Class Notes
’41
There are several ways to submit Class Notes:
Dulany deButts 4800 Fillmore Avenue, Apt. 456 Alexandria, VA 22311 (H) 703-998-3051 ddebutts@verizon.net
Well, I waited for a year after Gibby Semmes’ death before beginning to try to take his place. Here I am. How long should I wait for you guys to contact me with news? So here’s mine from this retirement home near The High School. Last year I talked to Carrington Herbert, and he sounded the same. His wife is a good hunter and was out looking for a shot at something. Then I had a long talk with Jim Malony. He was one of seven EHSers that went to West Point the year after they finished EHS. War was on, remember? Write, call, e-mail ddebutts@verizon.net, or something. Phone is 703-998-3051. My best to all, Dulany deButts.
’42
Class Correspondents needed.
If you’d like to volunteer to be the class correspondent or just to share an update, please contact your alumni programs officer, Margaret von Werssowetz ’06, at mrw@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4023.
’43
John Melvin P.O. Box 1770 Pawley’s Island, SC 29585 (H) 843-237-9815 jmel@sc.rr.com
From John Melvin: Spoke with Dave “Farmer” Carr recently. He’s having some serious trouble with one of his legs; gangrene, to be specific. I am putting him in my prayers every night, figuring that he needs all the help he can get. Maybe it would add an extra push if the 44
1. S ubmit news online through the alumni portal at www.episcopalhighschool.org; 2. Contact your Class Correspondent by phone, mail, or email; 3. W rite your news in the space provided on the Roll Call remittance envelope and mail it with your annual gift; or 4. S end news to your Alumni Programs Officer* by phone, email, or mail to 1200 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302. * Alumni Programs Officers and their assigned classes are: * Classes up to 1953: Margaret von Werssowetz ’06, 703-933-4023 or mrw@episcopalhighschool.org * Classes of 1954-73: Matt Drake, 703-933-4026 or mhd@episcopalhighschool.org * Classes of 1974-92: Margaret von Werssowetz ’06, 703-933-4023 or mrw@episcopalhighschool.org * Classes of 1993-2009 and college-age alumni: Kirkland Hagerty, 703-933-4167 or khm@episcopalhighschool.org
rest of our class followed my lead. Thanks in advance. Had a real nice note from Walter Rogers who is residing at the RappahannockWestminster Retirement Home in Irvington, Va. He says that he is on an active program involving an “exercise class three times a week” and taking long walks. He sees David Burke, who is also at the same retirement home, at dinner occasionally. I am still battling the skin cancer involving my legs which is so irritating. I cannot run anymore, and I totter instead of walking. I have been accused of overindulging in John Barleycorn. I wish that it were true! For those of you that have some news, write (or call) so that the Class of ’43 can be informed.
’44-’46
Class Correspondents needed.
If you’d like to volunteer to be the class correspondent or just to share an update, please contact your alumni programs officer, Margaret von Werssowetz ’06, at mrw@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4023.
’47
Harvey Lindsay One Colley Avenue, Apt. 900 Norfolk, VA 23510 (H) 757-423-1877 (O) 757-640-8202 harveylindsay@harveylindsay.com
From Harvey: I am still going to the office and spending half a day or so and just getting in the way of our people. It gives me something to do, and I still enjoy the challenge of working. I have had the opportunity to have lunch once with Brad Tazewell ’44 and on a monthly basis with Jack Clarkson ’48 to keep up. I have also had the good fortune of being with Stuart Gilchrist on several occasions. Stuart and Mary John are living at Williamsburg Landing, a continuous care retirement community in Williamsburg. I also had the opportunity to talk with George Francisco, who lives in Houston; he is doing well, as is Bill Lummis. They asked about many of our classmates. I also received a call a few months ago from Gene Geer, and he brought me up to date with the EHS alumni in Charleston. Hugo Blankingship and I shared a double bunk room in my second year at EHS,
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
After Episcopal
Looking Back BY ED L EAKE ’47
It was the end of the summer of 1944, and it had been the best of times. There were five of us from St. Christopher’s middle school who headed off to three years at The High School. We were Griffin Burnett (d. 1977), Stuart Gilchrist, Herbert Jackson (d. 1984), Hunter McGuire, and me. We all graduated and left for Charlottesville to four years at The University and also to chase women and have a good time. Others in the class of 1947 who went to U.Va. were Hunter deButts and Bill Marshall. Hunter won his “V” letter at U.Va. as a pole vaulter. Bill Marshall played U.Va. varsity football. Others of us played intramural sports and all-night poker games.
Ed Leake ’47 and Bill Marshall ’47 at the 38th Parallel DMZ on July 4, 1953.
In 1951, when we graduated, the Korean War had become a fullblown military operation. Hunter deButts, Harvey Lindsay, and I joined the Marine Corps. We all became infantry Lieutenants and went to Korea. Hunter was Ed Leake ’47 on R&R in Kyoto, Japan, in April 1954. wounded there and is the recipient of the Purple Heart medal. died in a fiery plane crash of a U.S. Air Force C-124 Globemaster Harvey was the 1st Lieutenant with the 7th Marines and was in near Tokyo, Japan. He and 128 other U.S. military members also combat with the North Koreans prior to the armistice that was perished. At the time, “It was the worst air crash in history.” Sam signed in July 1953. Stuart Gilchrist and Bill Marshall were in the was a jet fighter pilot in Korea and was returning to his USAF base U.S. Army and also served in Korea. Bill and I got together and had near Seoul, Korea. Sixty-one years later, I still miss him. our picture taken at the DMZ south of the Imjin River – not really too far from the North Koreans on the north side of the Imjin. Herb We five all came home to the USA — happy to be alive and, at age Jackson and Griff Burnett became Ensigns in the U.S. Coast Guard. 24, ready to start a new life. Now at age 84, with my new paceGriff and I roomed together at U.Va. Harvey and I were roommates maker, I fondly remember the good times. Semper Fidelis to all. for two years at EHS and our first year at U.Va. 1st Lieutenant Samuel Forest Hyde ’45 (USAF) was my fraternity brother and another roommate of mine at U.Va. Sam had served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On June 18, 1953, Sam
EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
45
CLASS NOTES
and he’s been a great friend over the years. I think that it is very interesting what he wrote to me concerning his family’s return to Cuba recently. Hugo writes, “We are all fine here, and it was nice to hear from you, Harvey. I have now gone to the position of ’of council’ to our firm, Blankingship and Keith. John Keith ’64 is an ’Old Boy,’ although we probably don’t use that term anymore. Last June I stepped down after serving for five years as chancellor and deputy chair of the Anglican Church in North America, which was formed in 2009. Sally and I had a chance to go back to Cuba three years ago to see what had changed in the fifty years since we were last there. It was a moving experience, having grown up in that wonderful country. Recently my sister’s son went down with a group from St. James Church in Richmond and stayed in my old room in the Bishop’s house. I just learned that Eddie Leake was on the trip as well.” Peyton Craighill reports of his year 2014, “I served our Kendal retirement community as an opera impresario, selecting one opera DVD, then publicizing and presenting that opera in our lovely Kendal Hall for all our opera lovers, some of whom can’t get to our neighborhood theatre for opera performances. (Yes, the opera has arrived in little old Lexington.) I serve on the board of an organization known as Episcopalians on Baptismal Mission. We are promoting the surprising idea that Episcopalians might take their baptismal vows seriously in all areas of their daily lives, with the support of their congregations. I serve as editor of its newsletter called “Baptismal Mission Forum;” it gets published as soon as I have enough articles accumulated to make it worthwhile. I am learning new household and nursing skills through taking care of Mary, which I love to do!”
’48
Hugh Richardson 1819 Peachtree Road, NE, #200 Atlanta, GA 30309 (O) 404-351-0941
Here comes news from three classmates who have been going full speed. In 2014, Head Monitor “Cap’n” Jack Clarkson and wife Kirk took a steamboat excursion 46
Jack Clarkson ’48 and his wife, Kirk, before their Mississippi River cruise.
Shirley and Norris Broyles ’48 in front of the Eiffel Tower.
on the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans (see photo) followed by trips to Linville, N.C. and Telluride, Colo. The Clarksons have sold their house and downsized to an attractive downtown Norfolk condominium near the Elizabeth River. Kirk and Jack still live in Florida during the winter. Their son John Palmer Clarkson ’75 lives in Jacksonville and has purchased acreage in Thomasville, Ga., where he likes to hunt. His son Kirkland Tucker Clarkson ’08 is living in D.C. and is considering furthering his education at business school.
went quail hunting at the Pineland Club in S.C.
Last year Senior Monitor Norris Broyles and wife Shirley, shown in the photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, completed their Route 66 highway trip, Shirley says, from Albuquerque, N.M. to Santa Monica, Calif. They also visited the Grand Canyon. And besides Paris, the Broyles went to Belgium. Norris has two sons, good guy Eddie Broyles II ’73 and Norris Broyles III, also a good guy and fine architect, even if he did go to Woodberry, and delightful daughter Nancy Broyles James. Shirley and Norris’ motto is “Still on the run, having fun.” Benjamin Allston Moore telephoned to say that last year he managed two trips to the Megantic Club in Maine for brook trout flyfishing. The first was with son Allston Moore III ’83 and the second was with grandson Allston Moore IV ’14. Both lads have fished with Ben every year since they were ten. In July, Ben and wife Judy traveled to Harbor Springs, Mich., to see his daughter Susan Hoogland, and August found Judy and Ben hobnobbling to Cape Cod with friends. Early this January, Ben
Sadly, Bob Richardson wrote from his Somers, N.Y., home that Luella, his wife of 62 years, had died in 2014. She had been suffering too long from Alzheimer’s disease. Being admitted to Yale was as easy for brainy Bob, a standout shortstop for Coach Bill Ravenel’s 1948 baseball team, as his scooping up an opponent’s hard hit grounder, tossing it to 2nd-baseman Rufus Barkley, who would fire it to 1st-baseman Phil Duckett for a quick double play. Bob has got it all together and wishes ’48 could get together for one more reunion. News of other Old Boys: The memorial service for I.M. Sheffield ’49 who died in Mexico on Nov. 2, 2014, where he and wife Ilse had lived since 2000, was held in Atlanta, I.M.’s native city. We remember him as a friend to all, a fast halfback on Coach Bus Male’s 1947 championship football team captained by Tommy Birge, and a steady guard with Ralph Williams ’50 on Bus’ 1948 basketball team captained by Henry Schacht. I.M. graduated from Washington & Lee University in 1953 where he was president of the student body and a member of ODK. He belonged to Phi Delta Theta fraternity and among its members were Fontaine Gilliam ’47, Peek Garlington ’50, Bob Fishburne ’51, Frank Draper ’47, Pegram Harrison ’51, and Bill Dixon ’52. I.M.’s sister Peggy Sheffield Martin called him “Brother,” and he was “Big Brother” to boisterous Atlanta pals who would get into trouble and I.M would get them out.
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
Bill Dixon ’52 was a varsity football player for Washington & Lee the year W&L played one of the then top-ranked teams, the University of Maryland. Bill, who had starred for EHS earlier, lined up at tackle opposite Maryland’s Dick Modzelweski, an All-American and younger brother of another Maryland All-American, running back Ed Modzelewski. W&L might not have won that game, but Bill stood his ground.
’49
Class Correspondents needed.
If you’d like to volunteer to be the class correspondent or just to share an update, please contact your alumni programs officer, Margaret von Werssowetz ’06, at mrw@ episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4023. Dick Hobson and his wife recently attended the opening reception of an art exhibit in Episcopal’s Angie Newman Johnson Gallery. The show featured vintage posters from the collection of James M. Lewis ’64 and his wife, Elizabeth L. Lewis.
’50
Gish Anderson 109 Oak Hill Lane New Bern, NC 28562 (H) 252-635-6562 gishgay@earthlink.net 65th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
Don Scott and his wife, Carol, celebrated 60 years of marriage in January. Congratulations! Bill Russell also reports that “life is good.” The Class of 1950’s 65th Episcopal Reunion takes place on June 5-6, 2015. Gordon Leggett is making the trip from Philadelphia; Jim McNeely will head south from Boston; John Ritchie will escape tiger-country in Charlottesville; and David Maybank will make his way north from Charleston. Will you be there? Hope you can all join!
’51
Walter Reed (H) 707-448-3347 waltnloli@earthlink.net 65th Reunion: Nov. 13-14, 2015
From Walter Reed: Once again into the breach dear comrades, and here’s what we’ve been up to. Frank and Betty Boxley: So good to hear Frank’s voice again to know they are okay. Like me, he had a little hearing problem, but they continue to live life to the fullest. Frank spent his yearly fishing trip in the Idaho/Montana area with good friends. They spent Thanksgiving with their daughter who runs a bed and breakfast on a small island in Maine. Frank sends big hellos to Charlie Merriman and Jim Hickson and tells me he is running about a mile and a half most days – pretty impressive! Tom and Marilyn Buist: I found them away from dear old Charleston on a small costal island named Fritt. Our smart phones were acting up but he too is taking care of himself via a Heart Rehabilitation Facility manned by really nice people and is feeling quite good although most of Charleston has the flu. His big shock of the week was Duke making 11 points in the final three minutes of their game with U.Va. and thereby winning the game. When I sadly reported my inability to follow my VMI he tried to cheer me up by reporting that Citadel wasn’t doing so well either. Bill and Marion Calvert: And now to my dear old roommate and fellow Latin American resident in the old days. Marion is just fine and sweet as can be, but poor old Bill is recovering from a knee replacement which resulted from a problem that occurred some 45 years ago. It may have ended his golfing career but not his barbershop singing career, though he is now a bit slow climbing up and down the bleachers. In March they will be singing in Vail, Colo. and in July in Pittsburg, Pa. The Calvert clan has contributed quite a few kids to The High School, especially to the State Champion soccer teams, so there. Jim and Mildred Hickson: Half the fun of calling Jim is talking to his sweet wife whose friendly ways and lovely Virginia
accent takes me back to my days living with my maternal grandparents in Hampton, Va. (501 Bridge Street). Jim is temporarily sidelined by his recent spinal surgery (a truly painful experience shared by my sweet Loli), but he continues to check on his Virginia properties despite having to use a cane (he draws the line at wheelchairs). In the world of politics, Jim was most displeased at our president for returning a portrait of Winston Churchill to Great Britain without comment. I must admit that I find such a slight inexcusable also. Like several others in our class, Jim is getting a bit hard of hearing, myself included but I can shout pretty well when I have to. Fred and Barbara Hutchins: Sad news just in regarding Fred. He passed away on February 2 from MERSA, so I’m told. More details can be found in the In Memoriam section of this magazine. Johns and Nancy Jaudon: Both Johns and Nancy have been deeply involved in hospital volunteering during the past years and Johns, being a natural leader (credit his four years at the Naval Academy and his naval service that followed) was advanced through the ranks to state president of the organization. Though he was really challenged leading an organization that was 95 percent women, Nancy was there to guide him when necessary and his tour was quite successful. Johns’ granddaughter had a “destination wedding” recently, and it involved events in Coral Gables, Fla., and somewhere in South America. I sure would hate to get those bills! We had a long chat about how the Holy Spirit has come into our lives, a subject that is near and dear to Loli and myself, and both Johns and Nancy have recently taken a course at Sewanee entitled “Education for the Ministry.” Johns is staying in good shape like so many of us. Lee and Sylvia Marston: Another athlete in good shape is Lee who, to my amazement, is still playing squash (we were both co-captains of the team at EHS). Another reason for me to envy this guy is that his home in Erna Park, Md., is on the river along with lots of ducks, and several of them find their way to his kitchen. I love to eat duck, too, but my duck comes from EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
47
CLASS NOTES
Chinatown in San Francisco so I don’t get it very often. Another reason to envy him is that they have taken one of those Viking Cruises in Holland and Belgium, something that Loli and I only dream about. By the way, Lee sends a big hi to Tom Buist. Nigel and Judy MacEwan: Nigel and Judy are taking it easy with little to report, but he was interested in connecting with Jere Michael so I gave him Jere’s phone number. Jere and Holly Michael: These guys are not only very healthy but also getting around. They tell me that last fall they were in India and Nepal and that this spring they plan to visit Peru. They travel internationally twice a year, and Jere spends much time organizing his photographs. He also admits to several hobbies, but I forgot to ask him to elaborate. Charlie Merriman: Charlie is in good shape, fully recovered from his back surgery of the past, so much so that he spent a Christmas safari in Tanzania. If he decides to take in South Africa later on, I promise that my daughter, Patricia, and her family will be happy to show him around Cape Town. Charlie is presently in Palm Beach, Fla., golfing with friends, and when spring returns he will probably return to the holy city (Richmond, Va.) where he has a lovely home just across from the Country Club of Virginia’s Westhampton golf course. Sure sounds good to me. Bobbie and Winnie Page: Bobby is in good health too (being a doctor) but a bit peeved that the quail population on his property is in decline, but he did manage to get his moose on his last hunt in Alaska. He will be visiting the Maybanks and others soon, and his grandson has a wedding coming up in Oregon; time marches on, eh? Hardy Patten: Hardy has been my “Hollywood Reporter” at EHS for many years inasmuch as he lives in Alexandria and has supported The High School in so many ways. Having retired from the World Bank and its many travels around the globe, we had a lot to talk about. We discussed how the School has changed in these many years and what a fine job Rob Hershey has done in bringing the School 48
forward in today’s most challenging world. Being single he tells me that he has wisely embraced a retirement program entitled “Goodwin House” which provides him with a comfortable life in the future. I guess we should think about a tontine bottle of good wine for our last two survivors, no? Julian Robertson: Dick Rutledge tells me that an article in the Wall Street Journal mentions that Julian has received an honorary award from Oxford! Sorry, but I have no more info on it yet. Dick and Fleming Rutledge: Dick is in great shape, still playing Senior Tennis and looking forward to cleaning house when he moves into the 65-and-over category. Most admirably, he is still a man of faith, as seen in his support of a program entitled “Faith on Fire” which features guest preachers at a Westchester County site. He is also the key element in organizing our 65th Reunion at the 2015 Woodberry football game. Won’t that take us back to the 1947 game (hopefully)?
our Mariah as a tenured teacher in theater arts at Broward Community College with a daughter in nursing at Drexel University, and Patricia as a world-experienced veterinarian living in Cape Town with husband and two children. I now close expressing my pleasure at renewing old friendships from those boyhood days when my teachers and my schoolmates taught me those values that have served me so well for some 64 years. Let’s not forget our 65th coming up on Nov. 13-14 and I urge you all to do your best to be there. Hasta la vista, Walt
’52
Harte Crow (H) 603-643-5007 hcahcrow@gmail.com
Frank Shoup: Another good healthy guy, he doesn’t fly airplanes anymore but his two children certainly do. His daughter is an Army helicopter pilot who is in special operations and has had two combat tours. His son, a Navy Lieutenant Commander, flies F-18’s, usually off of carriers and recently qualified on the F-35 Simulator, which spells well for future assignments. Frank still travels a lot and I hope, as a member of the Marine Memorial Club in San Francisco (as am I) he pays us a visit here so we can renew old acquaintances.
From Harte Crow: How’s this for celebrating 80th birthdays? Late in the summer of 2014, Charlie and Mary Cook, Bob and Carole Morgan, and Harte and Ann Crow spent a week in France cruising the Canal du Midi on a small barge. They were handsomely attended to by an excellent crew of four: the captain; his wife, who produced elegant gourmet meals, breakfast, noon, and evening; an attractive young woman who was an expert on local wine and cheese; and a well-informed bilingual guide/driver who led trips off the barge to visit sites of interest in the adjoining countryside. Following the cruise the Cooks and the Morgans went on to Paris, and the Morgans ended eventually in England; the Crows spent a week in Uzès, a small town in southern France where they did some walking.
Myself: And then there is old Walt Reed. Loli and I have had a wonderful life together and, after my last active duty assignment, we realized that this little town (now with a growing population of over 100,000) was a home. The area is simply wonderful (San Francisco, Napa, Sanoma, Lake Tahoe and so many other places), and the weather is simply unrivaled. Both of us have had major health issues, but we wake up every day looking forward to our little routine. Both our daughters are doing very well,
Charlie Cook is still active in nearly everything that happens in Nashville and keeps his hand in the banking business as the chairman of Truxton Wealth Management Co. Bob Morgan has retired as a professor of music at Yale. He and Carole now live in Bryn Mawr, Pa., where Bob is still busy, having recently published yet another book, this one on Heinrich Schenker, Austrian composer and music theorist. Harte Crow and Ann continue to live in New Hampshire, though he retired after
Jim Rumsey: Had a brief chat with Jim who is in great shape and says his travels are limited to visits to his children.
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
participate in what matters and is most meaningful to us…nature, healthy family farming and food, arts and music, and activism and advocacy to the extent we are able to foster and support conservation and restoration of the health of the soils, waters, croplands, grasslands, working woodlands, wilderness, and fisheries here and wherever on and over the earth along with the health of and justice for all on earth.
Charlie ’52 and Mary Cook, Ann and Harte Crow ’52, Carole and Bob Morgan ’52.
40 years from the practice of radiology at Dartmouth in 2011. To keep active intellectually, Harte leads courses on architecture in community programs sponsored by two local colleges, Dartmouth and Colby-Sawyer. Fred Cleveland and wife Betty are doing well and took a cruise to Roatán, Honduras this past December. They are blessed with many wonderful grandchildren! From Don Faulkner: First and foremost, Mary and I wish you all the best in health, happiness, and peace of mind; livelihood, meaningful activity, and community; fun and love!! All is very well with us (my few health issues excepted) and both very grateful for our near 16 years of marriage and our quite unpredictable and surprising to us and others six-year relationship preceding, a very rich and persuasive experience for us both; and now very grateful to be back and living in a Vermont retirement community run on love with the most attractive, caring, and effective management and staff. With my needing to be in such a facility, I’m at peace with being here and think I could have done no better anywhere. Westview Meadows feels to us more like a resort inn than a retirement community. We do miss very much being in easier reach of and seeing our Virginia and southern friends and family, and I particularly regret having been chronically out of touch with a majority of my and our friends (family, cousins and such included) over the years to a degree that always has and does trouble me. It is my hope that this inevitably rambling letter will catch you up on us, gain
a response from you, and even be the first step in our keeping in better future contact. Mary and I moved to Vermont on April 1, 2014, after a two-month scramble, a move unforeseen and unpredicted so soon, let alone to Vermont, though we had been looking and considering possibilities sometime further in the future in Virginia. On a visit to Vermont in the fall of 2013 especially to see my sisters, Closey and Terry, Closey suggested “What about a retirement community in Vermont?!” She put us on to where we are, and we visited twice and liked everything, especially the food, the chef and his philosophy, and a type/size apartment that resonated with us. Convinced that we could find no place that would suit us so well and as affordable in Virginia, we made application and a deposit to be put on the waiting list later in the fall. We were notified that we were 42nd on the list and that an opening for the type of apartment we would want would likely not be available for quite a few years having had such a recent turnover and our being 42nd in line. Much to our surprise one did soon come available, no one ahead of us opted, and we began hustling to get our ducks in a row at a speed and stress level like getting out of the way of an avalanche. So here we are in our cozy and very comfortable apartment at Westview Meadows, a small (36 independent/14 assisted-living apartments) retirement community. Being located on the edge of farming country and six minutes from downtown Montpelier, Vermont’s progressive, energetic, and cultured capital, we are exceptionally well-located to get out and about to do and
Though Virginia will always be home to me and beloved by us, ever since my first visit in 1939 and most summers from then to 1953 spent in the northeast kingdom, Vermont has been my haven from the world’s and my ills. Its progressive state of mind; longest term and growing advanced social, ecological, and agricultural consciousness; deep awareness of and widespread respect and caring for nature; and people have drawn me since the late 60s. It was in 1968-70 when I sought out Vermont expertise on The Big Survey (since become Wintergreen), and we received so much and such valuable information – for example, professional guidance on ski area feasibility, design, and engineering as well as other essential mountain infrastructure information, ranging from the essential and BIG challenge of achieving a route of access up to Black Rock and Devil’s Knob mountaintops to standards required by VDOT for development. The interesting resolution: the C/L of what is now Wintergreen Drive was surveyed and laid on and up that difficult terrain by Byrd LaPrade, a seasoned Vermont civil engineer who was also a Virginian raised in Richmond and a graduate of St. Christopher’s and VMI. Mary has had New Hampshire/Vermont in her heart since her one summer at Camp Asquam. That experience had a positive and indelible effect on her which led her to move to New Hampshire in 1997. And what do you know, my coming up to see her led in short order to our buying a small farm in Royalton, Vt., and enjoying it with our horses, Marchal and Blue; cattle; chickens; dog, Brock; neighbors; and community from 1998-2008. It was a dream come true for both of us short as it was. While we miss many and much in Virginia, we are glad to be back in Vermont in easy reach of our Royalton community and my sisters. EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
49
CLASS NOTES
Well, this winter we’ve been enjoying a snow-covered landscape with temperatures mostly within 10 degrees above or below zero. We delight in knowing who we are and where we need to be; feeling such reverence and gratitude for Creation; the blessings of a healthy extended family; and all the abounding gifts of nature and life. We wish all could be as blessed as we.
’53
Ed Mullins (H) 803-782-3027 (O) 803-733-9401 ed.mullins@nelsonmullins.com
Ed Mullins writes, “I am in my 56th year of the practice of law, and thankfully I’m still working full-time. I no longer do any trial work, but I am active as a mediator and an arbitrator of lawsuits. In addition I’m active on the board of some legally related organizations, carry the flag to our various offices from Tallahassee to Boston and do everything possible to prevent being awarded a gold watch. I frequently have the pleasure to visit and be with Nelson Weston ’54, Austin Moore, and Angus McBryde ’55, all of whom reside in Columbia, S.C., the latter having settled here permanently with his medical practice a few years ago. I occasionally have the opportunity to see Bill Weston ’52 who lives in Augusta, Ga., and has retired as a professor of pediatrics from the Medical College of Georgia.” Jim Simmonds reports, “I wish I had some exciting news for you, but at my age reporting that my wife Monique and I are in pretty good health is all the good news I could ask for. In fact, we’re still hauling our bodies to a gym at 5:30 a.m. three days a week and walking or riding a bike the other three. Charlottesville is a great place for retired folk like us. There’s always something interesting going on at the University of Virginia – Monique and I live quite close – not to mention the convenience of the extensive facilities associated with the Medical School. The surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, is beautiful, and vineyards are springing up like –well, like new vineyards. (There must be at least 40 within a 30-mile radius.) It’s a cliché to say that EHS changed my life, but it’s true, as I 50
daresay most of our classmates could claim as well. It gave me values, friendships, and insights that I treasure.” Sam Holt writes, “Little changed here, but spending more time away from D.C. with my friend, mostly at her place in Florida. Kids all seeming to be fine, which is a great blessing at our age. Actually planning a trip to Scotland to visit the professor one, which sounds odd to one of us raised in the 1940s. Still would like to visit with any classmates who get to D.C., recalling a time now seeming as far gone with the winds of change as Tara–withers Scarlett’s or that of the ancient Irish kings for which it was named.” Jonathan Bryan writes, “Since I had to repeat the 6th grade, I am perhaps one of the first of the ’53s to become a neo-octo. Up to my eyebrows in consulting with troubled parishes, working with seminarians, doing Sunday supply gigs, and the like. I’ve enjoyed writing and (self-) publishing ‘Life of Love, Love of Life;’ ‘CrossRoads: A Father-Son Pilgrimage;’ ‘Nonetheless, God Retrieves Us;’ ‘Questings, A Parable;’ and ‘The Whole Biblical Narrative.’ Gaudeamus igitur!” Bailey Patrick reports, “Like most of our classmates, Rose and I reach another milestone this year–80 years of age; we are planning on celebrating this good fortune with our three children, their spouses, and our nine grandchildren somewhere down south. Of the 17 in attendance, eight will be Old Boys or Old Girls.” From Drummond Ayres, “Clare and I are spending a quiet winter down here at the old home place in Accomac on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, though we do break out now and then to spend time in our digs that we still have in NYC. One difference this winter, though, is that we’ve finally gotten around to accepting longstanding invitations from kind friends to visit them while they winter in Florida. No grandchildren yet, alas. However, daughter Sabra, a journalist, keeps us ever alert as she is up to her reportorial ears covering that nasty war in Ukraine. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. All the best to the Class of ’53.”
Greig Cummings valiantly and succinctly writes, “In one sentence: this is being sent from my hospital room following surgery in an attempt to honor my comment to be with you and our other classmates on our 65th.” We all wish you a swift recovery, Greig. Writing from San Antonio is Scott Parker. “Problems caught me by surprise. I am doing okay and still working full-time as a consultant. Having been a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas for over 51 years in the energy and construction industries, I can honestly state that the values taught me in four years at EHS continue to influence me daily. I thank God daily for the basis from which I draw strength that were learned at EHS. I sincerely hope that the teachings of and from The Holy Hill have not nor will ever slip towards the debacle of Political Correctness that is sweeping around this great country of ours. My great-grandfather, Colonel or Professor Charles Scott Venable, my grandfather, Dr. Charles Scott Venable, my father, attorney Horatio Maxwell Parker 1921, my older brother, Dr. Maxwell Venable Parker ’50, and two first cousins, Julius Preston Barclay ’42 and Charles Scott Venable Barclay ’50, all graduated from Episcopal High School.”
’54
Charlie Covell (H) 352-336-0127 (O) 352-273-2023 covell@louisville.edu
Charlie Covell writes, “I have begun seeking Confederate covers addressed to former EHS students during the Civil War and have located items addressed to our first headmaster, W. N. Pendleton, and to Launcelot Blackford.” Charlie also heard from John Mason who writes, “In regards to Civil War ancestors, a good many of my paternal forebears lived in Loudoun County, Va. One or two of them rode with Mosby, the Gray Ghost. I have those relatives in common with Gray Beverley (RIP), who was a cousin. Many of his family, as well as mine, are laid to rest in a little cemetery near The Plains, Va., which used to be Beverley property. That graveyard’s custodian is Malcolm
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
After Episcopal
In Praise of a Much Loved Master BY DR . ANG U S MC BR YDE, JR. ’ 55
ANGUS MCBRYDE ’55 LIVES IN COLUMBIA, S.C. HE TRAVELED TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD TO VISIT FORMER EHS MASTER WILLIAM RILEY DEEBLE III, A LONGTIME MARK LOVEWELL
RESIDENT OF WEST TISBURY, MASS., TO DELIVER THIS LETTER.
Flash back to September 1951. I was a post-World War II young boy of 14-and-a-half whose life Former EHS coach and master William Riley Deeble III, who served at EHS from 1951 to 1992. had been provincial, if not cloistered. My dad was a hard-workPhillips) the heart and soul of what in retrospect I owe to Episcopal ing pediatrician with the Fishburne/Davidson/Pennsylvania/ High School. And how much is that? It is indescribable, that I Hopkins educational flow who became the original Duke pediatriknow. And Mr. Deeble was the only master that I asked to sign my cian under Dean Davis (a Rhodes Scholar) at the brand new Duke 1951-1952 Whispers. I remember wanting him to sign more than Medical School in Durham, N.C. My track to orthopaedics was others. Episcopal High School/Davidson/Duke/Pennsylvania/Duke. I was a poor and unmotivated student with unsuccessful tutoring in math, and had the attention span of a mite. Episcopal High School was mine and my parents’ answer to the “lack of maturation and focus” dilemma. I arrived at EHS and said goodbye to my folks. Mom cried. Thanks to William Riley Deeble, who was the first master I met at my new dormitory home, I had no time to feel sorry for myself as he sent John McCain* and me and others who would become good friends immediately to explore. The earliest crisis at EHS for me was a total lack of communication from my mom and dad. It was a full two weeks later that Mr. Thomsen** told Mr. Deeble, who in turn told me, that my mailbox right there at the dining hall entrance was overflowing. I had the wrong mail box number. The worst emotional insult (at the time) that I had ever experienced was immediately dissipated. I can clearly see in my mind where Mr. Deeble was standing — just outside the dorm door next to the tennis court just after the last morning class when I learned that “all was okay.” Though I never took English history and was never coached by Mr. Deeble as a head coach, and though I never visited much at the masters’ homes, Mr. Deeble remained (with Mr. Callaway, Mr. Tompkins, Mr. Ravenel, Mr. Thomsen, Coach McLaughlin and Mr.
It is unlikely, Riley (if I may call you that now), that we can chat again as at this moment on Feb. 27, 2014, but I can promise you that long after I am gone, the onrushing next generation McBryde crowd will have this letter to know how much EHS meant to me. And EHS is embodied in you, the last living master/EHS teacher of my time from 1951 to 1955. Though my sons and granddaughters are apparently not to be “Old Boys” or “Old Girls,” they and those to follow will know the lasting impact that you and the School on the hill had on me — and indirectly on them. You have my everlasting appreciation.
This article was originally published in the March 7, 2014, edition of the Vineyard Gazette, vineyardgazette.com. Copyright Vineyard Gazette, all rights reserved.
*Sen. John McCain ’54 ** Richard Porter Thomsen ’30, EHS faculty (1939-51), Headmaster (1951-67)
EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
51
CLASS NOTES
Matheson ’55. These days I’m busy directing duplicate bridge games, mentoring rookie directors, studying Arabic, and birdwatching whenever I can. My goal for this spring is to phase out directing, bring in rookies to replace me, and devote more time to other things. If all goes as planned, Linda and I hope to travel to Colombia in early April. I lived there for six years and haven’t been back since leaving in 1971. The time for a visit is long overdue.”
’55
Sandy Wise (H) 614-766-1511 (O) 614-447-0281 hawppmd@aol.com 60th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
Reunion Weekend is just around the corner (June 5 and 6)! Have you registered?!? It’s not too late, and there is lots of good fun in store. Led by Sandy Wise, the Class of ’55 Reunion Committee – Berno, Rives, Bill Cook, Tom Rand, Jim Cathcart, and Malcolm – is excited to answer any questions leading up to the weekend. Hope to see you in June!
’56
Terry Cooper (H) 434-202-8066 (O) 703-931-8172 terry@cooperresearch.us 60th Reunion: 2016
From Terry Cooper: You may recall that classmate Bruce Rinehart was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2013. Bruce was recently notified that his dad, Jack Rinehart 1918, is going to be inducted this fall. Mr. Rinehart was an end on the football team, captain of the basketball team, a pitcher on the baseball team, and a track star who won five gold medals in a single state meet. Team photos of him are republished nearby. Bud Billups, who retired from the fine and lovely St. John’s College in Annapolis a few years ago, reports that he was asked to return to his old job there in August of 2013 and stayed until September 2014, at which time he re-retired. Bud is active with a number of local non-profits there, including co-chairing a capital campaign. 52
I’ve mentioned before that one of the volunteer activities with which I’m involved is an organization (OneVirginia2021) that seeks to end gerrymandering in Virginia. Gerrymandering is widely acknowledged to be a principal cause of the legislative gridlock that is so frustrating to many. My work for it is largely making presentations to groups seeking their support. At a recent meeting I was surprised to see a reporter from the local newspaper. The widespread view is that we’re championing an important cause that’s doomed to failure because it would have to be approved by the very people who benefit from gerrymandering, the legislators who currently draw the lines. But if two guys can climb El Capitan . . .
’57
Louie Gump (O) 423-282-3933 lhg703@yahoo.com 60th Reunion: 2017
Floyd Lankford writes, “After 50 years, still in the finance industry, still working. Why not?!? It’s fun!” Henry Blake writes, “On Feb. 7, 2014 had two granddaughters presented at The Krewe of Parlangua 29th Mardi Gras Ball. It is the oldest of many balls held in central Louisiana. Isabelle Burnum Ryland, of Alexandria, La., was our Queen and her cousin Ellen Elizabeth Morris of St. Petersburg, Fla., was a maid. Of note is that Ellen’s father is dean of St Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral of St. Petersburg, Fla. Their aunt, Caroline Faris, is employed at EHS. Relatives who attended EHS are Henry Blake (me) as well as great uncles James ’48 and William Blake ’51 and cousins Blake Rose ’04, Annabel Rose ’07, and Philip Faris ’13. Stephen Faris ’16 is currently attending EHS and Juliet Faris may attend next year.” Pearce Connerat writes, “Not too much news from Savannah, though I see Robbie Harrison every now and then. We had a 75th birthday celebration last fall. My first grandson (Jackson Pearce Connerat) was born a year ago, Class of 2031, I hope. I look forward to getting together for our 60th in a couple of years.”
Jack Rinehart ’18 (father of Bruce Rinehart ’56, grandfather of Bruce Rinehart, Jr. ’81, and great-granddfather of Robert Clark ’17) will be inducted into the EHS Hall of Fame in the fall of 2015.
Ned Ames retired after 50 years of law practice on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. He sees Tim deGavre who retired from Antigua to the Shore and Rob deGavre ’58 when he comes from his home near Seattle to visit their 100-year-old mother who also lives on the Shore. Tom Davenport writes, “I am still at the farm in Delaplane, Va., which has become a successful pick-your-own operation under my son’s leadership. We are about an hour from EHS. I continue to make movies, even in my old age. I just completed ’A Singing Stream: The Continuing Story of an American Family,’ which is a sequel to a 1985 film I made about an AfricanAmerican family from Creedmoor, N.C. As far as I know, this is the only film series about an American black family ever made. I also run www.folkstreams.net, which we started in 2002, two years before Youtube. Ours is a curated site that I run in partnership with U.N.C. Chapel Hill. My partner is Dr. Daniel Patterson, a Keenan Professor Emeritus from U.N.C. It’s been
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
fun putting up these old films that will remind you of our culture in the old days.” Fielding Logan writes, “Still alive and basically retired in Salem, Va. Son Fielding III ’92 is living in Nashville, daughter Mary Logan Currie in Charlotte, and son John in N.Y.C.” S. Dillon Wooten writes, “I still work after transitioning from petroleum to commercial real estate in 2007. Companies Wooten Development and Atlas Development operate apartments and develop and lease properties in N.C. I have three daughters and four grandsons that are 7, 11, 12, and 14. The 14-year-old is very successful in lacrosse. Son-in-law from W&L Class of 1994 works in business. I’ve been married to Sue Wooten for 49 years. Still play golf and tennis. Hope we have a Reunion in in 2017.”
’58
Surry Roberts (H) 919-828-2245 surryroberts@adventure777.com 60th Reunion: 2018
Sadly, Allen Simpson passed away on Nov. 3 in Greenville, S.C. At EHS, Allen was a Monitor and member of the Glee Club, the Missionary Society, The Chronicle, and “Whispers.” He was on the varsity football team, and was also a member of the track, tennis, basketball, and wrestling teams. He attended the University of North Carolina and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1971, Allen founded Simpson Capital Management and was frequently quoted in business publications and appeared on CNBC’s “Kudlow and Cramer.” Allen is survived by his brothers; David L. Simpson ’62 and James A. Simpson ’59; and his nieces and nephews, including James Alden Simpson III ’99 and William A. Simpson ’94.
’59
J.D. Simpson (H) 501-663-8631 (O) 501-377-2110 jdsimpson@stephens.com 60th Reunion: 2019
’60
Bill Drennen (H) 304-876-1236 (O) 304-876-6400 wmdrennen1@me.com 55th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
Can you believe it has been 55 years since the Class of 1960 graduated? Now Paul Cathcart, Tain Tompkins, and Fontaine Lawson are leading the effort to get the group together again for our 55th Reunion this June 5-6 on The Holy Hill. Hope to see everyone there!
’61
Bill Julian (H) 434-202-8859 waj43@msn.com 55th Reunion: June 2016
From Bill Julian: I saw Peter Winfield at the home he’s built for himself overlooking the hills and valleys of the Blue Ridge, along with other fine homes in the area. After EHS, he graduated from W&L with Messrs. Allen, Woodrum, and myself. He recalls the EHS faculty as “the finest I’ve ever seen in one place.” He related a visit to the EHS vs. St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes sports day (Seminary Hill Cup) last October as remarkable for the participants’ enthusiasm and positivity. Like me, he had little contact with EHS for years, and now finds it’s nice to be back in touch with classmates. He can be reached at 436 Laurel Mills Road, Castleton, VA, 22716 and 540-937-5079.
’62
Al Berkeley (H) 410-243-7859 alfredberkeley@gmail.com 55th Reunion: June 2017
From Al Berkeley: I have been remiss in reaching out to my classmates. I took this gig to make myself call you all and catch up. I will talk a bit about my own travels, which have kept me from calling you! I went to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in late January. It is very interesting, with many different “tracks” of programs. I attended a number of sessions on cyber security, a topic with which I am deeply
involved in the United States. The bottom line is that the western democracies are fed up with the criminal and state-sponsored breaches and are becoming very focused on ending it. The paradigm for cyber security is about to change, from defending the networks, which has failed, to defending the data itself. This means encrypting the data, splitting encrypted data into thousands of pieces (“bit-splitting”) and then dispersing the pieces into many different physical locations on the network. Reassembling the data without the keys is devilishly hard. I am subjecting you to these details because the cyber threat to your bank accounts is real and help is on the way. Last week I went to Egypt, with a group of business types. We were asked by an Egyptian businessman to come and talk with Egyptian business people, government officials and ordinary citizens about the economic and political situation in Egypt. The economy is in bad shape, as terrorists have threatened both tourists and foreign businesses. Hotel occupancy was about 10 percent and unemployment is high. What we saw on the ground is very different from what we see in the U.S. media. The underlying problem is a lack of jobs and half the population being under 30 or 35 with bleak prospects. Our group is developing a report on the trip, and I may be able to write more in the next issue.
’63
Cotten Alston (O) 404-310-0541 cottenalston@gmail.com 55th Reunion: June 2018
So, you think you’ve been busy in retirement?! Check out Wil Painter’s winter schedule for racing his vintage car(s?)! Wil has also been very active in Engineers Without Borders and has traveled many miles doing good deeds…check out his Facebook posts. He’ll be close to Atlanta for one race, and I’ll hope to catch a glimpse. Wil writes, “Photo from Circuit of the Americas (Austin, Texas) courtesy of Traqmate, manufacturer of the data acquisition system I’ve used for years. Traqmate’s owner, Glenn Stephens, is driving the Lotus from which photo was taken. My Alfa immediately in front of him. He continues EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
53
CLASS NOTES
to give me incredible customer service (not surprisingly, often on a cell phone from the paddock at some track when I need tech support). Posting this to cheer me up as the wind chill outside is somewhere around minus 8 degrees, and I’m preparing for my first two races this season: Road Atlanta, Braselton, Ga., (Feb 20-22) and Sebring, Fla. (Feb 26 –Mar 1). Somehow, I think the weather will be better on that long road trip… After last August’s trip to Ghana was cancelled due to Ebola, I made the difficult decision to hang up my Engineers Without Borders overseas travel. A group of students and professors were gracious enough to take me to dinner Saturday, an enthusiastic family style event (at Buca di Beppos) that allowed me one more evening of sharing food, companionship, and stories, the kind of gathering that was so much a part of our many trips together. At dinner’s end, they gave me this plaque. Their kind inscription nigh brought me to tears. Next week I’ll be working with an EWB group on how to launch a small bridge in Kenya across a creek channel, but it will simply be an armchair contribution from this side of the Atlantic.” Dick Yarborough reports in! We were so used to seeing him and Nancy on campus that it’s hard to realize that he has been retired and living the Florida dream for some good years now. Dick writes, “My wife Nancy and I are happily retired, living in Vero Beach, Fla. We have two children and three grandsons living on the West Coast. Our daughter, a career counselor for Antioch University in Santa Barbara, is married and has a 2-year-old son. Our son is a wildlife biologist for the Washington (State) Department of Fish and Wildlife. He is based in Bellingham and works in the North Puget Sound area. He is also married and has two sons, ages 11 and 7. We don’t see those families as much as we would like, but they and we are fortunate that life is good.” I can personally identify with the Left Coast phenomenon! As a pal said, “Once they get west of the Rockies, they ain’t coming back; it’s just too enticing out there!” One of our daughters recently moved to San Francisco when her husband was transferred; she rides the CalTrain to Palo Alto for her job and lives in the city where he 54
Wil Painter ’63, who races vintage cars, shared this photo from Circuit of the Americas (Austin, Texas) courtesy of Traqmate, manufacturer of the data acquisition system he’s used for years. Traqmate’s owner, Glenn Stephens, is driving the Lotus from which photo was taken. Wil’s Alfa is immediately in front of him.
offices, and it is indeed an enticing place to be, to visit! The Mamas & the Papas had it right! Jamie Poindexter is all ready for #55 and will be gathering the troops for that event. In case you were wondering about the 50th Reunion two years ago, we indeed were paying it forward…perhaps you read about it in the 1964 notes? David Dougherty ’64 and his henchmen in the excellent class following us put together an extraordinary Reunion, which broke all attendance records for a 50th and probably many other years. I heard that DRD was elected Reunion Chairman for Life, which would be proper recognition of a fine job gathering the gang, but more importantly bringing together his fine bunch of classmates. The (relatively) new alumni liaison Matt Drake comes from a boarding school background up east and brings a distinctive taste and skill to the office. With Matt’s help I think we, 1963, can claim that we’ve helped to start a very solid trend, and it would not have been possible without your attendance! I found an old program from our graduation, and it listed Walter Nicklin as a graduate with summa cum laude recognition… who knew? Really? Well the smartest guy in our class chose this year to spend the full winter in his Maine cabin. We’ve all heard about snow in Boston, and we can imagine that Piglet has gotten his fair share as well. Perhaps his great novel will come out of this hibernation experience?!
Nashville is basking in all sorts of upscale happenings. Bill Nelson and his boys were featured on the last pages of the last EHS magazine with their resurrection of the great-great-grandfather’s bourbon distillery. They are also gaining recognition in the wine and spirits press; their timing is the best since “bourbon” is now the rage in the booming cocktail and aficionado markets. Nashvegas is a happening place, and Jim Maddox maintains his solid position across the market spectrum, under the radar in real estate, water, and other ventures! Professor (George) Logan maintains his office at the Darden School of Business… I’d like to be auditing a class of his! Logan and Maddox seem to have very similar successful track records in a variety of businesses, and they’re both still going strong! George and Harmon are basking in the wonderfulness of son Willis – that’s the Rev. Willis Logan – and his family now living and working in Charlottesville with the lovely grandchildren…another version of “living the dream”! One daughter in San Francisco and one in Chicago and not much time to travel for Christmas between their work schedules…“let’s meet in the middle!” So, totally counterintuitive Val and I spent Christmas in Las Vegas! At my age and stage I’d love to report that there was a lot that happened that “stayed in Vegas,” but it was my first visit, and it was a fascinating time. The girls and their husbands planned perfectly; I lost a requisite minimal amount at the
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
and he had a terrific time. Years ago, when I was thinking about headmastering, I spoke with Robin – He said, ’Don’t do it!’ – and I remembered how much passion, wisdom, and good humor he brought to everything he did. And last summer, he hadn’t changed a bit. I’m very grateful that we all could be with him again. Have a good 2015, everyone.”
Jay Morris ’64 and Kate Spencer ’03 met in Botswana.
card tables, and Santa did find us at the Cosmopolitan Hotel!
effort to attend our 50th reunion and all of us are richer for his being there.
This class notes deadline rather sneaked up on me. I’ll cover more territory next time, and you are welcome to send unsolicited news anytime. In the meantime, make it a fine and a healthy 2015 and remember our chilly brother in Maine. By the time you read this page perhaps they will have cleared the roads to Nicklin’s house?
Among my memories of Robin at EHS: 1. If you were on the wrestling team, he made the “Boston ride” famous (infamous?). 2. His extremely long shirttail came out after he broke free against Lawrenceville; the defender made a last lunge, grabbed the shirt tail, and stopped the winning touchdown. 3. Robin and Humpty were trying to ferment a gallon jug of apple cider; they forgot to loosen the cap, and, one morning about five minutes before chapel, the jug exploded blowing glass and cider all over the room. Somehow we managed to clean it up, and they were never caught.
’64
Alex Jones (H) 617-497-2387 (O) 617-469-2582 jonesalex@aol.com 55th Reunion: June 2019
One of our own, Robin Byrd, died shortly after Christmas. I asked his close friend, Richard Wight, to write a remembrance, which appears below, followed by a number of comments from some other members of the class. From Richard Wight: Sad to report that Robin Byrd died in January from complications of diabetes. We all remember Robin as an outstanding athlete and a very bright student. He was a leader on the football team and captain of the wrestling team. After undergraduate and graduate school, he served in the army in Berlin and made a career as headmaster of a number of top-rate prep schools, all the while traveling the world and enjoying life to the fullest. Robin made a heroic
Robin never gave in to his infirmities and may have lived longer if he had, but that would not have been his style. Lift a glass to one of our outstanding classmates. David Dougherty remembers, “Robin would laugh loudly – and profanely– at me for calling him heroic, but I’ll do it anyway. After calling, voice-mailing, emailing, and texting him last winter about our reunion, knowing he’d not been well, I finally heard from him and learned that he had been in the hospital the whole time I’d been trying to reach him. He wrote back, “If I can, I’ll be there” – and he was one of the first to register for the weekend. And he made it, thanks a lot to Richard (Wight) and Susan,
Richard Bray writes, “I’ve thought about Robin a lot these last few days, a lot more than I would have imagined, and I am grateful to have had several good conversations with him last June. In particular, I remember him absolutely exuding delight in recounting a couple of bawdy dorm incidents from long ago. He loved to shock, and I liked that about him. I am really happy that from my last encounter with him I can only picture him smiling. Peace and love to you all.” Tom Hall recalls, “Kenny and I spent some time with Robin at the Reunion and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m so glad he came. I have sent the info about his death to Tom Britt who was very close to Robin and stayed in touch with him regularly until recently.” Buzzy Male writes, “I feel lucky that I did spend time with ’the Byrdman’ at the reunion, and it reminded me of why I liked him so much. Most everything he spoke was very unvarnished, and I admire that. Unusual that a guy who was a headmaster was still the same old Robin. Having re-connected with him, if only for two days, was great but selfishly makes it harder to hear the news. I am glad that many of you all have made replies. I hope we don’t only do this when one of us passes away. I hope all of you are doing well. I was so glad to be at our reunion, and I could tell it was a fun experience for the women who came. Donita and I got married about three weeks ago on her 70th birthday, I retired from coaching about a month before that and have been to the gym with her 6 days a week since then. The latter two are so I can keep up with the spiciest 70-year-old I know. I am trying to be mindful to treasure every day and the three days of our 50th reunion were very treasureful. I’m sure Mr. Ravenel would not approve of my creative EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
55
CLASS NOTES
vocabulary, but he would understand my feelings. Happy New Year and hope to see many of you in 2015.” Tayloe Wise writes, “So sorry. Robin was a great guy, a great athlete and a credit to EHS! Life, indeed, is short. My best friend died in my arms two years ago while we were fishing in a high remote mountain lake in Utah. Ever seen a late 60ish person doing CPR? No fun and impossible to keep up after five to six minutes. No cell coverage. Had to go to the local volunteer fire department to make landline call to his wife. Worst phone call of my entire life. As company medic, I had taken a bullet out of his ankle during a firefight in Nam, so I ended up being with him on the two worst days of his life. Anyway, good to hear of Buzzy’s marriage. I’ll be tying the knot again (this will be #4) in a few weeks. Hard to believe I’ll be 70 this year. Anyone else reaching that plateau this year? Best to you all.” Mayo Gravatt laments, “A real shame. A fine fellow who will be missed.” Humphrey Tyler ’65 shares, “Robin and I were roommates on first Berkeley our second year (1961-62). He called me out of the blue one evening about a year ago, and we reminisced about that year. Unfortunately, it was the first (and, now, only) time we reconnected since graduation day 1964, but I am glad we had that opportunity to talk and share memories one last time. Peter Williams was also a roommate (1962-63), and fortunately, he and I did stay in contact over the years. (Katy Fike, Peter’s fiancée with whom I am still in regular contact, was most appreciative for being included in last year’s reunion. Whoever in the class is responsible for inviting her deserves a big smiley face sticker on their reunion name tags.) These losses of our friends and classmates are jarring and uncomfortable reminders of the cycle of life, death, and our own mortality. They serve to remind us of the wonderful times we enjoyed together as young men who had the good fortune to share the experience of EHS in early the 60s. Stay well, do well, and live well.” Mole Lee ’65 responded, “Very sad news. I was aware Robin made it to the reunion 56
despite onerous health issues. His presence was fit testament to his tenacity. And his death further underscores my regret in missing the event. (We last met in Hilton Head two decades ago...) Indeed, at this point every healthy day’s a gift.” Jim Morgan ’63 writes, “Hard to believe. We spent some fun days in the infirmary together one fall. A first-rate person and terrific athlete.” From Duncan Patterson, “As many of you may recall, Robin and I were roomies our senior year. Although some might have perceived it as an unlikely twosome, we got along wonderfully, shared common interests and had some great times together. The fact that many of you southerners referred to us as ’Yankees’ in a less than complimentary way only heightened our need to stick together. Some crazy things happened on our dorm that senior year that were only aided and abetted by the infamous Ted Britt, enough said. As Buzzy said it was great to reconnect with him and, although I was only there one night, I did have the benefit of some one-on-one time. His disability notwithstanding, he seemed in good health and had a great attitude. Richard shared with me that his diabetes caused his kidneys to fail, so sad. As an aside, I went from rooming with Robin to rooming with Buzzy our first year at U.Va.” John Keith says, “We are fortunate that Robin made the effort to come to Reunion and that a number of you made it possible for him to come and to get around. I know he had a great time and it was wonderful to see him.” Steve Watts reflects, “Robin had an enviable combination of academic and athletic ability (makes me think of the motto on Stewart Gym) plus a personal vitality that included a viewpoint on things that you were not likely to hear from anyone else. I regret not have spent more time with him at the reunion.” Other classmates simply lamented, “Wow, I’m sure sorry to hear of this. As they say, we better enjoy the roses” (Cacti Varner) and “Such very sad news. I am so glad he had family with him at the end” (Son Trask).
Hubie Haywood writes, “I guess it has been an up and down year for us, or perhaps I should say a down, up, down year. First there was the death of Peter Williams, then a wonderful reunion, and now the loss of Robin. If nothing else, this demonstrates the importance of our efforts to get back together last June. I really liked Robin Byrd. Like Pete, he was a man of no pretensions. At the Reunion, we ate dinner together while Crow kept us in stitches. He was the same Robin. The only real change in him was his debility, which I wasn’t happy about. It was in poignant contrast to his athleticism and physical robustness way back when. I know everyone appreciated his efforts to be present. Ironically, I thought of him in the past week and considered an email. It didn’t get done-another of life’s lost opportunities. My best to everyone.” Meade Whitaker also shares his thoughts on seeing Robin at Reunion, “He did have a great time, and it was a real pleasure to see him. He certainly made an herculean effort to be with us. Today is a gift, that’s why it is called the present. God’s peace and happy new year to all of you.” And the last word to Jimmy Black: “What a great time he had at the Reunion! Such a short time ago. Boys, let’s make the best use of the time we have.”
’65
Jim Sullivan (H) 615-292-3536 (O) 615-327-5759 jsullivangrayson@gmail.com
Richard Lee (H) 617-497-4523 dlee60@verizon.net 50th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
From Richard Lee: There stands a modest disconnect between a class notes deadline and the alumni magazine delivery date. As we write, a horizontal snowfall sluices past the window. Wind: 27 mph; Wind Chill: 3 degrees. Those among us who played soccer recall days like this. Most could tolerate such in shorts, light jerseys, and gloves. Moreover, we considered ourselves lucky. Better the
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
After Episcopal
Humphrey Tyler ’65 50 Years of Lacrosse BY JOH N W I C KHAM ’ 16 IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS, NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE EVER HEARD OF LACROSSE. EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN LABELED THE FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN AMERICA, IT HAS NOWHERE NEAR THE NATIONAL RECOGNITION OF FOOTBALL OR BASEBALL. AND
1965 Lacrosse Team
YET AT EPISCOPAL, LACROSSE HAS BECOME A HALLMARK SPORT. IT IS SYNONYMOUS WITH CHERRY BLOSSOMS AND WARM WEATHER. AT EHS, STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE CAN COME TOGETHER TO WATCH AND PLAY THE SPORT. WITH THREE BOYS’ TEAMS AND TWO GIRLS’ TEAMS, LACROSSE IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR SPORTS HERE AT EPISCOPAL – BUT IT WAS NOT ALWAYS THUS.
Until 1962, lacrosse sticks had never touched the fields of Episcopal. One of the original Native American stickball games, lacrosse did not catch fire as an interscholastic sport until the 1950s. The growth of lacrosse required a few brave men to step out of their comfort zones and try something new instead of the traditional track and field or baseball. Humphrey Tyler ’65 was one of these men. Guided by Warren Stewart ’63, who assembled the first club lacrosse team at Episcopal, Tyler captained the 1965 lacrosse team and received the School’s first lacrosse award that spring. Thirty years later, in 1995, he endowed the girls’ lacrosse award, known as the Tyler Award. How were you recruited to play lacrosse?
Warren Stewart ’63 was looking for anybody who was willing to at least give it a chance. At that time, there were 250 guys and only three spring sports at Episcopal: baseball, tennis, and track. Some of us just weren’t great athletes, but we did know how to hit somebody with a stick! That was really the beginning. By the spring of 1965, we had a club. The Maryland Old Boys Association gave the money to endow the first annual boys’ lacrosse award (the Joseph B. Shelor ’52 Most Valued Player Award), and in the spring of 1966, it became a varsity sport.
How was lacrosse perceived at that time?
It was a curiosity. It wasn’t fully embraced by the other coaches. The athletic director at the time was the baseball coach, and while lacrosse was still in its infancy in the United States, wherever lacrosse took hold, baseball disappeared. There’s a T-shirt that was making the rounds in lacrosse circles about 10 years ago that said, “Friends don’t let friends play baseball.” Baseball is an intellectual sport. There’s not much action. You really have to be an excellent athlete to be good at baseball. Each game, you have maybe three or four opportunities to really make a difference unless you’re the pitcher or the catcher. Otherwise you’re sitting on the bench watching things happen. Lacrosse, on the other hand, is an action sport. Almost everybody gets to handle the ball. It’s a combination between soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and field hockey. In those days, there was a great deal more contact. If you were not a good stick-handler, you made up for that deficiency by using your body. For guys who were defensive linemen in football, there was an opportunity to use the skillset that you had learned in the fall. Why did you decide to endow the girls’ lacrosse award?
I was very enthusiastic about the idea of Episcopal going coed. I was looking for some way to encourage it. Any institution, in order to survive, has to be willing to evolve and accommodate changes in society. I think that Episcopal had to do that, and I’m glad that they did.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
57
CLASS NOTES
cold than being affixed to a steam radiator under a rubber cape sweating off pounds for a wrestling weigh-in. Were we nuts? By the time readers consider as much, summer and our 50th Reunion will be upon us. So be it. It does appear that we will have one more attendee than, heretofore, anticipated. David “the Phant” Patterson has re-emerged. Amber Alert over. Phant tells us that he is retiring from his medical practice of 37 years; that he is fed up with being asked to see more patients than might be termed…well, clinically advisable. If all goes according to plan, he will be teaching American History at UNC in Greensboro, an admirable transition. Let us hope he is not handed 250 iPhone-addled freshmen in a lecture hall. He and his wife definitely plan to be at the 50th Reunion and hope to see of their old EHS friends. Matching that ambition, Jamie Totten reports from the beach in Boca Grande, Fla. He proudly announces his now-official designation as “Slothmaster.” (Think the “Seven Living National Treasures of Japan.”) Jamie highly recommends similar aspirations to his classmates, while graciously acknowledging that it is not for everybody. Perhaps, a competitive “Gout Bowl” is in order to weed out those lacking the requisite tenacity. Jamie is planted firmly in the sand ready to take on all challengers. It is comforting to know that peer pressure remains intact – right up with death and taxes. The latter, however, does not extend toward producing an “Organizer-in-Chief ” for the Reunion. To quote Humphrey Tyler, such a moniker is being “tossed back and forth like a live grenade.” Consequently, a Committee-of-Equals seems to be coalescing. (A clump might be a more suitable term.) By publication time, the effectiveness of one or the other will have been rendered apparent. And, surely, the weather will be better fit for man, beast, and the alumni news.
’66
Jack Sibley (H) 404-237-2803 (O) 404-614-7551 jsibley@hptylaw.com 50th Reunion: June 2016
Submitted by Whittington Clement: “Randy Wyckoff continues to make community contributions in Richmond, where he and his wife, Lorna, have lived for the last 40 years. Randy has developed the reputation of being the go-to guy in helping charitable organizations in transition or needing new leadership. His latest contribution has been serving as interim CEO at the First Freedom Center, a museum dedicated to religious freedoms and how they have shaped our nation. Randy guided its board in a merger with the long-established Valentine Museum. Randy and Lorna have two married daughters and now await the next phase of their lives: grandparenthood.”
’67
Charles Coppage (H) 252-473-3893 (O) 252-480-2568 charles@nccoppagelaw.com 50th Reunion: June 2017
Chuck Gilchrist’s son, Cappy ’02, welcomed his first child, a daughter named Wells, this fall. deRo Myers writes, “Weldon Schenck and I got together with Hank Stallworth at the wedding of Hank’s son, Hal, at Hank’s plantation in Saint Matthews, S.C., last summer.”
’68
Walker Moore (H) 864-543-1514 (O) 864-941-0666 moorew327@aol.com 50th Reunion: June 2018
Barbara and Jim Gilliam attended the EHS CONNECT event in New York City in February, an event that aimed to bring together the EHS community of current parents and alumni of all ages in order to foster new relationships.
’69
Kinloch Nelson (H) 585-385-3103 (O) 585-264-0848 kinloch@rochester.rr.com
Marty Martin (H) 919-787-5804 (O) 919-272-2106 marty_martin@bellsouth.net 50th Reunion: June 2019
T. Lad Webb writes, “October took me and Kristin to Vegas for work then our annual wine country jaunt with family members. Late November, Thanksgiving 2015 came in an unusual package-welcoming son Michael ’04 home from an extended combat deployment as a Navy Hornet Fighter/Attack pilot, conducting missions against Taliban in Afghanistan initially, then against ISIS forces in Syria and Iraq. We were blessed to have both sons and their wives with us in Pennsylvania for Christmas. In January, Katherine Webb Easterling ’95, Ladson Webb ’97, Lt. Michael Webb, US ’04, and I, along with spouses Kristin, Bruce, Xandria and Elya, gathered for a fun evening in Charleston with several other EHS graduates at the Hibernian Hall for a formal dance. That weekend, Webbs from three to 63 took to the rock climbing walls at the James Island Park and enjoyed the time with five Easterling granddaughters. We then wrapped up January hosting the fifth annual Zodiac Aerospace Defense Seminar at the Army and Navy Club in D.C., with attendees from across the U.S. and Europe. Next stops? Golf in Myrtle for me and granddaughter visits for Kristin in March. Mack Johnston reports that he is happily retired, “up here in blizzardly Connecticut (30 inches earlier this week) but hoping to move south sometime. Most of my time is in amateur music, playing mandolin, involved with the Appalachian dulcimer community, organizing community SING! sessions a la Pete Seeger. The music makes me appreciate what Joe Hatch had to do to keep up his organ skills while at school. Warm (figuratively and literally) wishes to all.” Ben Gray reports that he and his wife Rachel “moved to Wilmington, N.C., in
58
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
Lord Fussypuss, Geoff Snodgrass ’71, and his Lady awaiting the call to dinner.
In January, Katherine Webb Easterling ’97, Ladson Webb ’99, Lt. Michael Webb, USN ’04, and T. Lad Webb ’69, along with spouses Kristin, Bruce, Xandria, and Elya, gathered for a fun evening in Charleston.
June and are getting settled in a newly renovated family home. Quite a transition from the hills of Tennessee to the beach... from boots to flip-flops!!! Looking forward to meeting up with a few alums around here. All the best!” Billy Sullivan is living in Austin and still pursuing his art work. Bill’s son is working for a company in Shanghai, and his daughter recently went to Spain to make promotional videos in the Andalusian horse industry. Marshall Washburn reports the birth of his first granddaughter, Avery, last Sept. 10. And in the return-to-campus department, Charles Glenn tells me his wife Kim is finishing up her last semester towards an ordination at the Episcopal Theological Seminary. That’s news for now. Cheers, Kinloch Nelson
’70
Craig Stewart (H) 703-820-3713 (O) 202-261-6706 craig.stewart@bernstein.com 45th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
Johnny Coupland got this email message recently from Lewis Rogers: “I retired from banking two years ago. We are ‘poor’ but happy. We downsized to a condo
overlooking Lake Pontchartrain at the time of my retirement. We spend our days running errands, reading books, cooking, and planning our outings with our 20-monthold grandson.”
’71
Geoff Snodgrass (H) 504-895-4200 geoff@snodgrassplc.com 45th Reunion: June 2016
From Geoff: Catlin Cade checked in from his farm near Demopolis, Ala., where he was deer hunting. He asks whether there are other hunters among us which I take as an implied invitation to don camouflage, rack our rifles and join him in the woods. I’ll bring the bourbon. He says he is feeling older these days, but is blessed with two grandsons so far. His CPA firm celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, and he is looking forward to attending his 40-year reunion at Vanderbilt, which he attended with Carl Benton and nine guys from Woodberry who called themselves the “Nashville 9.” Despite their alma mater, he became great friends with several of them.
’72
Beau Wilson returned to The Holy Hill recently for a visit and will be back again in May to speak to the current school community about the essential values EHS instilled in him as a student and throughout his adult life. Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful event!
’73
Porter Farrell (H) 817-732-4315 pfarrell@farrellcompany.com 45th Reunion: June 2018
David Carr, Jr. reports “George Wickham ’74 and I have discovered doubles squash. We are devotees of the game and occasionally play tourneys together. We look forward to playing into our golden years; EHS will need to build a doubles court for its aging squash alumni.”
’74
Bill Stokes (H) 919-493-7481 (O) 919-490-7141 billstokes972@yahoo.com
Gilliam Kittrell (H) 919-788-8171 (O) 919-876-7411 gillkitt@bellsouth.net 45th Reunion: June 2019
“A quiet man often says more.” This was the quotation used by Richard Tucker in the 1974 yearbook and seems to be the class motto. Break the silence; send your updates to Bill or Gilliam for the next magazine!
Beau Wilson (H) 212-588-0363 (O) 212-603-6185 beau.wilson@ms.com 45th Reunion: June 2017 EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
59
CLASS NOTES
’75
Willie Moncure (O) 703-768-1705 william.moncure@raymondjames.com
Hunt Burke (H) 703-768-1705 (O) 703-684-1645 huntandmolly@verizon.net 40th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
William: Class of ’75 ! Take No Jive! – 4-0! ! ! – Can you believe it? Hunt: Okay, Rocket Boy – that is not your GPA! It is our Reunion Year – Focus – please. W: Gee, Huntly, you really know how to hurt a guy; I know you have five women at home telling you what to do, but we are putting “The Class” back together after 40 years, my man! H: Let me turn my hearing aid down and tell the class we expect a big turnout. The Tad Archer loan has been approved, and he will be coming from Hawaii.
Mr. Seidule’s Class That Almost Wasn’t B Y JU DSON H AND ’ 75 IN THE RECENT EHS MAGAZINE ARTICLE ABOUT MR. SEIDULE, I READ WITH PARTICULAR INTEREST HOW ROB DEBUTTS ’75 AND RICHARD NALLEY ’75 WERE THE ONLY STUDENTS WHO SIGNED UP FOR MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY. THE CLASS WAS ABOUT TO BE CANCELLED UNTIL DEBUTTS AND NALLEY RECRUITED SEVEN OTHER STUDENTS (INCLUDING ME) AND THEREBY SAVED IT.
There is a postscript: Shortly after I graduated in May 1975, I received a small package containing a photograph that was mailed to me by Frances Moss, one of the staff. Mrs. Moss enclosed a note saying that she’d found the picture in my mailbox after I’d left, and she knew I would like to have it. It was a picture of Mr. Seidule and the students in the Modern European History class, post recruitment drive. Best of all, there was a personal inscription at the bottom wishing me luck signed by JMS himself. Somehow, the signed photo has survived. The students are: (left to right) Carlton Johnson ’75, Judson Hand ’75, Scottow King ’75, Gregory Michaels ’75, Philip Schley ’75, Richard Nalley ’75, Robert DeButts ’75, and William Mitchener ’76. Mr. Seidule is on the far right.
W: Rob Saunders is also predicting a big turnout because “He Is Coming!” – Grease Ball Nulsen III has agreed to check Rob’s medication from time to time. H: Brother John Willcox just said he will be front and center. W: We have a quorum indeed – the call is out! We will be talking about YOU! – So come defend yourself. H: Stuart Grainger will be my protector. W: Well Hunt, I am hiring both Stewart and Anne to defend us into the late hours. H: I’ll take a cappuccino with a twist, please. I don’t want to miss any of the action, young Wilhelm. W: Game On, Class of 1 9 7 5 . 4-0 !
60
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
’76
Boota deButts (H) 703-998-1487 (O) 703-933-4092 whd@episcopalhighschool.org 40th Reunion: June 2016
Greetings, my fellow members of the Legendary Class of 1976! I hope everyone had a nice winter. It is hard to imagine as I write this column (in the single digit cold of February with snow on the ground) that you will be reading it in the warmth of spring. Okay, everyone, this is a huge technological leap forward for the Legendary Class of 1976. Included is the first “selfie” to grace this column. The caption says it all: “A Thing of Beauty!” Howard Smith was headed down to Louisiana to do a little duck hunting and stopped by to see Mr. Rice, who has relocated to Lafayette, La., with Mrs. Rice to be near his daughter and grandchild. Howard reports that Mr. Rice is doing well and welcomes all visitors. Speaking of doing well, Howard was the host with the most at the inaugural CONNECT DC event at the Metropolitan Club in D.C. Howard along with several other Metropolitan Club members opened their doors to about 150 local alumni and parents for a “networking” event. It was a great success, and it can all be attributed to Howard’s touch! Most of the Legendary Class of 1976 were included in an email sent out by our class agent, Dalt Ruffin, this fall. Yours truly was somehow left off the class distribution list! What the heck?! Anyhow, I got wind of this email and the chain of responses which makes good press. If for some reason you, too, were left off the list (Dalt is starting to get a little forgetful!), it basically said that our 40th is coming up soon and we should all plan on attending. But Dalt was able to insult Alex Liu, which isn’t too hard, and a stream of emails followed. Alex, unable to defend himself from claims of missing flights the next day, lashed out at a multitude of classmates, starting with Robert Cunningham, “married way above his status and punching in way above his weight,” Edward Morrison, the usual bald head joke (I just don’t get those!), and then a walk down memory lane about his baseball exploits with Truman, Mark, Chip, and Larry. I think Alex was second base
on that team. I mean he was actually the second base. A lot of spike marks on him! Alex’s last insult was about the annual class of 1976 weigh-in, and he included a new target, Mike Berry. Not sure why, but he did throw Bill “Willy T.” Mitchener under the bus. The Judge VanMeter chipped in with his WFS memories and the recent excitement of Episcopal’s sweet victory over the Tigers. Al Rhyne’s, Mack Benn’s, and Clarence Gaines’ names were all written in reverence! Word has it that Jeffrey Thomas has moved to Las Vegas and is running one of those quickie “get married with Elvis” drive-thru churches and is doing very well. If someone could please verify this for me, I’d appreciate it. I’d hate to put out incorrect information in this column. Otherwise that is all I have to report. There is an open invitation for all classmates to come back and visit. The campus is amazing, and I’ve got connections to put you up in the Alumni Cottage! Take care and stay in touch.
’77
Class Correspondents needed.
40th Reunion: June 2017
After many good years of service, John Baicy is retiring from the Class Correspondent position. If you’d like to volunteer to be the class correspondent or just to share an update, please contact your alumni programs officer, Margaret von Werssowetz ’06, at mrw@ episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4023.
’78
Jim Clardy (H) 704-332-4195 (O) 704-339-2015 jim_clardyjr@ml.com 40th Reunion: June 2018
John Richards recently attended the EHS CONNECT event at the Metropolitan Club in Washington, D.C., and he has an active law practice as a member of Trout Cacheris & Janis PLLC.
’79
Bill Hughes (H) 203-861-1641 hughesbill@aol.com 40th Reunion June 2019
While he enjoys his new home in Fairfax City, Jim Chesson plans to escape the cold Washington winter with a spring break trip to Death Valley, where he can indulge his passions for hiking, cycling, and geology. Jim enjoys having adult children Zach ’05 and Grace ’08 both back in the D.C. area. He and his wife Susan recently joined classmate John Marshall and Liza for dinner in Georgetown. Chip Craighill, Robert Griffith, and Tim Rogers are all currently parents of seniors at EHS. Hunter Craighill ’15, Reynolds Griffith ’15, and Louie Rogers ’15 will all graduate on May 31, 2015. Time flies! Other current EHS parents include David Maybank (Catherine ’16 and William ’18) and Bill Hughes (Ryland ’16).
’80
Staige Hoffman (H) 813-287-9887 (O) 813-781-3184 staigehoffman1@aol.com 35th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
From Staige Hoffman: Dear Fellow Old Boys, Please consider attending our 35th Class Reunion in June. The High School has been very helpful in providing information about the Reunion Weekend. You will continue to see more information about it. Margaret von Werssowetz ’06 is the alumni programs officer, and she has been most helpful in the coordination of this great event in June. Please think about sending me some photos (old and new) so we can use them in some email blasts in the coming months. Thank you and I look forward to seeing everyone!
EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
61
CLASS NOTES
’81
Seward Totty (H) 859-268-8673 (O) 859-514-6434 seward.totty@gmail.com 35th Reunion: June 2016
No news to report this time. Send your updates for the fall magazine!
’82
Dave Coombs (O) 804-934-4707 david_coombs@cable.comcast.com 35th Reunion: June 2017
From Dave Coombs: My apologies to my classmates: I’ve done a very poor job of keeping up with your news and reporting to our class. I’ve reinvigorated my commitment, and intend to keep you all up to date! I am still living in Williamsburg, Va., and working as director for business sales for Comcast. My work keeps me very busy, and on the road more than I’d like. My beautiful daughter is in her second year at U.Va., and enjoying campus life. My 13-year-old son is nearly as big as I am, and lives and breathes football. We’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to attend several William & Mary basketball games this season to see Coach Shaver in action. Of note, one of this year’s W&M superstars is Omar Prewitt, cousin of Breck Prewitt. Heather and I will be visiting D.C. on Valentine’s weekend, and visiting with Chef Todd Gray while we dine at his Equinox. Todd has continued to do extremely well and expand his business. I’ll have more news after we talk to Todd this weekend. If you haven’t done it yet, I strongly encourage you to dine at Todd’s restaurant in a non-reunion setting. It is truly an awesome experience that you won’t forget. I received a great email from Danny Miller. In his message Danny writes, “I’m still up in Wayne, Pa., outside of Philadelphia, and still working with Aon, a global insurance brokerage firm. Have not been able to get back to EHS as much as I’d like, but when I do, I’m always amazed at the facilities. What a great place. My kids are growing up. Daughter is a senior at Macalester College in St. Paul. My middle son is a freshman at 62
Will Thomas ’82 (father of Sarah Thomas ’16 and Guy Thomas ’17) and Ina Dixon ‘06 at the American Historical Association meeting in N.Y.C. last week. Two prominent EHS historians! Will is a history professor at the University of Nebraska, and Ina is a fellow specializing in local history at the Danville Regional Foundation in Danville, Va.
JMU in Virginia (glad we have a Virginia connection), and my youngest son is a junior in high school. Anne and I will be “empty nesters” soon. I keep in touch with Tim McGee ’81, who is in Baltimore, although we don’t see each other as much as we’d like. Not many EHS guys up in Philly.” Carl Failmezger has been doing an unbelievable job of building his own house with his own hands! Who knew that Carl was so skilled? Carl is still living in Lancaster, Va., and serves as the County Magistrate when he’s not working on his mansion. I am proud to announce that Carl’s son Richie will be attending EHS in the fall. Elis Olsson was at the house recently. He and his lovely wife Dudley are doing well, and still living in West Point, Va. Elis is VP and director of operations for Martinair, and looking more fit and healthy than any 50-year-old has the right to look. And as many of you know, Frank Liddell is still in Nashville and is president and founder of Carnival Music. At the 2014 MusicRow awards, Frank took home the award for producer of the year, while “All Kinds of Kinds” (written by Phillip Coleman and Don Henry, produced by Liddell) was awarded Song of the Year. Keep making us proud, Frank!
’83
Frank Vasquez (H) 804-767-5096 (O) 888-343-6245 Ext 5249 rfvasquez@yahoo.com 35th Reunion: June 2018
Rich MacKnight, William Nakhleh, and Ken Tyler all attended the recent CONNECT event in Washington, D.C. Rich is currently a director at Technatomy Corporation, and William is an attorney at Karp, Wigodsky, et al. Ken is the director of athletics at University of Mary Washington, and his son Jordon Tyler ’16 is a current EHS student. Barry Inabnet served on the host committee for the CONNECT event held in New York City. Barry is chairman of the department of surgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. At last check, Tyler Carr planned to attend that event, as well.
’84
Sam Froelich (H) 336-288-5711 froelich@me.com 35th Reunion: June 2019
Now that the spaceship that abducted me twenty years ago has returned me to Earth, I can finally take the place of that politically-correct, latte-sipping, liberal-elitist,
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
his family visited this past summer. Both of his boys, Quinn ’15 and Hayne ’17, attend EHS. They brought back-to-back hurricanes from the east coast to Maui but Dave says they all still had a great visit including some good hiking, boating, and stand-up paddling. In addition, Ed Thompson and his family were there about a year ago. Dave says Ed is living in Colorado and has his own company related to wiring computer data storage facilities. And last, but never least, Chris Schindler and his family are visiting in March.
Henry Stoever ’84 with his dad’s Duke Med School roommate, Angus McBryde ’55.
Democratic-doppelganger that did such a woefully inadequate job of maintaining this column for the past two decades in my stead. I apologize for his lack of regular updates on the Class of 1984. So without further ado: First off, Henry Stoever (aka Doyle) appears to be firing on all cylinders. No less than we would all expect of a former Marine. (Remember he changed his name back to his birth name decades ago. It was to protect the innocent or something about a restraining order, I wasn’t really listening.) He just celebrated his five-year anniversary as chief marketing officer at the National Association of Corporate Directors. (Which I’m sure took place in a very nice resort with a killer golf course.) His oldest, Hank (23) is a grad of Seattle University and now a software engineer in Seattle while his daughter Hannah (20) is a lax-playing, KD-sorority sister and sophomore at University of San Diego. His youngest Charlie is a junior at Gonzaga College High School in D.C., playing lacrosse and soccer. If the trend continues, Charlie will wind up in college in LA or Hawaii. Henry was fortunate enough to attend the NFC championship game with his boys, but is very humble about his role in facilitating the Seahawks comeback. He also attended the annual EHS-WFS Alumni Golf Classic in Charleston, SC this year (Which I’ve never been invited to, possibly owing to the fact my weight and golf score remain roughly equal.) He is pictured with his dad’s Duke Med School roommate, Angus McBryde
(EHS ’55 and classmate with Sen. John McCain ’54). If you need to be bailed out of any D.C.-area jails, Henry’s phone number is 301-787-9700. Glad to report things are happy and healthy in another D.C.-area household, that of Sandy Thomas of Vienna, Va. (Love that city’s sausages.) He was elected managing partner of his law firm last year so he and Brigid are working hard to squeeze in a family dinner at least once a quarter. His son Liam (16) is a high school sophomore and his daughter Caroline is a freshman at Georgetown, a wonderful school located near a slew of bars that Sandy had no knowledge of as a student at EHS. All the way across the Pacific, our Polynesian pal Dave Ward continues his epic quest to overcome being a “haole.” He and his beautiful bride Dane have a 14-year-old son Moana. His company Frampton & Ward is a real estate development and entitlement business that “entitles” him to have a job on Maui and spend as much time as he can on the water. Dave reports he has been blessed with visitors. Curtis Mewbourne and his family visited from New York. Curtis’s son, Pearson, and Moana have attended Camp Sea Gull together the last two summers. They had a great time during their visit including an overnight camping trip in Haleakala Crater, a helicopter trip to see the lava flow on the Big Island, and a nice day on the water at Molokini snorkeling. Garth Ainslie and
Robert Wallenborn has been working for Lowes Home Improvement stores since 2006 in Roanoke, Va., the star city of the South. However, he likes to downplay his contribution to Jimmy Johnson’s success in the No. 48 Lowes Chevy and instead enjoys hiking on Mill Mountain or the Roanoke River Greenway. Chris Trent isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions we all wish we had the balls to ask. That’s just how those high-powered Houston lawyers roll. He wants to know “What happened to Stevie Wad King?” Don’t we all. Chris had drinks with Steve ten years ago and then he disappeared. Same thing happened to B after a brief email exchange with Trent about his work as an engineer out of Kansas City or St. Louie. (The cadaver dogs will arrive shortly at the Trent’s backyard.) David Makepeace and his wife Lee run a small dry cleaning company in Raleigh called Medlin-Davis Cleaners that they bought in 2010. (Ancient Makepeace secret, huh.) His son Turner is a sophomore at Hampden-Sydney and daughter Hannah is a high school senior and has committed to Randolph Macon College next year. He and Lee stay involved with Washington & Lee as a part of the George Washington Society and are on the parent’s council at Hampden-Sydney. Kenan Rand took the “normal” career trajectory after graduating Middlebury. A few years in Aspen spinning pizza and carving turns lead naturally to work as a travel writer in NYC, which segued nicely into pawning his soul to Tulane law school. He now toils away under the yoke of the billable hour as an attorney in New Orleans, EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
63
CLASS NOTES
where he lives with his lovely and talented wife, Ellie, who runs her own PR and marketing empire. (Yeah, Kenan definitely out punted his coverage there.) His son Slade is a senior at Ben Franklin High and the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts in the Theater Design Program and is 6’2”, making him the tallest Rand ever, followed closely by 6’ tall Gordon, a freshman at Ben Franklin (I suspect that height is the result of the steroids Kenan puts in the cream-chipped beef he feeds them every morning.) Kenan has infiltrated several Carnival organizations that do not do nearly as thorough a background check as they should and dons various costumes each Mardi Gras season to goof on the streets of the Crescent City, suitably masked to maintain a plausible level of deniability. He’s also putting the finishing touch on his contribution to a book on the 20-year history of Le Krewe d’Etat, a Carnival parading organization Kenan helped found in 1996. They roll the Friday before Mardi Gras with 24 floats bearing 500 riders that depict darkly satirical themes each year. You can check them out at http://www.lekrewedetat. com/ or read some of the recent reviews on Yelp at http://www.yelp.com/biz/ le-krewe-d-etat-parade-new-orleans. On occasion, Kenan says he has had the great pleasure of seeing several of class mates down here over the past few years, notably Van Knick, who can down raw oysters with the best of us, and Cactus Jack McKinney, who will always be one of the most entertaining people he knows. If any of y’all ever happen to be that far South, please rattle Kenan at 504-450-4566, as he knows a few spots here for drinks and victuals that are ideal for reminiscing. Speaking of “Cactus” Jack McKinney. He’s been living in New Braunfels, Texas, for about 15 years now running Voges Drilling Company. His oldest, Duncan, is about to graduate from the University of Texas and his middle kid, Carson, is about to graduate from the local high school, while high school age daughter Kaitlyn lives with her mother in Austin. He spends what little free time he has hunting, competitive shooting and writing annoying editorials in the local paper. (Mostly about keeping those lousy kids off his lawn.) He and his girlfriend Adrienne are busy fixing up a farm in East Texas where they plan to retire to 64
a life of poverty and obscurity, though the chances of either are slim seeing as Cactus has received acclaim as being the loudest bass player in Comal County. He stays in touch with Grady Drago and also had a good visit from Elis Olsson ’82 recently when he was passing through the area. Any classmates travelling through Central Texas are welcome to crash at his place, though I would suggest calling ahead so as not to be confused with a trespasser. As for Grady Drago, who works for Informatica Corporation (which sounds to me like the generic name of an evil company in some b-movie), he just returned from a trip to a Brazil that was apparently thongfree. He didn’t see a one. I’m not sure what parallel universe IC sent him to, but it was obviously a sad one. As far as I can tell, there is no truth to the rumor Richmond attorney Henry Spalding is starting a company producing up-scale men’s boxers and briefs. Nor is he slipping in to fill the void in the Richmond gentlemen’s club market left by Sam Moore. In other Texas alumni news, Eric Lee has been the director of the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth for the past six years. Last year they opened a new Renzo Piano-designed building to accompany the museum’s Louis Kahn-designed building. They are really exceptional works of architecture. Eric would love to show any classmate the museum and hope that they will let me know when they are in the area. He is married to Rima Canaan Lee, a photographer, and has two boys: Edward (13) and Graham (12). At last report, Dwight Nager was dating a nice U.Va. student named Jackie and life was great. Alex Cann is still in Hotlanta at Morgan Stanley where he is helping a few clients manage their way through the financial issues surrounding life (Like how much should I invest in Sam’s new movie.) His son Alex is a 9th grade wrestler at Westminster (and yes, Alex has taught his son the Mewbourne method of stuffing your wrestling uniform). His hat goes off to all former EHS wrestlers. Alex’s daughter Molly is also
there, in 7th grade and currently starring in a middle school production of “Annie.” Like too many families, Alex’s family deals with the day-to-day challenges of Molly’s Type-1 diabetes. They fight for a cure in their own ways. Alex serves on the local Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) board and his wife Chris currently serves on the board of a camp that helps these young people deal with the physical as well as emotional issues surrounding the disease. Alex and Chris co-chaired their annual JDRF Gala last spring and helped raise $1.7MM for research. Way to go, Alex and Chris. Matt Long has thankfully just recently recovered from a serious bout of Obamanesia caused by a sharp blow to his head in a car accident in his Porsche. For months, Matt believed he was a 6’ tall, liberal Democrat UNC grad student living in an Occupy Wall Street tent city. It was only a chance viewing of the President’s State of the Union address that broke the spell and sent him home to Ruxton, Md., and his lovely wife Deborah and his two boys, Will (14) and Sam (12). Now he can continue his quest to break 100 at Eagle Point. As far as I can tell from Will Kuhne, he is actually not the biggest meth dealer in Columbia. (The city, not the country.) I’m sorry for the confusion. He’s only like the third or fourth biggest, tops. Curtis Hall, not to be confused with the dorm of the same name at North Carolina A&T State University, is the general manager of Independence Construction Materials, which has quarries and asphalt plants across four states. He plans to celebrate 25 years of marriage to his wife Cheryl with a fishing trip to Costa Rico later this year. (I’m assuming Cheryl likes to fish and that there will be a 26th anniversary next year.) Curtis also enjoys hunting and fishing with his three sons: Addison, Tom, and Hunter. And there is a little girl named Dakota that calls him Granddaddy. Congrats on that, old man! John Druitt is ostensibly a business unit lead for a mid-sized federal IT consulting firm. (Could that be any more innocuous?) But, as he shared with some of us at the Reunion, the truth is he has been forced to
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
retire from his “real” career as an international jewel thief due to the fact that winning the second stage of American Ninja Warrior ruined his anonymity. (Never thought John could make it up the warped wall myself.) Fortunately, he was able to publish a bestselling tell-all memoir thanks to superior writing skills instilled by Mr. Dunlop, though that inevitably enabled his second wife to track down his third mistress. The two women subsequently fell in love with each other, took John for all he was worth, leaving him with only a bungalow on the beach and the entire series of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” on VHS for companionship. He works daily on perfecting his Tibetan throat singing so that he can harmonize with himself as he sings along to the credits. He has no worries about the future however, as a Nigerian prince has promised via email to make him Minister of Finance as soon as he helps him offshore some excess funds. With a son in college and a daughter approaching high school, John is fairly certain that is the most feasible way to address the cost of their education. David Godoy-Hatcher is still in New York as an executive producer. But more importantly David and his husband Herbert have adopted a child, Jaylen. Congratulations to them all. I will get more details for the next issue. David Campbell is thinking about our grandchildren and I am not. He drives his sons Pearce (6) and Jacob (3) around Richmond in electric car that he powers with the Sun (which he must get lots of since he’s a VP at SunTrust). His beautiful bride Jennifer is one lucky lady. (Maybe she’s the one driving the Hummer without a catalytic convertor.) Ken Hodges recently joined a law firm, Flynn+Peeler+Phillips LLC based in his hometown of Albany, Ga., but continues to live in the ATL with his wife and two young kids, aged 4 and 5, solely because of the way the Hawks are playing this season. His focus is on commercial litigation, personal injury, and criminal defense. Ken says he sees Charles Tarbuton and Alex Cann
from time to time. I can only assume he means at parole hearings or at the jail. Christian Nagle is out in NashVegas with Chris Bickford ’85 working on their documentary The Great American Music Project. Matt Long hopes that it includes his favorite, Katy Perry.
mayor of Louisville.” Says everybody knows him, likes him, and respects him despite his ability to be one of the guys and blend in. Rob Hoxton reports he stays in touch with him and that Robert recently merged his family’s commercial real estate firm with a national real estate company.
Will Rand’s oldest child, his 25-year-old daughter, just got engaged. So he is one step closer to being the old granddad on the porch yelling at Shaggy and Scooby to get off his lawn. When he’s not trading Bitcoin online or being quiet so his wife Chrissy can write another great novel, Will attempts to use social media to convert his Marxist friend (that would be me) to the Constitution and limited government and into a supporter of Ted Cruz for President. (I told him those were the wrong kind of mushrooms on his pizza.) He welcomes anyone in the Jacksonville, Fla. area to drop by and see him in Ponte Vedra. And though he lamented ACC expansion, Will hopes next season to line up tickets to the Louisville game if played there so he can visit classmates in Kentucky who helped form a very special group at our 30th Reunion. And he is very thankful one of our classmates at the Reunion was not arrested or harmed during an apparent Mickey D’s run in the middle of the night. (He figures it must have been one of our classmates from Wall Street, since they think the law doesn’t apply to them.)
Ed Rackley continues his work as a governance and security advisor for fragile and conflict-affected states. Which means he is boots on the ground, hands-on in some of the world’s most difficult places, actively trying to make the world a better place. (I recycle. Sometimes. If it’s not too much trouble.) He continues to publish articles in new and exciting areas. Some of his writing can be read at rackleyed.blogspot. com. Told me he hasn’t gotten shot at lately, though he was just on the Syrian border recently near the fighting between ISIS and the Lebanese army.
Richard Pace makes the observation about our class that “no one really changes” and there are not too many surprises about where people would end up in life. He finds it interesting that no one’s personality has really changed since we were 14. He always knew Curtis Mewbourne would do well on Wall Street. Richard thinks Garth Ainslie is back working at a place, VES, that is well-suited to his attributes and thinks boarding schools need more mentors like Garth – athletic, scholar, and personable. I couldn’t agree more. In regards to Richard personally, he is doing a great job with his company Southern Sky Adventures, leading tours through South Africa. Several classmates, myself included, are planning on or have used his service. As for Robert Moore, who lives in his hometown with his wife Leigh and two kids, Richard Pace calls him “the unelected
Ken Williams and his wife Amee live in Kansas City, Mo. He’s a vulnerability response director at CA Technologies. He spends his free time hacking anything connected to the Internet (I’ve heard of this Inter-Web. Think it’s gonna be big.), racing Vipers and Corvettes (Real ones. Not Grand Theft Auto.), and clicking “like” on all of Will Rand’s Facebook posts to piss Sam off. (It’s working, by the way.) On a serious note, Amee continues to face some really difficult medical problems. I know Ken would appreciate any thoughts, prayers, and positive energy sent their way. After Brad White’s super covert D.C. days from ’88–‘96, he came home to West Virginny (as Jim Thomson has referred) to help his father in the family business of estate, personal and business planning. (Sorry again about mistaking The White Planning Group for a neo-Nazi white supremacist cell. Hope that FBI raid wasn’t too distracting.) He coaches a local high lacrosse team, which is a full-time job from February through May. It’s his third year as head coach and 9th season overall. His team made it to state quarterfinals last year. Brad has been with Heather since 2003, and they have four dogs together. Most of his life seems to involve chasing things: golf balls on the course, testosterone filled knuckleheads on and off the field, or rescue dogs. Brad has placed hundreds of EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
65
CLASS NOTES
rescues over the years. Awesome job, big guy. He tries to keep Stu McMillian in line here in town; says he’s feisty as ever. John Barrett, on the other hand, is calm as always. Rob Hoxton and his bride Mary Logan are now empty nesters with one child at WVU and another at the University of Tampa. He’s trying to convince Mary Logan to birth him a couple more young’uns, but she ain’t buying it. (Smart woman) Rob is feeling mighty lonely up there in West Virginia with just the two of them, a couple of dogs, and his wood stove. (Which is why I have suggested he start The Firewood Network- 24 hours a day of all things firewood related. Rob would be perfect.) Dick Pace is planning a photo safari for them in May. Rob says Dick has been awesome and has treated them like a couple of head monitors. Rob’s been trying to get Matt Long out to W.Va. for a visit, but last time didn’t go so well for Matt. What with the banjos and everything. Rob says Matt married way above his caste with Deb and that their boys, Will and Sam, get their looks and brains from her side of the family. Judging from Facebook, Rob sees Danny Barker is slim and trim and has two beautiful children. Rob says he and Danny were our class’s academic redshirts. And Rob is also the frequent benefactor of Cactus Jack’s special kind of Copenhagen/Jack Daniel-flavored wisdom. Maybe Rob should ask Jack about The Firewood Network? As for me, life goes on. Divorced this past year. Adjusting to a new normal and starting a new production company to make more films. My three best “productions” remain Jake (19), a sophomore at NC State; Harrison (17), a junior at Christ School in Asheville; and Lucy (13 going on 25), an eighth-grader. Like a lot of movies, they came in on time, but are way over budget. Feel free to email me notes throughout the year at froelich@me.com or call me at 336-402-3772. I promise it won’t take twenty years or so to get them published.
66
’85
Thorne Gregory (H) 203-655-7139 (O) 212-500-3049 TGregory@marathonfund.com 30th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
From Thorne Gregory: During the last several months I have been in touch with many of my classmates from the Class of ’85. I am not going to share those updates here. You will have to SHOW UP FOR THE REUNION ON JUNE 5 AND 6. I will tell you that Buist, Burnett, Winston, Lummis, Gump, Collie, Dickson and many others are planning to be at the reunion. I am thinking that Grave dePeralta may also take time away from coaching soccer in his childhood hometown of Henderson, N.C. to join us. We all remember hearing Spruill’s reaction to learning that his roommate was Jesus. Jesus might share with us what it was like to have Spruill as a roommate. Wilson and Kerr will also be at The High School and are leading the Reunion planning. Bring your own Hazmat suit.
’86
Art Taylor (H) 703-273-8331 art@arttaylorwriter.com 30th Reunion: June 2016
From Art Taylor: ToolLife, a nonprofit cofounded by Todd McKee, celebrated its second anniversary in February, with projects in Haiti, Honduras, Tanzania, Moldova, and Brazil in addition to helping other U.S. nonprofits with donations of tools. “A major focus has been setting up training centers and micro-businesses in sewing and carpentry, allowing young people to learn job skills and generate income,” explains McKee. “We’re hoping to hire a full-time executive director this year, which will allow me to focus more on my day-job – practicing law.” For more information, check out www.toollife.org.
A bill passed by Jim Forsythe in 2012, when he was a state senator in New Hampshire, is now the subject of a new documentary. Live Free and Learn: Scholarship Tax Credits in New Hampshire follows legislation to grant “tax credits to businesses worth 85 percent of their contributions to nonprofit scholarship organizations that fund low- and middle-income students to attend private or home schools.” The law faced tough challenges: a repeat effort in the legislature and a hard-fought lawsuit in the court system. The documentary can be found on YouTube, and watch for Jim himself beginning at the 1:30 mark! Bob Tweel writes that his older daughter Kathryn started college at Tufts back in the fall and is very much enjoying the Boston area… which prompts me to nudge other folks to write in. Where are your kids in school now? And what’s new with them? Scott Moring sends a similar update, but at a different level of schooling. His daughter Eliza just turned 5, and they’re now in the process of “applying” to kindergarten (his quotation marks there, I should stress, not mine); he thinks she’ll end up at St. Anne’s, an Episcopalian school near the Annapolis neighborhood where he and his wife Holly have been living for the past six years. Scott’s been keeping up with other EHS alums as well. “I probably see Mark Miller once a year when I am in Richmond visiting family,” he writes. “Our most recent visit was at a summer camp reunion in Bath County, Va. We both attended the camp prior to EHS, and it was where we met Dave Opie. We were all so young then!” Scott also gets together once or twice a year for fishing trips with Tom Roback, who lives near Baltimore, and he adds, “If any classmates are ever up this way and are interested in a great day on the water, please get in touch!” Tom Goodrum sends another shout-out for visitors from his family’s new home in Austin, Texas. Tom, his wife Shelby, and daughters Betsy and Laney just moved there after long stints in both Los Angeles and New York. Tom is the senior fixed income strategist for Dimensional Fund
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
Advisors, and his work keeps him on the move. “I seem to travel all the time these days,” he says, but he ready for company in their new home too. “There’s a lot going on in Austin, and it’s worth a visit!” Finally, a quick update about my own writing – and again, apologies in advance for self-promotion here. I’ve been fortunate to have two stories named as finalists for this year’s Agatha Awards: “Premonition” from Chesapeake Crimes: Homicidal Holidays and “The Odds are Against Us” from Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. The awards ceremony is in early May, and my fingers are gonna cramp up being crossed like that between now and then.
’87
David Haddock (H) 571-286-9486 (O) 703-854-0334 davidhaddock@yahoo.com 30th Reunion: June 2017
From David Haddock: I called Patrick Johnson for the first time in a while the other day so that I would have something to include in this column. He and his family (wife Lyle; daughter Jacqueline, 10; and son Hugh, 7) live in Raleigh, where Patrick is a lawyer with the firm Brooks Pierce. They are all excited to be heading off to Jamaica for their annual family winter vacation, and I am excited that they may be coming to Colorado to catch the tail end of the ski season. Patrick lives about a block away from Rob Jones ’86, whom Patrick sees frequently. And Patrick is looking forward to seeing Hampton Nager at the ACC tournament in Greensboro. Hampton, wife Leigh, and their young son, Charlie, live in Dallas, and, according to Patrick, Hampton never misses the ACC tournament. Guys, send me news and pictures at davidhaddock@yahoo.com or call me at 303-503-9963. Or don’t, but you might just end up getting a call from me at work one day like Patrick did.
’88
Will Burdell (H) 505-259-9068 (O) 912-638-3611 willburdell@ymail.com 30th Reunion: June 2018
This past fall, Latane Montague served on Episcopal’s Advisory Council, which focused on the topic of networking. Looks like he did a good job! Latane is still a partner in Hogan Lovells’ environmental practice in Washington, D.C. Chris Wright’s son, Christian, is a freshman at EHS and is in the Class of 2018!
’89
Todd Waters (O) 252- 503-9058 toddwaters3@gmail.com 30th Reunion: June 2019
The Class of ’89 stepped up to leadership roles for one of The High School’s newest initiatives. Darren Willcox served on the host committee at Episcopal’s CONNECT event in Washington, D.C., this past February. The event was a huge success, attracting over 150 members of the Episcopal community. Darren is in his fifth year at W Strategies, where he is the founder and principal and focuses on health care advocacy, especially in the life sciences space. Likewise, Jeff Clarke was on the host committee for the New York CONNECT event that followed two weeks later. Jeff is senior vice president at Brown Brothers Harriman Capital Partners.
’90
Zan Banks (H) 404-252-7848 Zan_Banks@comcast.net 25th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
It has been 25 years since we walked off The Holy Hill. Many of us have kept tabs on each other through communications published by EHS. Recently we have had little news for our class so I am writing you to ask for some updates on your careers, family and friendships with Old Boys. I am
also asking that you go to the EHS website and register for the Reunion Weekend. I will share some of my news and memories with the hope it encourages you as well. I have recently been fortunate to spend time with Michael Buchart and his family in Lexington on two occasions the past 12 months. It was one the highlights of the past year for me and reminded me of many good friendships that have gone untouched for a long time. On the first occasion, May 2014, we enjoyed a wedding of a mutual friend and our wives were able to share the time with us. Afterward my wife, Jeanna, commented on how quickly we recalled so much of our high school experience and was astonished that we had not spoken in 20 years but seemed to be such close friends. I believe Michael’s wife, Carrie, had similar accounts of the weekend. I think what they really witnessed was the influence that EHS had on us and the bond that ties us all together. Then in July 2014 Michael, Seward Totty ’81, Matt Long ’84, and I played golf over three days in Lexington in a bit of a boondoggle. It was so much fun I hope we do it every year for the rest of our lives. To take you back to the late 80s at EHS; Buchart and I lived on Hummel, played soccer and basketball together, and endured the great leadership of Coach John Blanton and certain anatomical tricks by new boy Howdie Goodwin. Buchart was also notorious for being sneaky and on more than one occasion I found my eight-inch black-and-white TV missing from its hiding place, worried that Whit Morgan had found it and was finally going to award me demerits. Knowing Michael’s devotion to sports, and particularly Kentucky Wildcat basketball, I always started with a search of his room and inevitably nine out of ten times he was in his bed watching it looking for highlights. The other culprit was usually Champ Covington ’91. I have also been fortunate to spend time with Toby Chambers over the past few years after he and Margaret moved back to Atlanta. He is doing well and has become involved with EHS’s alumni leadership, something I have done as well and encourage you all to consider. I participated on the Hall of Fame Committee for two years and enjoyed the opportunity to broaden my relationships EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
67
CLASS NOTES
with many great athletes of EHS. When you visit this spring be sure to see the exhibit in the sports complex. The Reunion Weekend will take place June 5 and 6, 2015 and is our 25th for anyone who is not counting. The weekend includes a reception followed by dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as activities all day Saturday. Best wishes to you all, and I look forward to seeing you in June.
’91
Will Coxe (O) 803-404-0984 williecoxe@gmail.com 25th Reunion: June 2016
Griffin Gideon ’93 and his fiancée, Stefani Wargala.
Will Coxe reports: John Doering and wife Amanda had a baby last year, as did Robert Matheson. Champ Covington got engaged and will be married in April to Jennifer Holcombe Nance. Alex Lesman writes, “Big transitions: my wife and I have bought a house in Brooklyn, my wife has gone into urgent care, and I have gone into private practice. Our children are both in elementary school now!” I will have some more news next time!
’92
Fred Alexander (0) 704-641-4858 fcaiii@yahoo.com 25th Reunion: June 2017
From Cal Evans: Old Boys of ’92, I hope this update finds you and your families well. As usual, the deadline for this particular issue has passed, and I find myself begging for just one more day to deliver the news from our class, but this time the only news I have is that the role of class scribe is being passed to none other than my great friend Fred Alexander. Two years ago my mother moved from our family home to a downsized, no-maintenance condominium and, in the process, the mountains of material she had saved relating to me and my two brothers (one of which is Wilkes Evans ’02) were distributed amongst the three of us. In my pile 68
Harrison Thurston ’93, Will Graham ’99, Gary Graham ’93, and Cameron Graham ’96 circa 1992 doing what they do best.
were several pieces of Episcopal ephemera including a few “High School” magazines from the mid- to late-90s. I read through our class notes section from one of them and realized that it had been almost 20 years since I wrote it; I will spare you the details of the sentimental journey that provoked. Now, I think it has been 20 years since I started doing this, and I appreciate all that you guys have done to keep the material rolling in, even in a time when Facebook and other media serve the same purpose in an immediate fashion. Granted, digital media cannot produce thinly veiled inside jokes, nor can it generate humorous lies about people who do not contribute material and/or money; maybe that is why you are reading this now. In any event, I think this role serves a good purpose, and I am excited to hand over the pen to
Fredrico. Gentlemen, it’s been real. Look forward to seeing you all in 2017. P.S. Jim Sibley is gearing up to perform another season of “Cats” at the Carolina Community Theatre in Cashiers, N.C. I caught it last summer – not to be missed!
’93
Walker Lamond (O) 212-496-9195 walkerlamond@mac.com 25th Reunion: June 2018
As many of you know Chris Jacobs was lucky enough to land one of Washington’s most sought after young debutantes when he married Miss Sassy Stifel, a product of the Chevy Chase Club and the notorious Shippen’s Dancing School, of which I count myself a proud graduate. The only
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
catch to such a fortuitous union was that Sassy also happened to be first cousins with Robert ’91 and Murdoch Matheson ’92, who, in contrast to Chris’s cosmopolitan and absolutely correct upbringing in Foxhall, had barely stepped foot off the family farm or outside their cabana on Bailey’s Beach before arriving at Episcopal, dirt still clinging to their paddock boots. But in a noble display of gentility and moral fortitude befitting a member of the Class of 1993, rather than let the rougher Mathesons pull him down into the proverbial manure, Chris lifted his country cousins up to a level of refinement and sophistication they had not yet known. Well, I am happy to report that today they are all on cordial, speaking terms, and that this summer the Mathesons presented Chris with his very own kilt in the Matheson family tartan and invited him to join their clan’s summer pilgrimage to the Scottish Highlands for a wee dram of family spirit, and perhaps a bit of field hockey, which Chris, being Chris, undoubtedly dominated. Since then, Chris and Sassy have continued to busily raise their own handsome clan in Washington, while Murdoch has returned to his humble roots pitching hay on a muddy horse farm (far) outside Charlottesville. In other news, this past June Craig Dixon and his lovely wife Hilary celebrated their thirteenth wedding anniversary. Craig recently launched The Alum Run, an annual nationwide series of road races that allows University alumni, students and sports fans to run together and raise money for their Alma Mater. Sounds like a great idea to bring to the high school level. I know plenty of Episcopal classmates that could use an opportunity to exercise their philanthropic muscle to benefit The High School. Craig has been consistently leading by example when it comes to giving back to Episcopal, and he deserves the recognition of a grateful class. Ryan Craig’s got a boat and condo down in Atlantic Beach, and I hear his son Jackson is becoming quite the fisherman and his daughter Anna loves to ski. Anthony Risko reports that life is going well in Raleigh where he is finishing his 12th year teaching English. He still keeps up with his cronies from Wilson including Barnes Boykin,
George Stronach, and Sam Stronach ’94. He sees Brooks Dubose ’94 on occasion, and last summer, Anthony and Thomas Wood embarked on a three-day bike tour along the North Carolina coast where they met another 80’s Old Boy Patrick Johnson ’87 and had a great time swapping stories about good times on the Hill. Igor (Ermalov) Anatolyevich Budantsev is a big time oil and gas trader based in Switzerland but seems to always be bouncing between Zurich and Moscow and all through the Balkans. He’s got two kids in elementary school getting themselves ready for the move from Moscow to Quaker Lane. Igor tells me that he misses his classmates and the good times on the Hill and is looking forward to seeing everybody at the next reunion. Gary Graham recently got to reminiscing about beach week daze down at his mom’s place in Cherry Grove, S.C. Between Gary and his two brothers, Cameron ’96 and Will ’99, poor Annie Graham must have endured at least 12 years of hosting EHS boys seeking the finer things in Myrtle Beach. Thanks to the tireless leadership of Gary’s wife Garland, their family animal rescue, Red Dog Farms, is thriving and closing in on a milestone of 2,000 animals placed in loving homes. Which is nearly the number of animals that Gary’s compound bow has personally eliminated from the woods of North Carolina. Gary reports that they are “making a difference, one critter at a time.” Apparently unaware of the irony, he adds that he is “still fishing, hunting, and shooting his bow!” Well, I suppose that accounts for all the rescues. Believe it or not the eternal bachelor Griffin Gideon has been busy planning a Charleston wedding set for May of this year. If all goes according to plan, and the bride does not come to her senses, they plan on honeymooning in Italy, France, and Spain, all of which Grif has heard of. If he ever returns from his continental tour, Grif plans to organize an “epic” gathering of Old Boys from our class for the Woodberry game in November. In other happy news, Adrienne Werner Roughgarden and her husband Mr. Roughgarden announced in August the
arrival of their first child, Lillian Ruth Roughgarden. Congratulations, Adrienne! Jim Pattillo is a litigation partner at a law firm in Birmingham, Ala., and he and his wife Amy are expecting their fourth child in April. Don Pocock is also a lawyer with a full house of kids. In addition to lawyerin’, which is what they call it down in Winston Salem, Don heads up the board of one of the oldest non-profit community theaters in the country. No word on whether he is leveraging his considerable influence to have himself cast in the lead role in the upcoming revival of The Pocock Cometh. Chris Newton started this fall at the Friends School of Baltimore where he is teaching science and coaching squash. He and his wife Naomi have three kids, the youngest, Chris reports, has a wicked sense of humor and all the signs of future success on the soccer field. I remember when Jonathan Bradner showed up at EHS as a Robinson transfer and quickly made himself known as the best defenseman on an undefeated JV lax squad that was both unstoppable and uncoachable. Well, after years of being a Navy Reservist, Jonathan moved his family from Newport, R.I., to Virginia Beach where he is now on active duty and back in daily camo. As a reservist, he was part of the team that rewrote the Reserve curriculum for the Navy’s Officer Training Command, and he was the deputy coordinator for the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations’ International Seapower Symposium at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport. Jonathan reports that his son William is doing extremely well after two hemispherectomy surgeries he endured as an infant. William is now six years old and doing great despite operating with only one hemisphere of the brain. The Bradners are finding Virginia Beach to be an excellent area for his continued therapeutic care. If there are other alumni down there around Norfolk and Hampton Roads, ring him up and reconnect. And finally, an overdue update on the life and times of your humble correspondent. After a stint in Kuwait, my wife and I and our three children are now living in Doha, Qatar, which is a lovely town on the EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
69
CLASS NOTES
Arabian peninsula just south of a war zone with weather just north of hell. My wife is a foreign service officer, and I am enjoying the lush life of a diplomat’s spouse, getting fat on your taxpayer dime and filing the occasional television script under my nom de plume Aaron Sorkin. Countless novels and screenplays have gone yet unsold, but year round tennis and sailing keep me from taking it too hard, and the constant rejection only serves to prepare me for my quarterly plea for alumni updates and contributions to Episcopal’s dwindling coffers. Living overseas certainly agrees with me, and I with it. We’ve swum in the Dead Sea, ridden camels across Jordan, taxis across Oman, and by the time of publication will have somehow survived a week on the beach in Sri Lanka and a visit from my Russian counterpart, Stephen Bierman ’92. So if things go to pot in the Middle East in the next few weeks, you’ll know whom to blame.
’94
Emily Fletcher Breinig (O) 214-234-4242 fletchee@hotmail.com 25th Reunion: June 2019
Sid Gressette shared, “we had a blast seeing everybody at the reunion and hope everybody is doing well. It was a crazy summer with trips to Germany, Alaska, and South Africa. I headed back to Germany for a few weeks of work but at least that was during Oktoberfest! We are still enjoying Wyoming and the ski season.” Daniel Ko and his family welcomed their second daughter, Yeona Ko, on January 26, 2015. She weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces. Their first daughter is Yujin, who is turning four in March. Ashby Brunson Mims and John Mims ’93 had their third child but first girl, Meriwether Elizabeth Mims, on January 21, 2015. Lane Eastland McCluer and family are moving from Oxford, Miss., to Charleston, S.C., after the school year for work. Sundi Lofty moved from NY to LA in January. She was accepted into the CBS Writers program. 70
Becky and Sid Gressette ’94 with a Kudu he took with Mbogo Safaris in South Africa.
Darion Jones has a new daughter, Brooklyn J. Jones. She was born November 24, 2014 and weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. He also has an older son. As for me, I resigned from my company in July after working there for eight years. I switched with my husband and I am now staying home with my youngest, Matthew, and am doing some part-time HR work. It is a refreshing change and nice to be able to do both! The field hockey team that won the championship with many from our class is being inducted into the Hall of Fame in November. Hope many will be there and can hang out. Take care and please email me if you are not seeing the class notes messages on Facebook but would like to know about them via email.
’95
Mary Spencer Craddock Scurry (H) 803-782-2245 (C) 803-361-7354 maryspencercraddock@hotmail.com 20th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
Sarah Baltimore McElwain and Kelly Boldrick Barbour took their boys to St. Michaels, Md., for a little mother-son getaway and had a ball! Since then, Kelly and her family have moved back to California, this time getting settled near San Francisco after a fabulously fun year in Richmond. She misses the East Coast and all the monogramming but loves 70 degrees in January!! I think I will be visiting her in Napa very soon!!!
Sarah Baltimore McElwain ’95 and Kelly Boldrick Barbour ’95 took this photo of their boys in St. Michaels, Md. It won’t be long until these boys are on The Holy Hill!
I had a great visit with Franklin Boyd in New York in December. She had just returned from Miami Basil. She is still practicing law and continues to be involved in the art scene. She teaches at Sotheby’s Institute as well. Sally Baldwin Sickles ’94 and Winfield Sickles have moved back to the U.S. from Hong Kong. They are in Connecticut with their four boys: Field, Roby, Bear, and Tack. I heard through the grapevine that James Ervin and his wife just had their first baby. Congratulations! They live in Columbia, S.C.
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
Harrison Finney remarried, Nov. 8, 2014. I hope to see all of you back on campus in June for our 20th Reunion! Many thanks to Alison Lukes Teer, Bill Goodwin, and TJ Wilt for their leadership as our Reunion Co-Chairs. With them at the helm, I know we’ll have a ball!
’96
Randy Shelley (H) 843-346-7950 (O) 843-577-3396 randallshelley@gmail.com Temple Forsyth Basham (H) 804-447-4238 temple@fancypantsrichmond.com 20th Reunion: June 2016
From Temple Forsyth Basham: Dudes, happy 2015! Where did the time go? The older I get, the faster it flies. Hence, my New Year’s resolution: to live “in the moment.” It’s the same one I’ve had for the past seven years. Apparently, I suck at being “present.” Perhaps I’m too focused on future commitments and overdue projects. Or maybe it’s because I’d rather reminisce about my days at The High School when my primary concerns revolved around the upcoming weekend ’overnight’ and maintaining my overall coolness. (Indulge me.) Lucky for me, I recently connected with many ’96ers and successfully avoided facing – at least temporarily – the dreaded To Do List. San Francisan Andy “Cuz” Smith tells me that his wife’s parents just moved to Williamsburg, Va., so odds are good that he will be travelling through Richmond sometime next year. He and Amelia will hopefully hit me up to hang out. Fellow West Coaster Brentt Brown writes: “Life is good out here. I am super busy with two little ones and working in public education reform – too busy to play music. Both of my children, Wyatt and Zoey are in preschool. I was talking to the cousins (Andy Smith and Luke “Zenger” Zehner) last night about Reunion 2016. We are game!” Brentt also mentioned frequently seeing Croft Thomas at kindergarten tours in the city.
Croft and I quickly connected over email – He and wife Hilary are both doctors with two daughters and a new baby boy. (Two doctors and three young children?? Now I just feel lazy.) Fellow overachiever Tevan Green finds time to run a successful company, fulfill Board commitments and raise a family. Despite his busy schedule, he still takes the time to email and tells me he plans to attend next year’s 20th Reunion. Wonderful! Another old friend I hope will attend the Reunion: my long-lost, first-year college roommate, Whitney Phillips Schwartz. She and husband, Dave, live in Manhattan and have two children (boy-3 years and girl-18 mos) and another on the way. Congrats and please keep me posted! More exciting baby news: Lissa Williams Gupton and husband Carl welcomed Anne Frances Gupton (“Annie”) on Halloween morning. She’s a cutie and joins big brothers Thomas and Sam. Harrison Smith writes: “I am still in Alexandria, working for the Department of Homeland Security. I’ve been with them for about 10 years now. Most of my time, thankfully, is spent with my wife and three daughters. They definitely keep me on my toes! Abigail Rowan Smith (Abby) is 3, and Mary Russell Smith is 1. My oldest, Andi Dakota Smith, is 14.” From Matt Koerner: “My family and I live in Durham now. We absolutely love it. I have moved three times, once internationally, in the last few years. I teach at Duke School, a PK-8 independent school in Durham, and I am also a realtor.” Thanks for the updates, Harrison and Matt. I also enjoyed hearing from Landon Anderson. He and Susan live in New Orleans where he is an architect with John C. Williams. Christmas always brings together old friends. Andrew and I hosted our 9th Annual Basham Bash where we caught up with Shelton Hargette ’97 until the wee hours of the morning. Two days later, I swung by Carter Hancock Johnston ’97’s clothing boutique to visit with Jane Pope
Cooper, in town for a jewelry trunk show. Jane said she and Laura Morton Michau recently saw an Avett Brothers concert in South Carolina. Apparently the Brothers invited Jane and Laura to join them on tour but the Sisters politely declined. Awkward! That evening, I attended an EHS cocktail party and enjoyed some/many cups of cheer with Bea and Tyler Meurlin, Hampton Moore Eubanks, Morgan Guthridge ’99, Gretchen Byrd ’95, and Laura and Robert Birdsey ’95. The ’90s alumni were out on the town, and we were lookin’ GOOD! (The dim lighting may have had something to do with that.) Finally, I heard from my old friend, Garland Lynn. He was emailing from a plane, where he spends a lot of time flying for work. He and Jacqueline spent the Christmas holiday at his family’s river house in Virginia and enjoyed skiing with children Kathleen and Junior. I’m hoping to get down to Chucktown sometime this year to reunite with him and many other Old Boys and Girls down there. OK, enough reminiscing. It’s back to the here and now… I’m in the moment, I’m in the moment, I’m…hungry. Stay in touch, everyone! Randy, take over while I raid the pantry. From Randy: Old Boys and Girls, or shall I say Old Persons. That’s right we are becoming just that. Most of us are 37 or 38-years-old depending on our academic performance in kindergarten. Perhaps we are getting better with age, but whose going to be the honest judge of that? Certainly not me. Well let’s get started. Congratulations to Thomas Beckner and Christina Perez who were married in Tulum, Mexico last November! According to the groom the bride is a brilliant writer who enjoys Packers football and surfing. Also, she has a better sense of humor than George Carlin. The newlyweds honeymooned in Costa Rica and are enjoying the good life in New York City where Thomas works as the creative director at Pop Sugar. Well played, Gorbes. Kent Lowry and Thomas Dickinson and their wives reunited with the San Francisco EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
71
CLASS NOTES
trio in California this fall. Andy Smith writes that he had the whole crew over to his pad for both meat and veggie lasagna. The evening was a success according to Cuz except for the cupcakes being a bit dry. We had a bit of a reunion ourselves here in the Lowcountry in late January for a wedding celebration for John Mueller and Emily Davidson. The Class of ’96 was well represented by Garland Lynn, Menard Doswell, Kent Lowry, Jane Pope Cooper, and me. It was a big night to put it mildly. Garland and Kent led the charge during the Macarena and Electric Slide. Menard spent the majority of his evening discussing his new hobby competitive dressage while combing leftover crumbs from Hubee D’s out of his gray whiskers. Jane, of course, looked stunning and we all had a wonderful time catching up, reminiscing, and making pinky swears to attend the upcoming 20th Reunion. That’s about it ’96. I encourage more of you to submit your updates. We’d love to hear from you.
’97
Bill Allen (H) 919-781-0805 (O) 919-784-8371 williamwallen@gmail.com 20th Reunion: June 2017
I recently learned an Internet term that is used on various forums, chat rooms and Reddit that I thought might apply here occasionally. Has anyone ever seen the term (if that’s what you call it) “TL; DR”? Well, for those of you who don’t live in the comments section of a Huffington Post blog or some obscure sub-Reddit thread, it stands for “too long; didn’t read.” I asked my wife recently if she read my last class notes and that was basically her response. It’s along the lines of a “meh,” but with even less effort. Anyway, I’ll try to keep this one short so you can all plow through it easier. Remember, 20th Reunion is two years away, sometime in June 2017. It’s bonkers that we’re getting ready to hit that mile marker; some of us (yours truly) have the hair loss and middle-aged doughiness to prove that we are, in fact, old.
72
In family expansion news, Jessica gave birth to our third boy, Thomas, in December. As of this writing, he’s doing great. Due to a persistent lack of sleep, I’m operating at around 74 percent brain power most of the time though. It’s been a lot of fun, and his older brothers have really enjoyed lending a helping hand! Jim Goodwin is about to join the three child club, too! He and Courtney are expecting a girl in June (timed perfectly with the publication of the alumni mag). That’s great news! Additionally, they had a nice getaway in Barbados back in the fall and had a sixth wedding anniversary celebration in Charleston, site of their wedding. Shriti Patel Moore and her husband Eric are expecting their first child in May, which is also great news! Shriti also hopes that by that time she’ll finally get around to officially changing her last name to “Moore.” Eric will probably say, “It’s about time; dag, girl.” In combined JW Perry/Jim Goodwin/Joe Segrave news, they took a big duck hunting trip in North Carolina recently with a couple of their friends from State College. Apparently there weren’t a whole lot of ducks out, but there was no doubt plenty of fellowship, merriment, and ballyhoo. Sorry I missed it; alas, I don’t duck hunt, or engage in ballyhoo for that matter. JW also caught up with Jennings Morrow in New York recently. Jennings’s father was in town to ring the closing bell on the NASDAQ. JW and the Pterodactyl no doubt had a nice, low key visit with each other. You’ve no doubt all seen or heard about Shep Rose’s newfound reality television-induced fame. He’s apparently become quite a fixture on the Charleston social scene and is taking full advantage of the trappings of celebrity. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about today. It’s time to make room for our newest classmate turned television star, Nate Collier! In one of the more interesting – and surprising – updates I’ve received from you guys, Nate wrote in to tell me that he was on QVC shilling his Le Creuset cookware. He’s had a great experience as a brand rep for them, and when their usual TV guy couldn’t do it, Nate the understudy stepped into the limelight and blossomed like a gifted, cookware-selling butterfly!
He shared the video of it with me, which I don’t think you can hyperlink from an actual, printed page, but you should find it somehow. He did great. Speaking of Shep, sort of, Malk (Chris Shepherd) continues to fumble toward adulthood in Washington, D.C., doing political and legal work around climate change, mostly in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but also in Arkansas, where he has had a blast in Little Rock with Charlie Porter ’98 and Andrew Grobmyer ’98. His dog Blanche is his de facto girlfriend/ wife. He, Jon Constable, Tyler Gilbert, and Shep Rose recently had an Old Boys’ weekend up in Baltimore: in addition to enjoying bushels of crabs on Constajounce’s gentleman’s farm with his lovely wife and two boys, they also took in the splendor of celeb-life in the age of Twitter. Caldwell Clarke tells me that his wife Lauren has lately been working at EHS as a Registered Nurse in the Health Center. The Hill is a magnet for alumni and their family, which is really great to see. In other news, Caldwell emailed to tell me that he was watching football at the time of that little update. Thanks, Caldwell! Matt Beasley spent a little time in Martha’s Vineyard with his family for his brother’s wedding. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and overeating. Claire Kirkpatrick Cobb is still in Charleston working as a physician assistant, and her husband has started a cardiology fellowship at MUSC. She managed to get away for a little reunion in San Francisco with Elizabeth Hoster Murphy and Sarah Ravenel Dollens last spring, an update which somehow managed to slip through the last update. Somehow my Einstein Club training must have escaped me, if she told me that before. Sounds like they had a great time, as she noted how little they’ve all changed. That sort of revelation seems to happen more often than not when we get together. Alex Dickerson continues to grow her company, opening a new office for Le Brain in Paris. Unfortunately, the opening was just in time for the Charlie Hebdo attacks. Her French is flawless (prabs), which has
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
“This is what I was doing last year at this time. Which was awesome. And then I started to feel really funky and within six weeks I was diagnosed with MS while on a trip to Texas. So I just stayed with my parents on their 60 acres ever since. I’ll relocate at some point (...somewhere, throw me suggestions!), but right now my focus is self-care. Truthfully I’m not at the farm all the time, I traveled a bunch; NYC, LA, Austin, Houston. And went to Raleigh for the first time for New Year’s to see the Avett Brothers. I’m totally in love with N.C. and finally realize why so many of my EHS classmates were jonesing to go to UNC. (Looking at you, Sickles.)
Mike King ’98 married Andrea Porter in Los Cabos, Mexico, on Feb. 28, 2014.
helped her get around that nutty, nutty city. Sounds like NYC will continue to be her home base, but having an office in Paris creates a great excuse to take frequent vacations. I have two nice updates from long-time readers, first time responders, and I thought I’d just put the full things in here so I don’t leave anything out. It was great to hear from both Ladson Webb and Mary Cunningham for the first time, and they’ve both had quite a bit of activity over the last several years. From Ladson: “Currently, Xandria and I are living in South Arlington, about three miles away from EHS. In January 2013, I was let go from Aon where I had been working as an insurance broker for almost eight and a half years. Uncertain about what to do next, I agreed to help out a close friend and his wife with their video production start-up while I figured out my next career move. I spent most of 2013 working on various film projects, including a fly fishing short film, entitled Blood Knot, which won Best Film and Best Freshwater Film at the 2014 Drake Fly Fishing Film Awards in Orlando, Fla. While the film production gig was entertaining and afforded me some exciting travel opportunities, it wasn’t meant to be a long-term solution, so I continued to ponder alternatives. Ultimately, I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, and presently I am starting
the second year of classes through the local community college in preparation to transfer to a four-year program beginning in the spring of 2016. Long road ahead and while the workload is heavy, I am enjoying the material immensely. I definitely feel blessed to have such a loving and supportive wife as I return to life in academia.” From Mary: “Since this is my first time writing, I’ll fill you in a bit. I lived in LA after college for seven years, working at the Grammys and living with Lindsay Wolfington Collins almost the entire time (and loving every minute of it!). I also loved occasionally seeing EHS friends Carter Hancock Johnston, Tyler Gilbert and Marc Carlini at various parties, such as our signature “Mary XXX-Mas”, complete with Santa skirts and keg stands. Oh, our 20s. “I moved to New York (totes meant to update the class notes but, hey, I was living in New York- I was busy!). I absolutely loved NYC. I worked for Nokia for years, going to Europe for work trips often, but then I quit to start my own company, Girl Around Town. (girlaroundtown.net, check it, yo. We’ve featured the stunning CCH Collection by the stunning Ms. Carter Hancock Johnston). Yet as I became an anxiety-filled entrepreneur, I started meditating a lot. So then I found myself becoming a meditation guide for entrepreneurs and creative peeps in New York City.
“I’ve been freelance writing and started a new site, podcast series and (soon to launch) video series called Thrive with MS (.com), and I’m doing really well. I use all my experience as a meditation guide and a health and wellness activist to heal and work with this diagnosis in the most high vibe way possible.” That’s all for this round. Keep sending me notes when you have something to share with us. You don’t have to wait until I send you the email stain reminder though. We’re all friends here, so email me any time. I like getting, reading and replying to emails. I hope to see you guys soon!
’98
Katherine Moncure Stuart (H) 540-672-4258 katstu@gmail.com
Andrew Nielson (o) 615.777.6382 anielson@servicesource.com 20th Reunion: June 2018
From Mike King: After getting engaged in October 2013 in the Grand Canyon, I married Andrea Porter of Fort Worth, Texas, on February 28, 2014 at a small family ceremony on the beach in Cabo del Sol, Los Cabos, Mexico. We reside in Washington, D.C., where we first met just over five years ago during a mutual friend’s birthday party at a Russian vodka bar. (Incidentally, we now live about two blocks from the Russian Embassy, though we regret that we have yet to be invited to any official vodka parties.) I am an EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
73
CLASS NOTES
attorney at a boutique law firm specializing in international investment projects and international employment disputes, and Andrea works at a Georgetown University research center where she is director of communications and strategic planning. Late last year we were fortunate to catch up with Ravenel Richardson ’99, Sonya Spery ’99, Andrew Mollohan ’99, and Ladson Webb ’97 at our holiday/belated post-wedding party. There is flattering photo-booth proof of the reunion somewhere. I also met up with Eric Strom and LaMarr Datcher recently for microbrews and Chinese food, respectively, and I expect to have many more of these “business” meetings in the coming years. Andrea and I enjoyed the last EHS reunion and very much look forward to the next one, particularly if Andrew Nielson joins us again for paddling on the Potomac.
Ron Ginyard ’99 and family.
Bessie and Will Doffermyre welcomed daughter Wynne Brownlow Doffermyre this fall. Baby Wynne is named after Bessie’s twin, Wynne Liedtke Brown ’99. Wynne joins big brother William. Jason Coker writes, “We welcomed a baby girl, Collins McCrea Coker, on September 27. Everyone is doing great, especially her big brother Cannon. Hunter Yarbrough will be getting married in the spring in Negril, Jamaica. I know several Class of ’98 folks will be attending the festivities.”
“Porter” Lilly Amick, daughter of Hannah Huffines Amick ’99.
Scotland Jane Rhodes and Noah Felton Roads IV, children of Noah Rhodes ’99.
Rob Watts reports, “I’m still in Norfolk and working as a Ballistic Missile Defense Requirements Officer at US Fleet Forces Command. I was recently selected for Command at Sea, which means that in five years or so I will be able to be the captain of a Navy ship.” Bryan Pinckney writes, “Rob Watts and I now live about 10 blocks from each other in Norfolk. We’re still both in the Navy. Aside from living near Rob and Alden which is truly a dream come true, my wife, Susan, and I are enjoying Norfolk. We’re renting a nice place in the Ghent area of Norfolk with our dog, Bridger. Expecting to be in the area for about next year or so and then we’ll be up for our next set of orders. Susan flies helicopters for the Navy and unfortunately went to a public school in Montana which I try not to tell people. She 74
been an inspiration to him at dinner last weekend. He said that in all his endeavors, he constantly thinks ‘what would Bryan do in such a situation.’ He also mentioned he is insanely jealous that I fly in the back of jets while he only drives ships in the Navy.” Children of Philip Cox ’99.
has visited The Holy Hill on a couple of occasions and agrees it is the greatest place on earth. We both deployed for the last year or so. I was with the USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group where I flew with VFA-32. She followed the USS George H.W. Bush Strike Group. Unfortunately it meant we had 14 months apart which is now luckily behind us. That’s about it. Only other thing I would add for the class notes is that Rob commented I have always
’99
Becky Kellam beckykellam@gmail.com 20th Reunion: June 2019
Hello 99ers. I hope this finds everyone well! Thank you for the responses... it is always fun hear about everyone’s goings-ons! Here goes: Ravenel Richardson enjoyed Sonya Spery and Andy Mollohan’s company at Mike King’s ’98 wedding reception in
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
– and has enjoyed catching up with Clair Clark now that she lives in Atlanta. Jon Trapp is still practicing criminal law in Raleigh. His wife just opened her own Christian private school in North Raleigh AND had their third child, Noa Lawton Trapp. Big brother, Jonathan William Trapp II (JW), and big sister, Neely Londyn Trapp, think their baby sister is “the coolest toy ever.” Lindsay Whittle Comstock has a new Jack Russell terrier puppy named Sammy. Big sister Lucy Whittle Goldstein ’97 now lives at Episcopal with her family. Lindsay has enjoyed having her close and being on campus frequently. She recently had a nice visit with Prather Smith Claghorn and her son Jack in New York City.
Elizabeth Sullivan ’99 in Granada, Spain.
Philip Cox continues to develop his hotel business in Tennessee. He and his family are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia this fall to visit Alex Schultes.
Noa Lawton Trapp, daughter of Jon Trapp ’99.
Jonathan William Trapp II (“JW”), son of Jon Trapp ’99.
mid- December. She and Reid Phillips rang in 2015 on her family’s farm in South Carolina. Ron Ginyard and his wife welcomed Soleil Madeleine Ginyard just before Christmas. Her three-and-a-half-year-old brother is thrilled to be a big brother. Ron is teaching and coaching across the street at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School. Sniff, sniff... do you smell hotdogs burning? Just kidding, Ron! Wynne Liedtke Brown is enjoying her four children ages 7, 6, 4 and 4. The family went skiing in Crested Butte, CO over Christmas and are hoping to get to D.C. soon to visit her sister, Bessie, and Will Doffermyre ’98. They just welcomed their third child.
Neely Londyn Trapp, daughter of Jon Trapp ’99.
Hannah Huffines Amick has also been baby-making. “Porter” Lilly Amick was born this fall. She is still in business with William Stallworth ’00 – also a new father
Morgan Guthridge reports that all is well in Richmond. Mary Buford is expecting another boy in April. Soon-to-be big brother, James, is excited about the new baby...at least, for now. He and James spend most of their time together “watching ESPN, Cartoon Network, throwing darts, networking on the playground, rapping with his 10 male cousins, watching old Rolling Stones concert footage on Youtube, performing drum solos, and doting on his mother.” He begins his 11th year lobbying at the Virginia General Assembly. Clients include the Wine Wholesalers (samples, please!), the Beverage Association (Coke, Pepsi), insurance companies, and other issues here and there. Stephen O’Donohue is a patent attorney living in Brooklyn with his wife and (almost) two-year-old daughter. He ran into Malsert Chapman the other day on the 6-train. Small world! Elizabeth Sullivan is currently living in Granada, Spain, and is working as a freelance horse broker. So far, she has sold two horses on the international market and is planning a trip to China to see what they have to offer. EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
75
CLASS NOTES
Gray Hardee Yelle is moving to WinstonSalem this summer. Her husband has accepted a fellowship in regional anesthesia and acute pain at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. She will continue to work remotely for WGBH from North Carolina and travel to Boston as necessary. Liam turns four this summer and will start junior kindergarten at the Summit School in Winston-Salem this fall. Caleb Lee recently moved to Charleston, S.C. to work as associate priest at Grace Episcopal Church. Carter Cochran and Katie Long are both members there. Grace boasts many Old Boy members and High School connections. Caleb presided over the marriage of Joe Stallworth ’03 and Leigh Blinn last year and reconnected with many EHS alumni there. Katherine May Anderson is still living in Nashville and (thanks to this publication) has reconnected with Carlie Hooff Casella ’00! Noah Rhodes is still living in Greenwich, Conn., with his two children, Scotland Jane Rhodes (2.5 years) and Noah (“Fourth”) Felton Rhodes, IV (1 year) (see photo). He is a principal at Great Point Partners, a healthcare private equity firm in Greenwich. Amelia Grana received her M.B.A. last May from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is living in Phoenix and working as the director of strategy and content for a B2B Technology Marketing Agency in Scottsdale. So far, so good. She is enjoying the work and the weather!
’00
Schuyler Williams schuyler13@gmail.com
Maisie Cunningham Short Maisieshort12@gmail.com 15th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
Hopefully 2015 is off to a great start for everyone! All is well on the left coast and by the time this goes to print, I will have started a new job doing business development for Los Angeles Capital. I’ve been out in LA for six years now and am pretty sure 76
Charlie Kingsley ’01, Schulyer Williams ’00, Philip Nuttle ’00, Laura Romeo Nuttle, Becky Arnesen Jenkins ’00, Hattie Gruber ’00, Elizabeth Hossfeld ’00, and James Doswell ’00 gathered in Palm Beach, Fla., for Phil and Laura’s wedding. Not pictured: Alden Koste Corrigan ’03 and Austin Bryan ’01.
my husband and I are lifers. Andy and I traveled to Argentina and Chile this fall and had an amazing trip minus a few logistical disasters caused by yours truly trying to fly with my passport in my maiden name. Ladies, I do not recommend attempting this. Thankfully domestic flights have been smoother and I’ve been traveling to Florida a bit which means I get to see Elizabeth Hossfeld! Elizabeth is expecting her first child in April and Carlie Casella, Schuyler Williams, and I got together in February to celebrate her baby shower. Cannot wait to meet this little boy! The wedding circuit took Andy and me to Georgia this summer and we got to see Betsy Watts Metcalf and Lauren Kemp Bonapfel. Lauren and Ed are having a ton of fun with little Eleanor and we had the best time catching up with them in Sea Island. Betsy has her hands full with two adorable girls, Grace (almost 1) and Laney (2.5). I am convinced Laney does not actually ever sit still, but Betsy makes it effortless and it was amazing (and exhausting) to see her with her sweet girls. Betsy is working at Lovett and she and David are still loving life in Atlanta, which is a hub for the Class of 2000. Also in the ATL, Elizabeth Pope Smithgall and her husband Jason welcomed William Aaron Smithgall to the world in October. Mom, dad and baby Aaron are all doing great, and Elizabeth is hoping to make it to the Reunion.
William Aaron Smithgall, son of Elizabeth Pope Smithgall ’00, at 2 months old.
Katie Elmore Thomson and her husband Russell moved back to Atlanta from South Carolina in May with her three little ones, all under the age of six. Wow, that move must have been one for the books. Her son Will is in kindergarten and Caroline is four and already planning her future as a movie star. Katie, you will be an awesome stage mom – call me next time you are in LA. Moving up the eastern seaboard, Sarah Brown Love wrote in from North Carolina– hooray! Brown, it only took you 15 years to drop us a line! Sarah is splitting time
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
After Episcopal
Andrew ’01 and Adie ’07 von Gontard Court Them on Courtem BY MADDI E MO RRIS ’ 16 THINK YOU’RE TOO OLD-FASHIONED FOR ONLINE DATING? THE VON GONTARD BROTHERS’ NEW DATING APP, COURTEM, BRINGS TRADITIONAL COURTSHIP INTO THE VIRTUAL REALM, ALLOWING USERS TO SUBMIT, ACCEPT, OR DECLINE ELABORATE DATE PROPOSALS. COURTEM LAUNCHED IN DECEMBER, AND THE BROTHERS (PETER, ALEX, ANDREW ’01, AND ADIE ’07) HOPE THIS NEW WAY OF INTERACTING, BASED LESS ON STAGNANT PROFILES AND MORE ON CREATIVE ACTION, WILL LEAD TO MEANINGFUL
Andrew ’01 and Adie ’07 von Gontard (second and third from left) with brothers Peter and Alex.
CONNECTIONS.
Where did you get the idea for Courtem?
We realized we could fill a void where current mobile dating was falling short in terms of being too vain and bringing slight unease, coupled with extensive time delay. The “true gentleman” seems to be a romanticized notion of the past, but with Courtem, we plan to bring meaningful connections between people back to the forefront. How does your EHS experience factor in?
We all agree that the relationships you make at schools like EHS and Notre Dame Academy [attended by Peter and Alex], coupled with the independence you gain, provide you with a foundation of work ethic, leadership, and determination by which you live your entire life. How does Courtem work?
The app features our Direct Date Proposal System, which gives the user the ability to set the date and time for the perfect date and submit it directly to another person. Once a user receives a date proposal, they can 1) immediately accept the date, 2) reject the date, 3) opt to bring a friend along on the date using the app’s wingman/wingwoman, or 4) opt to chat with the person who proposed the date. The simple date proposal is the ice-breaker.
Many new dating apps claim to “even the playing field” for men and women. Does Courtem give everyone equal control despite its emphasis on chivalry?
While courtship [has historically been] a man wooing a woman, we believe women largely will have no issue taking the lead in terms of initiating courtship or being courted themselves. How will Courtem distinguish itself from the competition?
Courtem will stand apart from competitors like Hinge, Tinder, and Zoosk through a brand culture that puts more emphasis on the excitement surrounding courtship in its rawest form (i.e., asking a person out). It will also level the playing field by putting more emphasis on date proposals that showcase wit, humor, and charm, rather than just a photo. Gentlemen will use our app because it allows them to convey their unique qualities to a woman via the Direct Date Proposal System. A woman will download the app because she is curious and excited to discover what variety of date proposals she receives.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
77
CLASS NOTES
between Carolina Beach and Richmond where she runs a Pure Barre studio – so, so great Brown! I have done those classes and they are no joke! In Richmond, Sarah gets to see a lot of Becky Arnesen Jenkins who is brave enough to “lift, tone, and burn” at Sarah’s studio. She’s also been seeing Rachel May and Will Adams around the Mond. Betsy Watts Metcalf, Stewart Gilchrist Jones, and Brittanny Wildman Meierling all got together this fall to celebrate Sarah’s marriage to Craig Love. The celebrations continue for this crew – Brittanny and Bill Meierling are expecting a baby this spring! Very excited to see some of the preppy outfits baby Meierling will soon be rocking! Continuing our journey north, Vince Van Dillen is living in Annapolis and has lots of great news to report. He is managing a very active social media presence that includes a blog and 150,000 Twitter followers. Vince is doing a part-time MBA program at Patten University in Oakland and plans to move to the Bay area when he finishes his studies. And finally, my partner in crime, Miss Schuyler Williams, is, not at all surprisingly, full of updates involving EHS alums. A decade and a half later, Schuyler is still maroon and black to the core which makes her the most fun co-captain of the class notes ship a girl could ever ask for. Schuyler is loving being back in D.C. and still gets up to New York often. She got to see Carlie Hooff Casella and her adorable son Charlie over the holidays. Schuyler sees Will Nisbet ’01, Brenton Hardee ’02, and Grant Brown ’02 often for the article club she recently launched. This is an innovative take on a book club and very befitting of a veteran employee of the Wall Street Journal. I may rip this idea off and pass it off as my own the west coast – maybe we can Skype into each other’s meetings? At Philip Nuttle’s wedding this fall, Schuyler got to see Hattie Gruber, Elizabeth Hossfeld, James Doswell and his wife Lucy, Becky Arnesen Jenkins and her husband Peyton, as well as Charlie Kingsley ’01, Alden Koste Corrigan ’03, and Austin Bryan ’01. Congrats to Phillip and Laura! That’s all I’ve got – keep the good news coming and hopefully we can deliver a strong showing for the reunion! 78
Lassiter O’Neal Hooff with father Gene Hooff ’01.
Jackson Grantland Frayser, son of Susanne Inman Frayser ’02.
’01
Taylor Gillis Clement (O) 910-693-0032 tgclem@gmail.com
Leah Kannensohn Tennille lktennille@gmail.com 15th Reunion: June 2016
Greetings from Leah and Taylor on behalf of the Class of 2001! Now that we’re almost 15 years past graduation, it’s hard to keep track of how much has happened since our last class notes. Weddings, work and kids are taking over! We received a few updates and have been lucky to see plenty of alumni ourselves in the last six months. Leah and I got the pleasure of hanging with a big group in the N.C. mountains! Taylor Gillis Clement and husband Baxter, Lee Tennille Carson and husband Hunter, Leah Kannensohn Tennille and husband Dre Tennille ’00, and Will Lombard and wife Caroline got together (kids in tow) in Grandfather for a beautiful fall weekend. Lee and Hunter celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary and Will’s daughter, Libby, bought them a nice bottle of bubbly as a surprise. Libby had no issue purchasing champagne or paying with dad’s credit card at 2 years old! Megan and Gene Hooff welcomed Lassiter O’Neal Hooff on October 14, 2014. Thomas Whitney reports that all is well in Little Rock. He and Tripp Evans ’00 recently caught up and went hunting and he visited with Andy Nelson, testing out
John Henry Shores, son of Rebecca Pomeroy Shores ’02
the revived Nelson Green Brier Distillery whiskey. He also sees the Porter boys (Charlie Porter ’98 and John Porter ’99) and Andrew Grobmyer ’98 regularly. Spence Hopkins is living in Orlando, Florida, and he and wife Ann Johnson Hopkins ’00 just had their second son, William, in August. They have opened two Pure Barre studios in Orlando, and Spence started an intensive three-month programming course at The Iron Yard. He looks forward to pursuing a career in web development and software industry- something that I think all of us could use! Taylor noted that “I got to see Jordan Hadwin Windham in Greensboro for a Garth Brooks concert which was awesome,
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
team. She says, “As we all can remember, spring at EHS is such a wonderful time. Any time any of you are in the area, come on by Penick Hall. I would love to see you!”
Suzanne Pinckney Pflaum ’02 at her wedding with father Saint Pinckney ’65, her husband, and brother Bryan Pinckney ’98.
and we’ve decided the Hadwin/Gillis concert series will continue with a trip to see Gavin Rossdale in Myrtle Beach in March.”
’02
Anne Arnold Glenn (H) 540-371-6370 anne.a.glenn@gmail.com
Millie Tanner Rayburn (H) 919-370-7496 millierayburn@gmail.com 15th Reunion: June 2017
Laura Faulders Jordan and her husband, Dennis, are both in the midst of furthering their education. Dennis is studying full time towards a masters in real estate development with Clemson University, and Laura is working part time towards a Certificate in Fund Raising Management with The Fund Raising School of Indiana University. Their home base is still Charleston, S.C., but now they also spend time in Greenville, S.C., where Dennis’s program is based. They would love to catch up with anyone that makes it to the Lowcountry or the Upstate! Laura sees Ryan Killeen Weatherly and Beverly Mebane Helms fairly often, and she says that they both have gorgeous little girls. We need pictures, Ryan and Beverly!
Ryan Larson recently bought a new home in Hilton Head and also got engaged. He proposed down on the battery in Charleston, S.C. and his wedding is planned for October in Bluffton, S.C. He had the opportunity to catch up with Martin Stroble in NYC while on vacation and Artie Armstrong in Las Vegas while on a business trip. In November, Wilkes Evans joined BB&T Wealth as a private advisor and VP with the company. He spent many good years at Wells Fargo but is excited about the next step in his career. He is living in Columbus, Ga., but does get up to Atlanta to visit the EHS Atlanta crew from time to time. Wilkes reports that he is still single and has a three-year-old English Bulldog named Champ. Fellow Georgia resident Will Corbitt lives in Atlanta and works with Cortland Partners. He is engaged to Mary Claire Merlino with a wedding planned for May 30, 2015. Daphne Allen Fair is in her third year back at Episcopal as assistant director of admissions. She lives on Harrison dorm with her husband, Eric, and their two boys, Weston (3) and Wilkes (1). They love living on campus and being a part of such a wonderful community. Daphne is gearing up for rowing this spring and will be one of the assistant coaches for the novice
Suzanne Pinckney Pflaum and her husband, Jake, are very happily married living in Australia in the Byron Bay Shire. Suzanne reports that “we were en route to move back to Oregon from N.Y. when a pre-wedding trip back to India derailed (in a good way!) our plans. We met the founders and owners of ORGANIC INDIA and UPLIFT and now live near them in Australia working as internal consultants across their businesses and organizations. We basically live in a tropical paradise and work in a variety of capacities which put all of our shared business and finance skills to work. We travel to India frequently and are enjoying exploring a new country, and hemisphere.” Rebecca Pomeroy Shores is still working on her dissertation on ships in Anglo-Saxon literature, and her husband, Drew, loves his job as an IP attorney at Ward and Smith in Raleigh. Susanne Inman Frayser and her husband, Pete, welcomed their first child, Jackson Grantland Frayser, on November 5, 2014, at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, where Susanne also works as a nurse. She says, “Needless to say life has been wonderfully hectic ever since!”
’03
Alden Koste Corrigan (H) 443-783-4659 alden.k.corrigan@gmail.com 15th Reunion: June 2018
John Oelschlager and Jarrett Bell were excited to meet up with long lost pal Matt Berry for dinner in Manhattan in late December. Matt is currently living in Honolulu where he has inherited quite the Hawaiian shirt collection from his boss. Matt is considering a move back to the mainland in the near future. The three pals enjoyed the opportunity to catch up over dinner and drinks. Kate Spencer just spent nearly four years running a safari lodge in Kenya, and is working as an African safari consultant, EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
79
CLASS NOTES
Kate’s from living on Martha’s Vineyard. Jay, very sweetly, wrote Riley a letter, and Kate delivered it for Christmas. Joe Stallworth and Leigh Anna Blinn were happily joined in marriage by The Reverend Caleb James Lee ’99 Saturday, August 9, 2014, at the Raleigh Marbles Kids’ Museum. Several EHS alumni were in attendance to celebrate with the happy couple.
Joe Stallworth ’03 and Leigh Anna Blinn were married by Caleb Lee ’99 (not pictured). EHS attendees were Clarence Mills ’03, Katie Perry Pryor ’03, father Jim Stallworth ’63, Anderson Hackney Brown ’07, first cousin of the groom Trez Sebrell Holmes ’94, best man and brother William Stallworth ’00, Sally Mebane Murray ’03, Gray Murray ’03, Graye Pelletier Todd ’03, Holt Hobgood ’01, Phil Hasty ’03, Preston Wolfe ’03, Jeremy Taylor ’63, Roger Gant ’75, Sheldon Turner ’03, Manly Norris ’03, Oliver Pryor 03, Charlton Miles ’04, Jack Sibley ’03, Brock Miles ’03, Lyle Farrar ’04, Elliott Pierce ’03, and Hank Stallworth ’67. Not pictured: Wilkie Colyer ’03.
’04
Caitlin Smith caitlin.ann.smith@gmail.com
Harrison Gilchrist (H) 804-443-5247 chgilchr@gmail.com 15th Reunion: June 2019
Caroline Mathison, Catherine Blanchard Gillespie, and Blake Murphey visited New Orleans in November, where they met up with Will Jordan and John DePriest. Riddick Beebe reports, “I finished up my master’s in English at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English this summer despite suffering severe separation anxiety from Christopher Mixon ’05 who spent his penultimate BLSE summer in Oxford. I am still teaching and coaching at Marist where my wrestling placed 3rd in the state duals tournament, the highest place ever for a Marist wrestling team.”
Julia Rowe Wise ’06, Olivia Thacher ’01, Susanna McElroy ’06, and Madeline Klim ’06 at Mary Rennie Rowe Litman ’03’s wedding in 2014.
Class of 2003 friends Jarrett Bell, John Oelschlager, and Matt Berry catching up at dinner in Manhattan this December.
80
specializing in trips that focus on adventure and conservation initiatives. She is currently promoting a conservation education trip to a rhino conservancy in Kenya this summer for eight high school kids - hopefully she can get some EHS kids to go! While Kate was on a work-related safari in Botswana she met Jay Morris ’64, who was traveling for pleasure, at one of the lodges. Jay now lives in Washington state and is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands. The two shared some good stories about Blackford, life at EHS with no girls, and their teachers. In particular, Jay had had Riley Deeble who is now a good friend of
Parker Woltz Mackie and her husband Mac are enjoying their last year in Lexington, Va., where Mac attends law school at Washington and Lee University. They plan to move to D.C. in the fall, and they look forward to seeing old friends and classmates in the area. Kalee Stuart Blackburn and her husband Landis welcomed their daughter Georgia Ann in September. Maizie Clarke recently relocated to Louisville, Ky., for her job; she spent some time in Charleston over the holidays, where she caught up with Parker Barnwell and Harrison Gilchrist. Maizie, Peggy Albertson Campbell, Calvert Coley Lange, and Clarissa Chenoweth have a trip to NYC planned for May.
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
Zach Chesson was married and moved from Miami back to Northern Virginia. He’s starting next week as an actuarial analyst for a healthcare company in Arlington.
John DePriest ’04, Caroline Mathison ’04, Will Jordan ’04, Matt Jordan ’01, Catherine Blanchard Gillespie ’04, and Blake Murphey ’04 catching up in New Orleans.
Hillary Harper Molitor was married in the Bahamas in October 2014 to Chris Molitor. “We had a blast and were lucky enough to celebrate with lots of EHS alum including Alston Armfield, Caroline Fedora, Margaret Anne McArver, Kate Hollo, Henry Kegan, and Richard Lee. My sister, Catherine Martin ’18 served as maid of honor and Joy Harper Jones ’02 as bridesmaid. I’m still working as the vice principal of KIPP D.C. Lead Academy, a charter elementary school in D.C.” Go them! All of them. Andrew Monsoon finished in the top 300 in the New Orleans Rock and Roll Mardi Gras Half Marathon! Also, Dave Grohl poured beer in his mouth at a Foo Fighters concert. Currently the two events seem unrelated. Damjan Hezir has two kids and is getting married this year. Congratulations.
Houston Moncure ’04 with Richard Hagerty ’04 in Jamaica.
Kalee Stuart Blackburn ’04 with baby Georgia Ann and husband Landis.
Molly Leibowitz writes, “Heading into my seventh year in NYC, I’m still working in travel and lifestyle PR doing a lot of traveling to exciting places, such as Mexico, Hong Kong, and Uruguay. Thrilled to attend fellow NY’er Maria Reuge’s nuptials this summer in Long Island.”
Odie von Werssowetz and his wife, Rad, went down to Charleston in February to have their son, Mullins, christened at St. Phillip’s Church. Blake Murphey is one of the godparents.
Houston Moncure is running the Bluefields Bay Villas in Jamaica and recently installed a helipad and built a glass bottom boat for his family-owned resort. Richard Hagerty, who was recently made head of production for Freestyle Picture Company in LA, visits Houston yearly for guy’s week for a download. Tim Hightower signed a reserve/future contract with the New Orleans Saints. Tim and his family have most recently been living in Richmond.
’05
Chris Mixon (H) 212-249-2432 (O) 609-944-7528 cmixon.mxn@gmail.com
Lila Warren (H) 540-592-3609 lilawarren@gmail.com 10th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
As the Class of 2005 gets ready to celebrate their 10 year reunion, here are some things that were glaringly apparent: we really need an updated email list :) Oh, and thank god snap chat and twitter didn’t exist in HS.
Phil Hudgens is still living in Singapore at the moment. He’s been there for just over a year and a half now. Still working for Credit Suisse, but he’s starting a new job with Standard Chartered bank in March and looking forward to a change. Tabb Wyllie came out to visit him for a week last year and they hopped around Cambodia and Thailand. “Always good to catch up with EHS buddies overseas. I’m hoping to be able to make it for the Reunion this summer, but need to wait and see if I can get the time off once I start the new job. If you or any other Episcopal people find yourselves in Asia definitely hit me up. Would be happy to host people in Singapore.” A tempting offer! Tim Hoisington says that he has been “extended for a third year as a Peace Corps Volunteer Leader in Nicaragua. At the moment I am organizing a leadership camp for 60 youth from around the country. I spent my first two years in a town with a giant dormant volcano overlooking my town; this year I am in a city in the mountains where they grow lots of coffee. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
81
CLASS NOTES After Episcopal
Hillary Harper Molitor ’05 Work Hard. Be Nice. HILLARY MOLITOR ’05 IS VICE PRINCIPAL OF KIPP DC LEAD ACADEMY, AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN WASHINGTON, D.C., SERVING GRADES 1-3. KIPP DC IS PART OF THE RENOWNED NATIONAL CHARTER ORGANIZATION KIPP (A.K.A. THE KNOWLEDGE IS POWER PROGRAM). HILLARY BEGAN HER CAREER WITH DC TEACHING FELLOWS TEACHING MATH AT SOUSA MIDDLE SCHOOL AND CARDOZO HIGH SCHOOL. AFTER FINISHING HER MASTER’S IN EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND LEADERSHIP, SHE MOVED TO BOSTON
What EHS teacher or experience best prepared you for the work you’re doing today?
TO CONSULT FOR MASS INSIGHT SCHOOL TURNAROUND GROUP, SUPPORTING LOW-PERFORMING SCHOOLS. HILLARY THEN RETURNED TO D.C. TO WORK AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY COACH FOR KIPP, SUPPORTING ALL 15 KIPP DC SCHOOLS BY INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY AND BLENDED LEARNING INTO CLASSROOMS, BEFORE FINALLY BECOMING VICE PRINCIPAL AT LEAD ACADEMY.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My junior year in college, I volunteered with a program in Durham called Student U, where students from the University of North Carolina and Duke taught scholars from Durham Public Schools. I was shocked at the raw achievement gap – seventh graders who could not read or compute simple addition or subtraction. It sparked my desire to work with high-poverty children; I truly believe education is the key to a brighter future. We must fix education to fix poverty. Forty-four percent of children in Washington, D.C., attend charter schools. What makes the charter school experience special?
What are you reading?
In terms of education, anything by Jonathan Kozol paints a disturbing, but often true, picture of the state of America’s education system. My favorite book for an aspiring teacher would most definitely be “Teach Like a Champion” by Doug Lemon. Lastly, I really enjoyed “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and anything by Emily Giffin. What advice do you have for someone interested in a career in education?
The unique thing about Washington, D.C., having so many charter options is that families have a lot of choice to find the best school for their child. I have worked in both traditional and charter schools, and it’s important to note that there are incredible schools in both realms. I think the upper hand a charter school has is the flexibility to innovate: everything from funding to staffing models to the extended school day. KIPP’s motto is “Work Hard. Be Nice,” and I have found that everyone in KIPP DC, from headquarters’ staff to administrators to teachers, work relentlessly to make sure every scholar is successful.
82
I think the teachers who most prepared me for my current role are those who made me really think critically, such as Mr. Watts, who led rich discussions in U.S. History. I also think EHS showed me what a teacher/student relationship could look like and the impact of a teacher not just in the classroom. From Rev. Epes and Ms. Rice to Mr. Fraser and Mr. Gillin – it was always clear that they cared about me as a person, and I try to replicate that daily at my school.
The work is ridiculously hard and time-consuming, but incredibly rewarding. You must have super high expectations and believe at your core that every child, regardless of race or background, can and will succeed.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
brothers are doing well. If you’re looking for a fun adventure in Texas, head their way. For my next EHS gathering, I’m really excited about a Bahamas trip in March with Peyton Killeen, Kingsley Trotter, Sarah Montz Harcus and Margaret von Werssowetz (for the first time, I didn’t have to look up how to spell her last name! booom!). Anyways, I didn’t hear from as many folks as usual, but here we go...
Richard Lee ’05, Daniel Gottwald ’06, Chris Williams ’06, and Tyler Meurlin ’96 showed their school spirit at a fund-raiser in Richmond, Va.
Elizabeth Harrison just got engaged to John Carrington (fellow U.Va. alum) and we’re all very excited for the happy couple. That wedding will be a fun reunion for many of us! Margaret von Werssowetz reports “I had a great fall and, as part of my job, had the chance to attend a number of Episcopal alumni events and small get-togethers in places including D.C., New York, Roanoke, Raleigh, and Charleston. Getting to know Old Boys who attended Episcopal in the decades preceding us has been by far the most gratifying and fun part of my job here. Otherwise, not much is new! Still living with Frances deSaussure and loving D.C.” Mason Tillett is enjoying his new hometown of Nashville. He is especially looking forward to the summer when he’ll cruise around with his windows down to his favorite tune: “Six Pack Summer”.
Mary Lide Parker ’06 in Chile.
the trip back for the Reunion but send everyone my best. Thanks!” Chris Mixon is still teaching English at Peddie School in NJ. For his 27th birthday, he entered a Marathon and ran 27 miles. He will not be doing that again. In addition, he’s teaching a hip hop and feminism elective and is the head coach of the wrestling team. He’ll finish his master’s in English at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf this summer and is looking forward to reunion. Kelly Trimble married Greg Fasciano on October 11 in Locust Valley, N.Y. Diana Trimble ’07 and Caitlin Dirkes ’06 were both in the bridal party. They had a really great time! Finally, Lila Warren is a fish biologist for the West Virginia Division of Natural
Resources. Her current work is focused on seasonal movements of walleye and muskellunge in the New River. And, she can’t wait to see everyone in June!
’06
Molly Wheaton (H) 504-288-1990 mewheaton@gmail.com
Margaret von Werssowetz margaretvonw@gmail.com 10th Reunion: June 2016
Hi everyone! This is Molly Wheaton. Austin is still wonderful and I’m so glad I continue to see as many EHS alumni as I do. Two weeks ago, I went to visit Philip and Thomas Duggins and they brought me hunting – I shot my first buck! Aside from being wonderful hosts, the Duggins’
Anne Womble Hobart writes “Nothing really is going on with me. I’m still living in Atlanta, teaching second grade and married.” I was happy to see Anne wearing a Panthers jersey (on Instagram) at the Georgia dome this past December - down with the dirty birds! The latest and greatest from Ina Dixon: “I’ve been enjoying my public history fellowship in Danville, Va., and am finding some excellent EHS connections in the world of historians. I am sending a photo (see page 62) of me and awesome American historian William G. Thomas ’82, an EHS alumnus (his daughter, Sarah Thomas ’16, is currently a junior). Will Thomas has given me some great ideas on how to engage community with their history and I recently sat in on a panel of his at the recent American Historical Association conference in New EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
83
CLASS NOTES
York this January (where this photo was taken).” Tamas Parkanyi reports “I’ve moved in with my girlfriend and working under a lot of pressure to finish up my Ph.D. at Edinburgh that I extended by a year. The work was interesting and promising, so decided to stay on for a bit longer. As far as future plans go, I am looking to move back to Europe or further away to Japan for research or an industrial job once I finish.” Mary Lide wins for most interesting update: “I’m writing to you from the base of a volcano. Yeah, no joke. I’m in southern Chile, documenting a team of UNC researchers who are installing seismometers around the Llaima Volcano, one of the most active volcanos in South America. I’m taking photos and filming here for two weeks, and it’s absolutely incredible. I don’t work for National Geographic, but it definitely feels like I do sometimes. Life is good.” From Rutledge Long: Tracie and I are enjoying married life in the Rabun GapNacoochee School community. I’m still loving teaching and coaching – so much so that Tracie is studying for her master’s in education! My MS Bball Team went 20-0 and won the Tri-state championship. We are blessed and thankful for all our friends in the Class of 2006. Fletcher Dunn’s wedding and Lambeth/Jenner’s visits were highlights of the year – not to mention OBC14!
’07
Katheryn Grover 213 Peachtree Hills Circle NE Atlanta, GA 30305 groverkatheryn@gmail.com (c) 804-513-1070
Clark Barber 3900 Tunlaw Rd. NW, Apt. 219 Washington, DC 20007 tbarber@executiveboard.com (c) 864-325-0940
The Class of 2007 is on the move! James Becker is back in West Virginia after living in New York City since college. He has completed his first semester at WVU College of Law and reports that 84
A big EHS crew gathered for the wedding of Anderson Hackney Brown ’07 in the fall of 2014.
Franny Kupersmith ’07 aboard the 78-foot yacht that she is helping to deliver from Palm Beach to San Diego.
Naomi Burke Dismukes, the daughter of Minnie Burke ’07.
everything’s going great. Also leaving the big city is Hubie Haywood. After two years of working in the NYC banking world, Hubie decided to switch gears and become a doctor. He recently found out that he has been accepted at UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill and will be starting this fall. Congratulations!
of Honduras, and then they will traverse through the Panama Canal sometime thereafter. She shares: “I absolutely cannot wait to begin, and am especially excited to reboot my Spanish, in particular my Spanish navigation skills...yikes!” Hope the stars shine bright each night, Franny, and that you have a trusty compass in hand!
Literally “on the move,” Franny Kupersmith is on a boat – a 78-foot expedition yacht journeying through Central America. The journey, starting in late January 2015, is expected to last 6 months. She has signed on to help deliver a yacht from Palm Beach to San Diego, a trip that she says normally takes about a month and a half, but they have a few extra stops in mind. First stop is Roatan, off the coast
Down south, Renee John is now a resident of Tampa, Fla., where she has started a new job. Meanwhile, Erin France lives in San Antonio, Texas, where she is in nursing school with plans to graduate this spring. Also studying hard is James Small, who is working on a dissertation for a PhD in epidemiology and living in Charleston, S.C.
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
Alexandra French is moving on up in the working world. She reports: “I recently left Food & Wine magazine to work for Travel + Leisure as an associate manager of integrated marketing. I live up in New York and luckily get to spend a lot of time with fellow EHS alumnae, Anna Belk and Claire Schmitt.” The three of them travel down south when they can to visit the D.C. crew.
Alexandra French ’07, Claire Schmitt ’07, and Anna Belk ’07 hanging out in N.Y.C.
Greg Roux also had the chance to see some of the D.C. crew over Thanksgiving break, when he hung out with Jay Fazio and Drew McGowan. Greg has started a new job in digital marketing working as an analyst. Also in his update, he mentioned a rad surf trip that he took to Bali. So jealous! From Molly Barber: “I am still living in Richmond and working as an accountant at the Martin Agency (where the Hump Day commercial was made). I just got back from a weekend visiting Ann Cowden in Kentucky, which was super fun, as always!” Molly and Victoria Friedman were bridesmaids last fall in the wedding of a Camp Lachlan friend.
Leandra Burke ’07 married Nicholas Hull on Oct. 11, 2014.
On Sept. 6, 2014, Gil Lamphere ’07 married Remy Dulworth.
Raecine Williams writes: “I’m almost done with my master’s at the University of Maryland and, besides school, I’ve been working and interning in journalism. I just finished an internship at USA Today in breaking news, and I was just named a CBC-UNC Diversity Fellow, which means I’ll be headed to North Carolina in March to report for a station called WRAL.” We can’t wait to see you on TV, Raecine!
Victoria Friedman ’07 and Molly Barber ’07 were bridesmaids together last fall in a wedding of a Camp Lachlan friend.
Saying goodbye to the tick and mosquito company, Zach Kendall has started doing business development for his mom’s interior design firm. He loves the new experience and has been staying busy. The firm, Kim Kendall Interiors, just won the Best of Houzz for Interior Designers for 2015.
Anneka Wisker is back on the squash courts and this past November she played in the Annual Howe Cup in Charlottesville, Va., and her team won the division. For the Howe Cup in late 2015, they are already getting geared up for the competition! And there were more weddings this past fall! Leandra Burke married Nicholas Hull on October 11, 2014, at the Virginia Theological Seminary, just next door to EHS. The newlyweds are currently living in Columbus, Ga., where Nick works as an associate rector at Trinity Episcopal Church. On Sept. 6, Gil Lamphere married Remy Dulworth. The two met during college at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The private ceremony took place at the Lamphere residence in New York City, where Jay Fazio served as Gil’s best man. Hunter Coffey was also a groomsman, while Jeb Leva, Clark Barber, Griffin Johnson, Drew McGowan, JT Jobe, and Adie von Gontard attended as guests.
EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
85
CLASS NOTES
The very next weekend, Anderson Hackney married Campbell Brown, graduate of Woodberry Forest, in Atlantic Beach, N.C. Claire Schmitt, Sallie Madden and Sally Channell were among the bridesmaids. Annabel Rose, Alexandra French, Allison Ledwith, Jane Arnold Wylie, Anna Belk, Caroline Dashiell Dean, Jay Fazio, Clark Barber, Jeb Leva, Griffin Johnson, Teddy Peterson, Drew McGowan, Wylie Hutchison, Patrick Fleming ’06, Ellen Elizabeth King ’06, Zach Glubiak ’08, Ann Gordon Pelletier ’08, Hannah Nation Seabrook ’05, Chuck Hollis ’87, Bill King ’79, Joe Stallworth ’03, and the bride’s sister Elizabeth Hackney Davies ’99 were also in attendance.
Khadijah Hall ’08, Mari Casey ’08, Koji Ota ’08, and Cher Morris ’06 at Koji’s wedding.
Look forward to seeing what else is in store for the Class of 2007 in 2015. Keep in touch!
’08
Lucy Glaize lglaize@gmail.com 10th Reunion: June 2018
The Class of ’08 reports exciting life events in addition to all of our great news – engagements, marriages, mini-reunion birthday parties, and even EHS classmates who cook and clean for each other! Clark Wright is still coaching a travel baseball team in New York City. His team finished 34-4, and won the city championship for their league. Way to go Clark! Clark says he loves coaching and getting to know the group of 5th and 6th grade boys from various public and private schools across the city. Karl Stratos (formerly “Karl Lee”) reports that he is in his fourth year in the Ph.D. program in computer science at Columbia University, specializing in machine learning and natural language processing. Karl completed an internship at Microsoft Research during the summer of 2013, and an internship at Google Research during the summer of 2014. I’m sure these internships provide valuable experience for his Ph.D. program! Khadijah Hall got to see Koji Ota get hitched this past year! She said it was a wonderful wedding. 86
Celebrating Eleanor Galloway ’08’s birthday in December 2014 in N.Y.C. were Ann deSaussure ’08, Marguerite Kleinheinz ’08, Amanda Weisiger ’08, Lily Fowle ’08, Eleanor, Eliza Coker ’08, and Ann Gordon Pelletier ’08.
Karl Utermohlen is still in grad school, and he just started writing for the soccer column of TruSchoolSports in December. You can find his pieces at: http://www.truschoolsports.com/category/futbol/. Aside from a four-year roommate hiatus during college, Eleanor Galloway and Lily Fowle have been living together since our sophomore year at Episcopal in 2006. I think that’s a new record! She and Lily relocated in New York City to the West Village this past summer, and now live across the street from Eliza Coker. Ann deSaussure lives around the corner, and Amanda Weisiger, Ann Gordon Pelletier, and Marguerite Kleinheinz live just a few blocks away. (It almost sounds like the adult version of when we all lived on
Cahill Hooker and Trina Brady ’08 just after their engagement.
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
’09
Billy Hackenson (H) 703-757-0445 whackenson@gmail.com
Kathleen Hullinger khullin@g.clemson.edu 10th Reunion: June 2019
Kathleen Hullinger ’09 and Kelsey Knutson ’09 after the Michelob Ultra Half-Marathon in Dallas, Texas.
Harrison down the halls from each other senior year.) These ladies see each other and Marguerite’s dog, Frank, quite a bit. They also get to hang out with Wes Graf when he’s not being too cool for them. Wes verified that this is, in fact, the truth. He’s a busy guy these days. Eleanor is now working for a media company in Brooklyn called VICE as a production manager, and she really loves it. Eleanor and Lily aren’t the only EHS ’08 roomies these days – Tucker Clarkson and Spencer Graves live together in Adams Morgan in D.C. Spencer says he usually cooks, and Tucker does the dishes, so everything is great! What a deal! Tucker says he’s been working on gazebo for their new digs so that they have a spot to read and enjoy the weather come springtime. I hear lemonade will most definitely be served! Tucker also reported the two are “theme song strong” to keep them motivated in day-to-day household chores. Just around the corner from Spencer and Tucker, Leah Andress is still in D.C. and still loves it! Leah sees lots of Will Hand, Lindsey deButts, Phil Newland, Spencer Graves, and Tucker Clarkson. (Hopefully Spencer cooks for Leah, too!) Leah is headed to Peru this spring to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu. Be on the lookout for photos of this awesome trip in the fall 2015 class notes. P.S. Leah says visitors are welcome in D.C. anytime!
David Block reports that he is enjoying his second year of grad school with Allante Keels, and looks forward to spending the upcoming summer in Washington, D.C., at the law firm Morrison & Forester. He hopes to catch up with other Episcopal alums in the area this summer! Sarah Dillard ’10 and Audrey Humleker ’10 in Amsterdam.
In case the news hasn’t reached you already, we have two engagements in our class! Trina Brady was engaged to Cahill Hooker in January. They met at Fordham University, and will be married January of 2016 in Raleigh, N.C. Zach Glubiak popped “the question” to Allison Ledwith ’07 on Saturday, Jan. 17, and she said “Yes!” After a dinner for just the two of them, a group of nearly 40 friends and family surprised Allison at their apartment in NYC to celebrate. Lee Carter, Todd Becker, Annabel Rose ’07, Jess Alfaro ’07, and Eleanor Galloway were all there to celebrate with the lovebirds. Congrats to these newly engaged alums! I still live in Portland, Ore., and still love it. I started a new job at Oregon Health & Science University’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital as a clinical pediatric dietitian last fall. It is fascinating – I learn something new every day! I made a quick visit to The Holy Hill just after Thanksgiving to see Lindsey deButts. She gave me a grand tour of the new Townsend Hall. How amazing! And of course Mr. deButts ’76 helped guide the tour, too. I also got to see Elizabeth Elliott for a quick hello in Palm Beach when I was down in Florida over the New Year, which, although short and sweet, was very fun. Be sure to let me know if you’re ever out in Portland – visitors are always welcome!
Chris Petermann says that after living in Boulder, Colo., for the past five years and working as a chef at a couple restaurants, and on the award-winning food truck “Comida,” ranked top ten in the nation by Smithsonian magazine, he moved to Phoenix, Ariz. After learning the trade in Colorado, he is now the head of organics for a Proposition 203 compliant organic cannabis cultivation facility, where he is currently working on breeding cannabis for seizure disorders. Alex Helm is currently in a master’s of accounting program at William & Mary. Alex will be graduating with his sister in May, and he has accepted a position at PwC in Washington, D.C., where he will be working in the advisory industry focused on public sector clients starting later this summer. Jeila Martin Kershaw is moving back to New Orleans for a new job. She invites everyone to visit for Jazz Fest. Abbott Matthews has headed off for her second year as a Fulbright in Brasilia, Brazil. She was hired for a second year and will continue her work at the federal university in addition to working as a mentor for a group of 12 new Fulbright-ers that will be arriving in February for their first year in Brazil. Post-Brazil plans include graduate school, although that has yet to be determined. Abbott says visitors are welcome and her couch is open to any EHS alum. Katie Rozelle got engaged in December and will be married this October in her EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
87
CLASS NOTES After Episcopal
hometown of Palm Beach, Fla. She and Kathleen Hullinger continue to see each other regularly in Dallas, Texas. Kelsey Knutson came to visit Kathleen for a weekend in October and the two ran the Michelob Ultra Dallas Half Marathon together.
’10
Whitt Clement (H) 804-353-9333 wwc3uk@virginia.edu 5th Reunion: June 5-6, 2015
James Dorsett has relocated to Australia, where he can frequently be found patrolling the Sydney beaches. Brendan Luther also jumped to another continent. He’s traveling Europe and helping place American students in study abroad programs. Audrey Humleker and Sarah Dillard met in Amsterdam this winter, where Sarah is in graduate school.
Danielle Molina ’10 with the young models who wore her collection of children’s clothes inspired by the Episcopal experience.
Danielle Molina ’10 Mini Maroon When it came time for Danielle Molina ’10 to choose a theme for her senior project at Parsons School of Design, she thought of Episcopal. “They tell you to choose something you’re really close to, something really personal.” Specializing in children’s wear, Danielle designed her collection for 8- to 15-year-old girls and took her inspiration from the EHS weekly schedule. She created maroon and black looks for the classroom, athletics, weekends, Vespers, and even The Game against Woodberry Forest. Her love of fashion started with her fashion-designer mom, and her interest in children’s clothing stems from her experience babysitting EHS faculty kids. “I was an only child,” says Danielle, “so I loved going to a place where I had all these people around me all the time. I loved the connections I made with everyone. Now, living in New York City, my friends from Episcopal visit all the time. Even if we haven’t seen each other in four years, it’s the same as it was when we were living together on campus.”
Chelsea Jack went skiing with Cal Bobola and other friends in upstate New York. She will be presenting a paper at the Fourth Annual Medicine and Religion Conference in Cambridge, Mass., this spring on perceptions of Medicaid expansion in Central Appalachia. Sarah Cauthen is developing a new teaching intern program for students and continues to enjoy teaching English at ’Iolani School in Honolulu. Khoury Ibrahim and Connor Williams enjoyed Thanksgiving with Lily Merrill in Paris. In January, George Copeland summited Vinson Massif, the tallest peak in Antarctica (16,050 feet), with his brother and dad. Incredibly, George has climbed the highest mountain in three of the world’s seven continents. Continue your adventures 2010, and don’t forget to mark June 5-6 for our 5th Reunion!
88
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
’12
Ryan Bennert (H) 252-633-3082 reb31@duke.edu 5th Reunion: June 2017
It’s hard to believe that four years ago we were all together on The Holy Hill amidst the throes of junior year. We were wading through our rigorous academic schedules, bracing ourselves for the impending college application process, and eagerly looking forward to all that senior year would have in store for us. Today we are spread out all over the country and even the world working, interning, studying, and exploring all that life has to offer. So where in the world are some of our classmates? Matt Valcourt ’12 celebrated his birthday with his best friend from Berklee College of Music James Kroner, Hollis Finke ’12, Zach Ashburn ’12, Tom Merrick ’12, Quinn Caslow ’12, Berklee roommate Harry Price, Worth Smith ’12, Andrew Jyan ’12, Matt Lopiano ’12, and Alec Miller ’12.
Bailey Thomas spent last summer backpacking through Norway and Sweden with NOLS Scandinavia. Pen Agnew and George Thorne both graduated from UNC in December. Pen is staying in the area to work before moving to Charlotte in June while George moved, with his new dog, down to Texas for a while.
Austin Conger ’12 with Anna Henderson Brantley ’04.
’11
Ambler Goddin (H) 703-683-4757 lag9qy@viriginia.edu 5th Reunion: June 2016
Being almost four years since we left Episcopal, our class has scattered far and near: traveling, volunteering, working, taking classes, meeting up with old friends. This past year has been no exception. Reid Nickle recently accepted a job at Gula Graham, a political fundraising firm. This is also where he completed his senior seminar.
Amanda Acquaire, Maria Hewko and Cat Lambert spent winter break sightseeing on the moon, while Elizabeth Henderson and I met them for a sunset picnic on New Year’s Eve. On a more realistic note, Cat Lambert is the Co-Captain of the Princeton University women’s rugby club this year. They are headed to Trinidad over spring break for training. Elizabeth Henderson spent part of her winter break basking in the tropics while visiting her grandfather in Panama.
Stuart Agnew spent her fall semester studying in Cape Town, South Africa. In early December, she had the unique opportunity to play tour guide as she introduced her mom to all of the offerings of Cape Town. The adventurous duo even travelled to Namibia for a week! Stuart is so glad to be back in Chapel Hill as she settles back into the rhythm of daily life at Carolina. Quite a few of our classmates are currently across the pond! Sarah Claiborne is living and studying in London while Armour Shaw and Johnny Bond are in Prague, Czech Republic. Armour says that he and Johnny are looking forward to exploring Prague and travelling all over Europe. I strongly recommend that they travel to Bologna, Italy, but more on that later! Matt Valcourt celebrated his 21st birthday in Longboat Key, Fla., sailing his family’s new 47’ sailboat and enjoying time with friends. His best friend from Berklee College of Music James Kroner, Hollis Finke, Zach Ashburn, Tom Merrick, Quinn Caslow, his Berklee roommate Harry Price, Worth Smith, Andrew Jyan, Matt Lopiano, and Alec Miller all helped him celebrate his special day. Happy belated birthday, Matt! I spent the fall semester in the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna. I continued my art history studies at the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the western world. In a few short months, I will return to Italy for an internship at the esteemed Peggy EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
89
CLASS NOTES
Guggenheim Collection in Venice and I could not be more excited or humbled by this incredible opportunity! I hope nothing but the best for you all in 2015! Class of 2012, let’s make this the best year yet! God bless the Class of 2012, and God bless The High School.
’13
Maggie Graney (H) 304-345-2207 graneymh@MiamiOH.edu 5th Reunion: June 2018
As the Class of 2013 embarks on a new year, we are all mostly in our second semester of our second year of college. With a fast approaching upperclassman status, we begin to take on internships, study abroad or travel, and take on leadership roles within our new communities outside of EHS.
Grace Weisiger ’13 and Crawford Horan ’13 at Sewanee.
Lee Stewart ’13 visiting Read McNicols ’13 at U.N.C.
Maria Faidas ’13 and Erin Montz ’13 on bid day at U.Va.
Peyton Bryant ’13, Syndor Kerns ’13, and Annie Gray Dixon ’13 at a debutante ball.
Kate Bickley has decided to take advantage of a marketing internship this semester in Georgia that will aid her in her future plans after USC! This past January, I worked at my former elementary school as a teacher’s assitant for the month, helping my future plans in education. Grace Weisiger and Lucy Douglass have worked on promoting the new ’Bumble’ app within their communities at Sewanee and Davidson. Philip Faris has become very involved in the crew team up at Michigan as well. With new settings for the students who graduated from Episcopal in 2013, we have all taken it upon ourselves to become very active in our individual surroundings. Elle Wilson is taking her semester at UNC for her Robertson Scholarship this semester, while some other schools are in the midst of formal recruitment for Greek life on their campuses (adding some underclassman EHS graduates to their chapters!). Erin Montz and Maria Faidas, Kappa Alpha Thetas at U.Va., have finished recruitment, 90
and so has Virginia Wright, a Kappa Kappa Gamma. Henry Lawson is a sophomore at Denison University playing on the ultimate frisbee team and singing around the country with the a cappella group, the Denison Hilltoppers. As an entire class, we are doing quite well and plan on maintaining that for the semesters ahead!
’14
Cici Sobin cici.sobin@gmail.com 5th Reunion: June 2019
Getting involved on a big campus is not always easily done. Recently, I was selected to join the Executive Committee of Virginia Tech’s chapter of Collegiate Women in Business, and serve as an officer on the Marketing and Social Media Board. Compiling the spring 2015 class notes has been an amazing opportunity for me to see all that my classmates have accomplished since beginning their college careers. Since last fall, these Episcopal graduates have taken their college campuses by
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
After Episcopal
storm, getting heavily involved in academics, athletics, and volunteer work. I continue to be both impressed and inspired by all that my classmates have accomplished, and I would love to congratulate them for their hard work.
Elle Wilson ’13 Bringing Spoon University to Duke B Y S AR A H T H O M A S ’ 1 6
After three years making a home for himself on Episcopal’s courts, Gregory Malinowski reflects on his new role, playing basketball for William and Mary: “The transition from high school to college has always been said to be a challenge on and off the court for student athletes. My time here at William and Mary has been a good experience thus far. I am lucky enough to be the 6/7th man on the team and play very meaningful minutes each game. Although there are many adjustments that I have to make, like not always having the ball in my hands, or being the best player, I really do play a key role in what we are trying to accomplish here at the College. At 7-2 in the conference and sitting at first place, our focus remains the same...making it to the NCAA tournament. I’m happy doing whatever needs to be done as long as we can reach this goal, something that I have dreamed to be a part of all my life.” At the University of Virginia, Rachel Vadhan has recently joined the Sigma Kappa sorority and also participated in the club squash team. Laurelle Jacques is currently in the process of working with one of her professors to publish three mathematical theorems she discovered. She is also the “Face of Tribe Sports Today”, working as the sports news anchor for William and Mary television. Laurelle hopes to spend the beginning of this summer working for ESPN at Wimbledon. Isaac Killis is currently involved with his work in the startup company OpenVerse. It is comparable to the app Yik Yak, with its central theme being “Share without being judged”. Ike is serving as one of the two main programmers for the app and its website. His role involves overviewing the back end of the program, which includes the functionality of the site, and the efficiency with which that data is manipulated and processed. Ike’s job has required his sophisticated use of coding languages such
FOOD BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER: FAMILY, FRIENDS, EVEN STRANGERS. ELLE WILSON ’13, CO-FOUNDER OF THE DUKE CHAPTER OF SPOON UNIVERSITY, SAYS SPOON (SPOONUNIVERSITY. COM) IS MORE THAN A WEBSITE; IT’S A COMMUNITY THAT DEDICATES ITSELF TO HELPING STUDENTS DIVE INTO THE RICH AND COMPLICATED WORLD OF FOOD.
Originally founded at Northwestern University, Spoon emphasizes the role food plays in our everyday lives and strives to create a place where food can be explored and talked about. Wilson says that because food is so integral to our lives, important things happen over food. Spoon serves as a tool for students to celebrate and share recipes, new tips, and advice on healthful eating. And the different chapters of Spoon University allow people to begin their food adventures at the local level. Each chapter of Spoon has a website within the Spoon University online program. Wilson and her colleagues post articles ranging from “6 Tea Remedies That Heal Your Body and Mind” to “4 Durham Farmers’ Market Eats You Must Indulge In.” A recent piece listed “a definitive ranking of Durham’s best guacamole.” Another article, “10 of the Fattest Meals on Campus,” focused on popular campus meals in order to encourage Duke students to eat healthier, revealing the “sometimes delicious, sometimes disgusting foods on Duke’s campus.” In addition to helping to establish the Duke Spoon chapter, Wilson manages all of the chapter’s social media and off-campus connections. Durham is a “foody town,” and she is working with local restaurants to expand the Spoon program. She has organized food for the Duke vs. UNC football game and participated in food drives, and is constantly working to build new relationships, such as the partnership she established between Spoon University and Whole Foods. Spoon’s success at Duke has led Wilson to be an advisor for budding Spoon branches. Just as food collects people around a table, Spoon, with Wilson’s help, has united Duke with the Durham community and with schools around the United States in an effort to learn about and spread the power of food.
EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
91
CLASS NOTES
as PHP, javascript/css, and python. You can check out his app at openver.se. This summer, Jackson Neagli will be traveling with a group of classmates from Rice University to study at Nanjing University in China for six weeks. Wick Waller will be interning with the private equity firm Oak Hill in Silicon Valley this summer. He will additionally be attending an intensive coding academy in Cape Town called IXperience. The College of William and Mary recently awarded Khaile Forbes the “Outstanding Community Engager” award for tutoring middle school students through the Project Phoenix program. Virginia Wright ’13, Babbie Andrews ’14, Alex Dietz ’12, and Caroline Bond ’14 on bid day at U.Va.
Currently participating in a directed study in financial forecasting for Wells Fargo, Natnael Kassaw has gotten involved with many different programs since entering Stanford University in the fall. Natnael has taken on leadership positions by serving as both an officer in the Business Association of Stanford Entrepreneurial Students (BASES) program, and as a financial management for the Stanford Undergraduate Research Association (SURA). Andrew DeJoy walked on to the Duke University tennis team this fall, which is currently ranked an impressive twelfth in the nation. This summer, Rennie Harrison will be accompanying her teammates on the University of Richmond Women’s Basketball team on a trip to Germany, Belgium, and France to play and tour. Stew Spurry ’16, Suzelle Thomas ’14, Joe Goff ’16, and Hailey Robinette ’14 at the Army/Navy football game. Suzelle is a midshipman, and Hailey is a cadet at the United States Naval and Military Academies, respectively.
92
SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Connect.” For help with passwords or login, please contact the Advancement Office.
M A R R I AG E S
BIR T HS
Mike King ’98 to Andrea Porter, Feb. 28, 2014.
Lillian Ruth Roughgarden to Kevin and Adrienne Werner Roughgarden ’93 on Aug. 7, 2014
Suzanne Pinckney ’02 to Jacob Pflaum, May 31, 2014. Mary Rennie Rowe ’04 to Michael Litman, July 19, 2014. Joe Stallworth ’03 to Leigh Anna Blinn, Aug. 9, 2014. Zach Chesson ’05 to Cassie McLean, Aug. 30, 2014. Gil Lamphere ’07 to Remy Dulworth, Sept. 6, 2014. Anderson Hackney ’07 to Campbell Brown, Sept. 13, 2014. Hillary Harper ’05 to Chris Molitor, Oct. 11, 2014. Kelly Trimble ’05 to Greg Fasciano, Oct. 11, 2014. Leandra Burke ’07 to Nicholas Hull, Oct. 11, 2014
Georgia Ann Blackburn to Landis and Kalee Stuart Blackburn ’04 on Sept. 15, 2014 Collins McCrea Coker to Casey and Jason Coker ’98 on Sept. 27, 2014 Noa Lawton Trapp to Natascha and Jon Trapp ’99 on Sept. 29, 2014 “Porter” Lilly Amick to Justin and Hannah Huffines Amick ’99 on Oct. 1, 2014.
Soleil Madeleine Ginyard to Therese and Ron Ginyard ’99 on Dec. 15, 2014. William Don Reavis III (“Liam”) to Sarah and Will Reavis ’06 on Jan. 9, 2015. Elizabeth Harkin Clifford to Anna and Pat Clifford ’02 on Jan. 10, 2015. William James Stallworth, Jr. to Mary Riddick and William Stallworth ’02 on Jan. 13, 2015. Meriwether Elizabeth Mims to Ashby Brunson Mims ’94 and John Mims ’93 on Jan. 21, 2015.
William Aaron Smithgall to Jason and Elizabeth Pope Smithgall ’00 on Oct. 13, 2014 Lassiter O’Neal Hooff to Megan and Gene Hooff ’01 on Oct. 14, 2014 Anne Frances Gupton (“Annie”) to Carl and Lissa Williams Gupton ’96 on Oct. 31, 2014.
Thomas Beckner ’95 to Christina Perez, Nov. 2014.
Jackson Grantland Frayser to Pete and Susanne Inman Frayser ’02 on Nov. 5, 2014
Buz Male ’64 to Donita Jacobson, Jan. 2015.
Brooklyn J. Jones to Darion Jones ’94 on Nov. 24, 2014 Thomas Clay Allen to Jessica and Bill Allen ’97 on Dec. 11, 2014
EHS
THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
93
In Memoriam Jesse Wadsworth Couch ’40
David E. Ballenger ’13; and grandsons Matthew B. Jordan ’00 and William E. Jordan ’04.
At Episcopal, Mr. Couch was a Monitor and a member of the Blackford Literary Society, the Missionary Society, the Athletic Association, the Chronicle Board, and the E-Club. Mr. Couch was also on the varsity football, varsity tennis, and Centennial League basketball teams. After Episcopal, he served for three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot. He served in the Air Transport Command in the U.S. and in India and was discharged in 1946 as a Captain. Mr. Couch graduated from Princeton in 1947 with an A.B. degree in political science. He began his career with the First National Bank of Houston and later joined the Wray Insurance Agency. In 1957, the partnership of Wray, Couch and Elder was formed. In 1964, the firm merged with Marsh and McLennan, where Mr. Couch remained vice president until his retirement in 1984. Mr. Couch is survived by his wife, Charlotte; his daughter; his step-son; and many grandchildren. Other EHS relatives include great-niece Alexis Tripplehorn ’02.
James Skelton Gilliam Hasslacher ’48
of Houston, Texas, died March 4, 2015.
The Hon. Thomas Cass Ballenger ’44 of Hickory, N.C., died Feb. 18, 2015.
Mr. Ballenger served on the EHS Board of Trustees from 1993 to 1999. As an Episcopal student, Mr. Ballenger was a Monitor and a member of E-Club, Blackford Literary Society, and Missionary Society. He played varsity football and ran track. After Episcopal, Mr. Ballenger attended the University of North Carolina and graduated from Amherst College. He served in the U.S. Naval Air Corps during World War II and went on to spend 38 consecutive years in elected office, serving at the local, state and federal levels, including in the in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1986 to 2005. In 38 years of public office he never lost an election. Mr. Ballenger was also the founder and former chairman of the board of Plastic Packaging Inc. Mr. Ballenger was known for his dedication to humanitarian efforts. He and his wife founded the Ballenger Foundation in 1990 to help raise funds for schools, orphanages, and hospitals in the Caribbean and Central and South America. Mr. Ballenger is survived by his wife, Donna; three children; and three grandchildren. Other EHS relatives include brother Bruce G. Ballenger ’48; nephews B. Gary Ballenger ’73, Steven C. Ballenger ’81, and Jackson R. Ballenger ’10; great-nephew 94
of Chesterfield, Va., died Nov. 9, 2014.
At Episcopal, Mr. Hasslacher played B squad football and ran track. He also sang in the choir. Mr. Hasslacher went on to graduate from the University of Virginia. He was a veteran of the Korean War and a lifetime member of the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad. He is survived by his wife, Glenna; four children; and a granddaughter.
Isham Malle Sheffield III ’49
of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, died Nov. 2, 2014. On The Holy Hill, Mr. Sheffield was a Senior Monitor, president of the Missionary Society and the Athletic Association, and secretary-treasurer of E-Club. He served on the Honor Committee, the Advisory Board, the Hop Committee, and the boards of The Chronicle and Whispers. He also sang in the choir; played varsity football, basketball, and baseball; and participated in Office. Mr. Sheffield went on to graduate from Washington and Lee University and Harvard Business School before returning to Atlanta, where he connected with the insurance industry and various civic endeavors for 45 years. Mr. Sheffield retired with his wife in Mexico in 2000. He is survived by his wife, Ilse; two daughters; and three grandchildren.
Frederick Strickland Hutchins, Jr. ’51 of Clemmons, N.C., died Feb. 2, 2015.
Mr. Hutchins was on the EHS Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1986. As a student at EHS, Mr. Hutchins was co-captain of the varsity football team and played in the 50th Game against Woodberry Forest School in November 1950. Mr. Hutchins was also a Monitor and president of the Blackford Literary Society, and he played soccer and ran varsity track. He was a member of the choir, Follies, Glee Club, E-Club, the Missionary Society, and the Advisory Board.