Student Congress Senior Alan May was awarded the very first Melinda Milloway Valdez Award at the Arkansas Student Congress Competition on November 9-11 at the State Capitol. The award recognizes the highest-scoring delegate in the competition. This follows May's win of the prestigious Mary Ingalls Award at the 2014 Congress, which was won this year by Episcopal Senior Adrianne Owings. Additionally, May was recognized as the Best Overall Delegate for Episcopal Collegiate and Best Overall Floor Delegate in House 1. May also won second place for the the Best Bill in House 1, Superior in Committee, Superior in Caucus, Superior in Parliamentary Procedure, and Superior in Floor Debate. Student Congress is a mock legislative event in which high school students write bills and debate them in a simulated legislative process at the Arkansas State Capitol. The Episcopal Collegiate Team also included students Megan Bellfield, Hunt Cummins, and Adrianne Owings. The team won more than 13 awards! 6 | www.episcopalcollegiate.org
Alan May, Senior
2014 International Science Essay Competition Adrianne Owings submitted a paper for the 2014 International Science Essay Competition, which is sponsored by the Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science. High school students were invited to "choose a novel discovery in any field of science, explain its significance today, and discuss possible implications of the discovery for its field and society in general.” In her essay, “A Wave of the Future: The Potential of Marine Energy,” Adrianne explored the possibility of utilizing the ocean as a potential source of energy.
Adrianne Owings, Senior
2014 Perry Outreach Program (left) Katie Doderer and Jameson Miller were selected to participate in the 2014 Perry Outreach Program held at the UAMS Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute on October 4th. This program is offered to female high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine and engineering. Katie and Jameson visited with doctors and biomedical engineers, performed mock orthopedic surgeries, and experimented with biomechanics. (l to r) Katie Doderer and Jameson Miller
Community Service Two school-wide community service events took place during the fall semester that proved to be powerful learning experiences for our students. In addition to hosting one of the largest Episcopal Collegiate School Race for the Cure teams in the history of the School’s participation, students also enjoyed the School’s first “Pink Out for a Cure Day” on Oct. 3, 2014. From the Lower School to Upper School, students were decked out in pink t-shirts, creating a campus of pink for a day to show their support for those battling cancer. Continuing one of the School’s oldest traditions, Episcopal hosted the 16th Annual ArCANsas Food Drive benefitting the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist food pantry. This year topped all years with a record 12,031 cans of nonperishable food collected school-wide. The Seniors, who are fiercely competitive in the food drive, won the class competition with 4,459 cans of food collected!
(from top, left to right) Parker Gordon is super pink! / Zach Angel is in good spirits with an arm full of donated food for Quapaw Quarter United Methodist food pantry. / Caitlyn Brandom, Mallory Whitehead, Sarah Reddick, Maggie Jones, Haley Henderson, and Haley Pruett are surrounded by thousands of cans of food collected during the School’s 16th Annual ArCANsas Food Drive.
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STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS left page, from left to right 1. Episcopal Robotics Team Leader John Cai works on the team’s bot, affectionately named “Victorious Secret” during the FIRST Tech Challenge State Robotics Tournament in Mountain Home. The WildBotz were nominated for the Motivate Award. 2. Our 54 6th graders started middle school by reading R.J. Palacio’s inspirational book Wonder, about a middle school boy struggling to deal with a facial deformity. 3. Chris Smith, Jaxon Lee, and Robert Shannon on Red, White, and Blue Day! 4. The undefeated 5th grade football team enjoys a the Lower School pep rally held in their honor! 15
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5. Corey Frazier plays on the hay mountain at the Wildcat Round-Up. More than 400 students and parents attended the Fall Festival this year! 6. (l to r) Kindergarteners Jude Raymond and Miles Dockery enjoy time with their Senior Buddy Cori Gooseberry. 7. The Lower School hosts a great first pep rally to cheer on the 5th and 6th grade football team! 8. Another group of outstanding young mathematicians is inducted into the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. 9. On Oct. 18, the Wildcat Quiz Bowl Team won trophies in both the upper division for schools 5A-7A and in the 1A-4A small schools division.
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10. (l to r) Spiderman a.k.a Scotty Nichols, Liza Hill, and Jonathan Stepka display their patriotism on Red, White, and Blue Day during Spirit Week! 11. Heroic monk Lama Tenzin Choegyal greets students after his chapel talk on his efforts to rescue orphaned girls in the Himalayas. 12. (l to r) Homecoming princesses Shelby Powers, Laura Dunnagan, Therese Janosky, Josie Hurst, Alice Berry, Lilly Warren, Nele Isenberg, Alicia Liu, Catherine Bridges, and Serena Hanson. 13. (l to r) Upper School Student Council officers Madeline Tabor, Annie Ellzey, Arianna Kiaei, Mattie McKinnis, and attended the LEAD Conference in Albuquerque, NM Nov. 14-16, a leadership conference for student council officers across the nation. Student Council President Russ McDonough also attended the conference. 14. Our Middle School ChessCats had a great first semester, taking first place in two out of three tournaments! More to come this Spring!
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right page, from left to right 15. Board Member and attorney Deborah Brown presides over the mock trial of fictional character Absalom in the Upper School British Literature Class’s study of Cry, the Beloved Country. 16. (l to r) Ladell Tyler, Riley Blair, Alisha Duvall, and Gracie Kreth represented Episcopal Collegiate at the 10th Annual Clinton Center Volunteer Gala where the School was recognized for its work to benefit the Clinton Haiti Relief Fund. Episcopal Collegiate students have raised more than $60,000 through the Homes for Haiti art project. 17. The Episcopal community turned out for the second year in large numbers to be part of Channel 7’s live broadcast of Daybreak from Wildcat Stadium. 18. William McCastlain, Shelby Powers, Laura Dunnagan and Dylan Wright competed successfully in the 2014 AT&T Business Challenge at UALR. 19. On Oct. 1, the Upper School Economics Class attended the Center Street/ Stephens, Inc. CEO Summit where they had the opportunity to hear from former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Robert Gates and other world leaders.
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Christmas at Episcopal
December at Episcopal Collegiate School was as magical as ever this year. Celebrations included the Early Childhood and Lower School Christmas Pageants, the Senior Tree Trimming luncheon, the Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert, and the traditional Lessons and Carols Chapel service. See photos here of all the joy!
Clockwise from top: Fifteen Episcopal students performed in Arkansas Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker / Kindergartener Ellie Jennings and her Senior Buddy Josie Hurst at the Annual Buddy Christmas Party / Ethan Brass enjoys the Senior Tree Trimming event / Little shepherds, wise men and angels in the PreK-1st Grade Christmas Pageant / Clark Blackmon, Emma Snackenberg, Koen Perry, and Vivian Huff perform in the PreK-1st Grade Christmas Pageant / Lessons and Carols Chapel service / Holdyn Hoskyn as Santa and the cast of Santa’s Christmas Party and Old Pierre’s Shoes / Evelyn Calhoun as the angel Gabriel announces Jesus’s birth
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highlights
Fine Arts
(l to r) The cast of Harvey / Alisha Duvall and her Curbside Couture dress design
The creative talents of Episcopal Collegiate students were on full display during the fall semester. The Drama Department presented the Pulitzer-Prize winning comedy Harvey to sold out audiences for three nights in November. The cast of 15 brought to life the hilarious story of an eccentric man who believes his best friend is a giant rabbit with superb acting and craftsmanship. Congratulations to Theatre Director James Mainard O’Connell and the entire cast and crew of Harvey! The beautiful singing voices of eight Episcopal Middle and Upper School students earned them spots in the All-Region Choir. Susan Tucker, Charlotte Nanteza, Arianne Owings, and Jameson Miller all made the Senior High All-Region Choir. Students earnings spots in the Junior High All-Region Choir were Robert Shannon, Mary Chandler-Lindsey, Madison March (alternate), and Cori Clower (alternate). In addition to a successful contest season, the Episcopal Choirs and Orchestra presented their annual fall and Christmas concerts at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Highlights of the concerts included performances of Elijah by Davidson, sung by the Concert Choir; Who Can Sail by Agnestig, sung by the Episcopal Chorus; and Gloria by Vivaldi performed by the Concert Choir and Orchestra. The Orchestra also continued for the second year the Beethoven in Blue Jeans Concert in Chapel. Their performance Nov. 6 of Finale from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 was spectacular! In addition to performing at numerous community events this fall, Episcopal percussionists enjoyed learning from visiting instructor Dr. Ryan Lewis on Dec. 2. Dr. Lewis is Assistant Professor of Percussion at Ouachita Baptist University. Upper School Percussionists John Cai, Russ McDonough, Ethan Brass and Percussion Instructor Erick Saoud attended the Percussive Arts Society International Conference in Indianapolis, IN. In other arts news, our six student designers are busy working on their recycled creations for the next Curbside Couture fashion show, scheduled for April 12, 2015 at the Clinton Presidential Center. Designs were previewed at the Fine Arts Showcase on Feb. 23, along with a collection of visual art and sculpture that the students created this fall. (from top) The orchestra performs at the Annual Fall Concert / The Middle School Chorus / Russ McDonough, Ethan Brass, and John Cai at the Percussive Arts Society International Conference
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Episcopal Proud
Mr. Parks and Ms. Desmarais, My daughter plays football for the 5th/6th grade team. I am writing this from the stands as they warm up for their first playoff game. I am filled with so much gratitude for this school and the teachers, administrators, parents, and coaches within it. I would like to share with you her story and to highlight along the way the many people who have been supportive. It all started when basketball season ended in winter 2014. Mirielle plays on the girls’ basketball team and during recess she and several of her friends play basketball with the boys. When basketball season ended, the boys started practicing football at recess. She asked to play and they told her that girls can’t play football. It was the word can’t that bothered her, I think. She apparently studied the problem for awhile and then a few weeks later I got a call from a teacher at the school who told me, confidentially, that she supported Mirielle’s petition 100%. My reply was . . . “What petition?” She had 50 signatures (teachers, parents, students) on a handwritten petition that said “Girls should be allowed to play football.” I had no idea! We had a long talk about her desire to play, that a petition may not be necessary, and that maybe we should just ask. Ms. Kennedy, the Head of the Lower School at that time, reported that she was not aware of a reason why Mirielle couldn’t try out but that she would ask. I gather there was a meeting, the league was consulted, and in the end we were told she could play. We were given a few fairly humorous (and anonymous) reminders. First, we were told that if she needed any special equipment, we would need to purchase it ourselves (her PCP told us nothing was required at this age). Second, we were reminded that this was tackle football, not flag football. I certainly hope whomever that reminder came from has seen her play. She plays defensive tackle and offensive guard and I have seen her sack the quarterback, twice in one game. Finally, and this is my favorite, we were reminded that there is no crying in football. Well, I just had to laugh out loud when I heard that one. I’ve watched every Super Bowl for the last 30 years. As I recall, there is a LOT of crying in football. Once Mirielle knew she was able to play, she told me her plan because, of course, she had a plan. She was certain the boys had played football for several years already and she needed to catch up. She asked me to enroll her in two football camps during the summer. She also asked to watch football replays with her stepfather so he could tell her about the plays and strategies. She was nervous but prepared on the first day of football practice.
out for the team, he was excited “ When he heard a girl was trying - the more players, the better. Period.
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Coach Jemerson and his team of coaches are volunteers--parents of kids who are playing. I cannot thank them enough for the culture that they have built on this team. They have provided a culture of equality. She is worked just as hard as the boys, praised when she does well, and given feedback when she makes mistakes, just like the boys. She feels such pride when she says she is part of the team. Issues that could have been a problem (like the locker room) were clearly worked out before she got there. Not one problem situation has arisen and I thank Coach Jemerson and his team for that. I was so very happy that they interviewed him for the news, not just her. What he said for the cameras was totally true. When he heard a girl was trying out for the team, he was excited - the more players, the better. Period. What a powerful statement. Mirielle also speaks very highly of Coach Seale, the line coach, who has worked most directly with her this year teaching her blocking strategies. I was there when he asked her to play guard. She was so happy and excited! He also has her playing defensive tackle and for many of the games she played almost the entire time. He tells the line that even though the quarterback and receivers often get the credit for the scores, it takes everyone on the team to win a game. If the line doesn’t hold, the quarterback and receivers can’t do their jobs. In fact, she quotes him all the time—it takes an entire team to win a game, and only one person not focusing on their part to lose a game. These are life lessons being learned during practice - important life lessons that will last a long 12 | www.episcopalcollegiate.org
time. In the end, she is stronger, more skilled, and thinks more strategically now. With this kind of support and encouragement, she has put her whole heart into it. She is just filled with energy and enthusiasm for every practice, every game. In an era when youth can get pretty full of themselves pretty quickly, I can honestly say that Mirielle has stayed grounded through all the attention she has received. She has grown up not seeing barriers, limitations, or inequalities. The culture at Episcopal is a big part of that. Yes, the boys told her that girls can’t play football and teased her a bit at first. But Day 1 of the first football camp, one of the coaches overheard and told the boys they were being sexist, that she was as good as they were at the skills, and they should be glad to have her on the team. That was the end of the boys’ comments about girls not being able to play. I do not diminish my child’s grit and determination when I say that who she is as a person is a reflection of the experiences she has had growing up, including not just her coaches in summer camp and the current season, but also some important interactions with the teachers at Episcopal. Her current teacher, Ms. Schallhorn, has taught her the value of creative thinking. Mrs. Jennings taught her about government and avenues of social and political change (hence, her petition last year). Mrs. Feland taught her the importance of challenge and how to approach problems positively and systematically. Ms. Nichols taught her the value of self-reflection--thinking through her own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with an eye toward the kind of person she wanted to be. Mrs. Scanlon in first grade taught her the love of learning--the beginning of her avid reading hobby with her first chapter books, the applied math, understanding history and the world. And our beloved Ms. Fortenberry who was her first teacher in the Lower School and also the teacher she had the year her father died. She gave her the gift of love and acceptance upon which her self-confidence to this day is built. Not to mention the science, math, choir, reading, Spanish, PE, chapel, aftercare staff, and other meaningful learning experiences along the way. When I watched the gym erupt at the Lower School pep rally when Coach Jemerson introduced Mirielle as the “most physical player “ on his team, I was overwhelmed with the notion that she is not the only one who has benefited from her playing. The female students in the room will hopefully take this experience and apply it in their own lives. Perhaps they will enter fields of science, subspecialties of medicine, or other areas where women are underrepresented, or seek leadership roles uncommon for women to hold. The male students in the room will hopefully take this experience and apply it in their own lives, bringing acceptance and a sense of equality and teamwork into board rooms, science labs, and medical fields. As I sit here while the team is warming up, I recognize that I want our team to win. Win! Yet, at the same time I know that regardless of how the game ends, we have already won. My daughter, Mirielle, plays football. But the real story is the culture of the school she plays for and the teachers and coaches and administrators who have supported her all of her years there. The real story are the boys who are her teammates who play with her and accept her, and the parents and students cheering for her and for the team in the stands. The real story is what comes next when these students all grow up and take their places in the world. Who knows what powerful good can come from such a simple thing as letting a girl play football. Gratefully, Wendy L. Ward, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. Professor, Associate Director of Faculty Affairs Department of Pediatrics, UAMS College of Medicine
Summer Daze June 1 - July 31, 2015 | Ages PreK thru 12 Our Summer Daze program at Episcopal Collegiate School offers a variety of fun and enriching learning experiences that aim to build and strengthen student skills in athletics, math, science, art, technology, reading, and more!
REGISTER ONLINE AT EPISCOPALCOLLEGIATE.ORG
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Fall Sports Wrap-Up
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FOOTBALL The Wildcats were competitive in football from week one and ended the 2014 season with a 12-2 record, losing only to Prescott in the regular season and Smackover in the semifinals. Reaching their goal to make it one step further in the Class 3A post season than last year, the Wildcats advanced to the Final Four, losing in a close 18-12 game to Smackover, but not before making a statement about the future of Wildcat football. “More than anything, I think we proved that 2013 wasn’t a fluke,” said Coach Richie Marsh, who in 2013 led the Wildcats to their best season since 2005. Finishing second in the conference, the Wildcats produced 26 varsity football lettermen. Eleven players received All-Conference and two All-State honors (see fall athletic higlights). One of the team’s biggest wins was a complete shutout of Conway Christian, who went on to make a deep playoff run as well. Additionally, the Wildcats defeated Benton Harmony Grove despite being down to 15 players due to injuries. Several members of the team received post-season honors. Defensively, Senior and All-Conference CB William McCastlain was named a finalist for the 2014 Farm Bureau 3A Defensive Player of the Year. McCastlain had a great season with 43 rushes for 438 yards, 5 TDs, 12 receptions, 72 total tackles, one sack, and four interceptions. Also on defense, Justin Gooseberry distinguished himself with 101 tackles and 5 forced fumbles, with brother Cori Gooseberry leading the conference in sacks and second for tackles for loss. As a sophomore, Jackson Owens was one of the team’s leaders in sacks and tackles for loss.
“We proved that we have a stable program for the future and an expectation of success” - Coach Richie Marsh -
Individual highlights on offense included All-State WR Allie Freeman IV, who entered 2015 with 226 catches for 4,182 yards and 43 touchdowns in his career. Offensive standouts also included Kelvin Robinson, who added 14 total TD’s as a running back with 1,288 total yards. QB Douglas Munson threw for 47 total TDs and 3,892 yards passing. Nick Becton caught for 52 receptions and 15 TDs, and William Conyer was tops among all offensive lineman on the team, grading out at 86% for the season from his position.
CROSS COUNTRY Wildcat Cross Country competed in six meets this fall and finished 10th (girls) and 13th (boys) in state. Three Wildcats broke school records in the 2-mile run – Rowan Thomas, Worth Wilsey and Nell Covington. Four students also established school records for the fastest time by an Episcopal runner at a specific course – Harris Bethel and Shelby Powers in the Minuteman Festival 5k, and Worth Wilsey and Nell Covington in the Minuteman Festival 2 mile. Congratulations to Senior Lettermen Will Goodson, Alan May, Shelby Powers, Therese Janosky, and Emily Fletcher. (l to r) Wearing their green at the watermelon supper are Seniors Riley Blair, Elsie Pugh, Shelby Powers, and Liza Hill
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VOLLEYBALL The Lady Wildcats had their best season in five years, winning the conference and district championships and advancing to the second round of the state tournament. Led by Seniors Jameshia Alexander, Liza Hill, Morgan McKay, Dara Rowell, Jaala Smith, and Natalie Zolten, the girls ended the season with a 15-4 record!
SMITH NAMED VOLLEYBALL COACH OF THE YEAR! Assistant Athletic Director and Varsity Volleyball Coach Monty Smith was named the 3A Volleyball Coach of the Year for the 5th year! Since Smith took over the program 10 years ago, the girls have qualified for the state tournament every year and won five conference championships. In 2007, Smith was named to the Arkansas All-Star Coaching Staff.
School Year Opens with Celebrated Bell-Ringing Tradition Episcopal Collegiate School officially opened the 2014-15 school year with the “ringing of the bell” in Opening Day Chapel on August 13, 2014. The bell-ringing tradition marks the significance of the beginning of the school year, and began when the 19th century bell was donated to the School by the Class of 2008. Interim Head of School Tom Southard rang the bell 17 times during Chapel to represent the number of years the school has existed. “There is something holy about the sound of a bell ringing and the emphasis it gives to this moment in the life of our school,” said Chaplain John Childress. The bell is said to have once been used in a school house in North Dakota and was given to the school by the Class of 2008 with the condition that a few rules are followed. First, the bell is to be rung during the school year but only upon three occasions. To begin every school year, the current Head of School will ring the bell on opening day. Second, each senior will ring the bell as he or she enters the commencement ceremony. And finally, to mark the conclusion of the commencement ceremony, a designated alum will ring the bell signaling to the newest alumni that is it time for them to toss their commencement caps into the air. “Traditions play a big part in our lives here at Episcopal Collegiate,” said Southard. “We are each a significant and contributing part of that tradition. We have a fresh new year ahead. What will we make of it? The tradition of honor and excellence continues.” 15
athletics
Volunteers Help Kick-Off Athletic Season with First Watermelon Supper Thanks to the efforts of our 18-member Spirit Committee, the Wildcats enjoyed a spirited-filled start to the fall athletic season. The First Annual Watermelon Supper was held on Friday, August 22, 2014 at the Wildcat Stadium. Guests enjoyed hot dogs, locally-grown watermelon, a watermelon-eating contest, and music on the stadium’s new sound system. All fall sports teams were introduced and the Wildcats played their first football scrimmage at the event. Special thanks to all of the parent volunteers who made this event possible. We look forward to the 2015 Watermelon Supper! Wildcat Spirit Committee: Valerie Angel, Jennifer Bethel, Amos Branson, Traci Braunfisch, Laney Briggs, Michelle Carney, Tom Clark, Chip Culpepper, Eric Munson, Allie Freeman III, Kori Gordon, Walt Howard, Jim Jackson, Anthony Jemerson, Tom Jones, Lee Owens, John Rutledge, Susan Reynolds, Monty Smith, Shelly Tucker, and Jill Whitehead. 16 | www.episcopalcollegiate.org
(from top) Varsity Cheer. / Mary Love “Lovey” Reynolds wins the watermelon eating contest! / Varsity football gets ready for their first scrimmage of the season.
TENNIS The Wildcat Tennis Program set a new record, sending three teams to the All-Around Tournament this fall. Episcopal’s Shelby Worsham and Jack Nolan won the state singles titles, and the teams of Elsie Pugh and Lilly Jackson, and Kihwan Yoo and Scotty Nichols won the state doubles championships. The Wildcats took the top singles and doubles spots in both the conference and state tournamentswinning state for the 7th year.
Fall 2014 Athletic Highlights BOYS AND GIRLS TENNIS - State Championships for the 7th year! All State: Elsie Pugh, Lilly Jackson, Shelby Worsham, Kihwan Yoo, Scotty Nichols, and Jack Nolan BOYS AND GIRLS GOLF - Conference Champions; All-State: Preston Pitts VOLLEYBALL - State Quarter Finalist and Conference Champions; All-State: Jameshia Alexander, Sydney Morgan, and Caroline Burns; All-Conference: Jameshia Alexander, Sally Barnes, Caroline Burns, Sarah Maxwell, and Sydney
Boy’s tennis (l to r): Andrea Barnett, Jack Nolan, Kihwan Yoo, Josef Braunfisch, Henry Shock, Lindsay Duncan
Morgan; All-State Tournament Team: Caroline Burns. BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Finished 10th and 13th respectively in state meet FOOTBALL - Advanced to the Final Four of state playoffs; All-State: Justin Gooseberry and Allie Freeman; All-Conference: William Conyer, Cori Gooseberry, Justin Gooseberry, Sam Baker, Nick Becton, Harris Bethel, Allie Freeman, William McCastlain, Braylon Smith, Douglas Munson, and Jackson Owens.
Girl’s tennis (l to r): Andrea Barnett, Madeline Tabor, Mary Clare Patton, Lilly Jackson, Elsie Pugh, Shelby Worsham, Lindsay Duncan
GOLF Both the boys and girls golf teams won their respective conference championships this fall and advanced to the state tournament. The boys took 5th place in the state tournament, led by All-State Golfer and Conference Medalist Preston Pitts. Conference Medalists for the girls were Sydney Morgan and Grace Ann Boudreaux.
Girl’s golf (l to r): Micah Marsh, Abby Graham, Sydney Morgan, Grace Boudreaux
Boy’s golf (l to r): Mitch Ross, Preston Pitts, Douglas Munson, Kory Winning
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news & events
Faculty Awards
Patti Coleman Wins Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Lower School Faculty Award Congratulations to beloved Kindergarten teacher Patti Coleman who was presented with the second Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Lower School Faculty Award at the all-school Convocation service on Wednesday, September 10. Mrs. Coleman received the award from Warren Stephens, President of the Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation Board of Directors. In his remarks, Mr. Stephens, who was joined at the service by his wife Harriet, said of Mrs. Coleman: “As a member of the founding faculty of the Lower School [she] has excelled in the task of establishing a strong program that promotes excellence in education and a solid foundation from which to succeed in all future educational endeavors. She also provides students with a love for learning that extends beyond the academic curriculum. Each and every child who has had the pleasure of coming into contact with her feels an immense amount of love, caring, and respect that instantly becomes a mutual sensation.� Mrs. Coleman was one of the first teachers to join the Lower School faculty when the school opened in the fall of 2009. Mrs. Coleman was instrumental in the early success of the Lower School, as well as its progress today. The Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Faculty Awards for Middle and Upper School were established in 2004. They are the highest faculty honors bestowed by the School. The awards include a $5,000 personal gift and an additional $5,000 that can be used for professional development. Photo (l to r): Harriet Stephens, Member, Episcopal Collegiate School Board of Trustees and the Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation Board of Directors; Patti Coleman; Warren Stephens, President, Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation Board of Directors; and Charlie Coleman.
Director of College Guidance Named to National Merit Advisory Council, Wins SACAC William Starling Award Phil Hooper, Director of College Guidance, received two prestigious honors during the fall semester. Hooper was named to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Advisory Council. As part of the 14-member council, Hooper will advise the organization on secondary school and college concerns related to the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Additionally, Hooper was honored by the Southern Association of Admission Counseling (SACAC) with the William Starling Award for mentoring. Past winners have been from the University of the South, Rhodes College, Davidson College, Florida State University, and The Westminster School in Atlanta, GA. Mr. Hooper is also a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling, the College Entrance Examination Board, and American College Testing (ACT). We congratulate Mr. Hooper on these well-deserved and prestigious honors. 18 | www.episcopalcollegiate.org
Alumni News The Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation hosted a party for alumni of the founding Class of 2004 and classes 2005, 2006, and 2007 on October 17 before the Homecoming football game vs. Jessieville. The party was held at the home of Cindy and Warren Simpson, parents of Garrett ’07, Parker ’14, and Preston ’16. More than 60 alumni attended the event, including seven from the first graduating class: Miles Stephens, Chris O’Quin, Jesse Becton, Hayden Hurst, Elizabeth Fricke Cogbill, Mary Katherine Parke Hastings, Elizabeth Henry-McKeever, and Anna Ruth Douglass.
(from top row, l to r) Chandler Blank ‘06, Harriet Stephens, Druann Baskin, and Jan Murphy / Cindy and Warren Simpson, Harriet and Miles Stephens ‘04 / Chandler Blank ‘06, Garrett Simpson ‘06, and Pam Blank / Laura Bryan ‘06 and Russell Curtner ‘06 / Mary Kathryn Parke ‘06 and her husband Andrew
1998 Society Success Members of The 1998 Society celebrated the success of the 2013-14 Annual Fund at a fall party hosted by Chairs Robert and Josephine Covington at the home of members Cliff and Kristen Lee on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Guests enjoyed live music and food prepared and donated by Cafe 42 at the Clinton Presidential Center. Named in honor of Episcopal Collegiate School's founding year, The 1998 Society recognizes donors whose Annual Fund gifts are $1,000 and above. If you would like to join or learn more about The 1998 Society, visit us online at www.episcopalcollegiate.org/1998 Society.
(from top row, l to r): Katie Huff, Morie Malloy, and Sydney Blackmon / Ann Nichols, Deborah Brown, and Donna and Tom Southard / Jim and Suzanne Johnson with Dr. Sid and Mary Lewis Dassinger / Jill and Ted Penick / Party Hosts Robert and Josephine Covington and Kristen and Cliff Lee
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We are excited to announce the launch of the Episcopal Collegiate School Spirit Apparel & More Store! From the link below, you can access the Episcopal online store at Arkansas Apparel where you can purchase many fun spirit apparel items for the family. All merchandise is sold by Arkansas Apparel and is not available for purchase at the Wildcat Warehouse. However, for your convenience and reference, a sample of each item sold on the online store is available for inspection in the Wildcat Warehouse. VISIT THE STORE HERE! ARKANSASAPPAREL.NET/EPISCOPAL_COLLEGIATE
Jackson T. Stephens Campus 1701 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
MAY 2ND • 6:30PM
Serving Grades PreK3-12
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