M A G A Z I N E
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
WINTER 2022
The Magazine of Episcopal
4455 Atlantic Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207
EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE
T H E
Winter 2022
O F
LEADERSHIP 2021-2022 Board of Trustees John K. Adams O. David. Barksdale ‘84 Dr. Beverly H. Bonaparte Stephen D. Busey (Chancellor) Troy M. Davis ’93 Kelly A. Flanagan ’02 (Treasurer) Heather W. Fouts Alexander M. Graham ’00 Michael J. Grebe Paige Hakimian R. Brian King Mark R. LaBorde ’84 (Secretary) John B. Magevney ’89 Andrew K. McCain ‘80 The Very Rev. Katherine B. Moorehead (Vice Chair) Jeffrey Rosen Helen C. Rowan (Chair) John-Paul Saenz John C. Schmidt ’70 Sally Haskell Singletary ’86 William N. Steitz III Carl E. Stoudemire III ’75 Kenneth D. Sweder Arnold D. Tritt Jr. ’81 Amy Harris Wacaster ’94 Sidney E. Wells ’91 The Right Rev. Samuel John Howard, Bishop of Florida, Ex-Officio The Rev. Adam S. Greene, Head of School, Ex-Officio William L. Milne ’00, Alumni Board/ President, Ex-Officio The Rev. Thomas P. Murray, Rector of St. Mark’s, Ex-Officio Foundation Board Robert M. Clements George M. Egan Kelly A. Flanagan ‘02 Michael A. Kelley Stephen D. Moore Jr. John E. Sawyer IV Kenneth D. Sweder (Chairman) Helen C. Rowan, Ex-Officio The Rev. Adam S. Greene, Head of School, Ex-Officio Trustees Emeriti William B. Bond E. Bruce Bower Peggy P. Bryan J.F. Bryan IV Stephen D. Busey
The Right Rev. Frank S. Cerveny John W. Donahoo Jr. † David W. Foerster † Henry H. Graham Jr. † Joan S. Haskell Preston H. Haskell III Mark Hulsey † Allen L. Lastinger Delores T. Lastinger Hugh M. Magevney III J.T. McCormick † Thad L. McNulty Walter A. McRae Jr. † John A. Mitchell III Jane S. Munnerlyn † W. Wilson Munnerlyn † The Rev. Dr. Robert Parks † Gert H.W. Schmidt † The Hon. Gerald Tjoflat Elizabeth S. Walton † William H. Walton Jr. † Mary B. Winston † James H. Winston † Katharine K. Zambetti Head of School Emeritus Charles F. Zimmer Honorary Trustees Michael D. Abney † William R. Barnett Margaret B. Berg Jackie J. Busse Robert M. Clements Maxwell K. Dickinson Thomas M. Donahoo J. Dix Druce Jr. The Right Rev. Bertram Herlong † David Hodges ’90 Susan M. Jangro Richard H. Jones Dr. Ross Krueger Joan W. Newton Marion Pointevant Luke Sadler Richard H. Suddath † The Very Rev. Gustave J. Weltsek † Alumni Board Mary Burke Baker ’93 Peter T. Blumeyer ’08 Mary Lanier Cook ’94 (President-Elect) Derek T. Gaff ’87 Lee Haramis ’10 ESJ
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Jennifer Stopiak Hayes ’90 (Vice President of Membership) Ashley Helmick Howard ’07 (Vice President of The Episcopal Fund) Leigh Elizabeth Black Israel ’05 Nicole Clemons Lewis ’97 Deanna Thornton Lombardo ’10 (Secretary) Brad McCollum ’08 William L. Milne ’00 (President) Joseph C. Murray ’99 (Chaplain) Colleen McDermott November ’99 Caroline K. Oakley ’13 Todd Ogletree ’88 Graham Riley ’00 (Vice President of The Episcopal Fund) Shannon Shea ’89 Julie Wiggins Sorenson ’98 Tori Thompson ’14 Tracy A. Thompson ’12 Nick F. Walker ’10 J. David Wingard ’92 Katharyn Smith Woods ’07 Editor Meg Scheu Sacks Design and Production Katie Lawrence Photography Caroline Carithers Close ’03 Ashley Davis Laura Evans Joe Kohla Twigpics Brandon Westerman ’99 Contributors Caroline Carithers Close ’03 Ashley Davis Sarah Hutchcraft Scott Givonetti Heather Newman Johnson ’90 Shannon Johnson Missy Ketchum Tracy Jester Andy Kidd ’99 Jane Labossier Amy Burrows Perkins ’92 Chris Slack Chip Stroud Shane Tripp Brandon Westerman ’99 Jennifer Windley († deceased)
The Mission OF EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE is to provide a superior college-preparatory education in an environment marked by high expectation, Christian nurture, and social diversity. Through a balanced program of academics, arts, and athletics, Episcopal’s faculty seeks to instill in each student intellectual growth, character development, responsible leadership and a commitment to community service.
TABLE of CONTENTS 6
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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
7
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ALUMNI PROFILES AND FEATURES
16
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MUNNERLYN CAMPUS
41
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ATHLETICS
49
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FINE ARTS
57
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ALUMNI
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ST. MARK’S CAMPUS
92
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BEACHES CAMPUS
99
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ADVANCING EPISCOPAL
114 |
END NOTES
< 2022 Dance Concert, Overflow. Photo credit: Twigpics Photography
drones, I would not have dreamed I could
T.J. has provided his students with the
bring them into the classroom to have
chance to Zoom with a pediatric heart
students program and test!” he said. “The
transplant surgeon in San Antonio, TX, after
field of technology and science keep me
learning from a heart dissection; welcomed
engaged and fascinated. And as a teacher,
a brain researcher entrepreneur to teach in
if I am engaged in what I am learning and
his science lab; has had Navy experts show
teaching, I hope that translates enthusiasm
students their responsibilities and followed
to my students.”
that by an atmospheric experiment; and Zoom-called a SpaceX engineer so his
T.J.’s classroom motto is “Teach Like Your
students could ask questions. He also takes
Hair is On Fire” – to teach with enthusiasm
students to Science Olympiad and robotics
and care for his students. He works hard to
competitions.
bring opportunities from different fields into his STEAM classroom, connecting students
“Teaching STEM is an exciting place to
to incredible learning opportunities.
be. I get to hopefully inspire my students through the subjects and lessons and
“I think this next generation will need to be
projects. I hope to tap into their potential
comfortable with implementing technology
and expand their range, expand their
and programming into their chosen field of
perceived limitations, or their self-imposed
work and study. I do like how some states
limitations (fixed mindset versus growth
are making computer science programming
mindset),” said T.J. “If I can be engaged
an alternative replacement course to
and excited about what we are learning, I
either a science or math, or even a foreign
hope that will inspire and excite most of my
language, requirement,” he said. “There
students. I love learning and I love working
will need to be some more flexibility and
with young people. Maybe that’s why
alternatives in terms of pathways to tech
teaching is God’s calling for me.”
skills. But in all this, we can not lose our humanity and humility. Technology cannot
He sees teachers as life coaches, there
solve problems that are from the heart and
to encourage their students through fun
the mind. We are fallible and imperfect and
and engage them with hands-on learning
need God to save and transform us.”
while setting goals they can support them to achieve, in STEAM and beyond the classroom walls.
“I am most proud of encouraging my students and supporting them through their success, not just in my class, but in life. I am most proud of any lasting fun and encouragement I can provide my students, and that they know I care for them, not only as my student but also as a person. I do think it is a privilege and an honor.”
T.J. graduated from Columbia College Chicago with an undergraduate degree in animation and earned his M.Ed. from Wayland Baptist University. ESJ
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Robert, his wife Cynthia, and their children, Ace and Aviana.
in hand. “Science hypothesizes an answer
Propulsion Short-Takeoff-and-Landing
to a question, then attempts to prove that
(STOL) Aircraft Recumbent-Electric-Bike
answer as truth, thereby reaching into the
Hybrid” (www.airmorph.com). The article
unknown to discover truths about reality.
covers commuting by aircraft in a safe,
Technology enables us to propose design
economical, sustainable, easily-usable and
solutions to valuable questions,” he said.
socially accepted way.
“If we ignore technology, our scientific answers may be irrelevant to society. If
“Autopilots enable people to fly aircraft
we ignore emerging science, we won’t
with single-digit hours of training, and
build technology that drives progress. The
unmanned systems will enable more
best engineering applies our discoveries
efficient logistics at many aircraft scales.
to better civilization, usually enabled by
We’ve been dreaming of a future where we
effective business teamwork.”
fly where we want to go since before The Jetsons and most of the hurdles are now
His approach extends to his small business,
regulatory, not technical,” Robert said of the
AirMorph. Robert is building a prototype
project. “I want to enable people to fly daily,
in his garage and just published “Enabling
saving people from spending years of their
Local Aerial Mobility (LAM): Design of
life in transit and inspiring them to build
an Ultralight Solar Distributed-Electric-
further and ‘leave the surly bonds of earth.’”
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Jenn credits Lew Ritter’s physics
first commercial suborbital and
class for helping her realize that
orbital flights,” said Jenn.
math, something abstract, could be practically applied to the world.
Another big movement she’s involved in is the sustained commitment to the Artemis program – the goal to
“I think that class really did inspire me to
return a human to the moon – across
pursue aerospace engineering in undergrad.
administrations.
It gave me the confidence that engineering is basically applied math, and I had experience doing that, so even when that major got hard, I stuck with it because I had developed confidence early,” she said. “In my work at NASA I get to directly mentor early career folks, but I also get to see how hundreds of innovators across technology areas (ranging from robotics to lunar mining to earth remote sensing) across numerous sectors (industry, academia, NASA workforce) are advancing the possible and inspiring our imaginations.”
“This gives us a clear path to return people to the lunar surface, this time to stay, since that kind of work requires a sustained multiyear commitment across administrations and political parties,” said Jenn. “I am proud that NASA continues to believe and invest in the people, ideas, and innovation that can help us discover, explore, and make the world better. The organizations I lead invest in early stage, breakthrough ideas, and we have an appetite for risk that enables us to change the possible. That’s a pretty cool job, but it’s also a huge
With her field changing so quickly, there
responsibility that I don’t take lightly. NASA
are things happening now that previously
inspires, empowers, and pushes us all to
were unthinkable, such as commercial
think above ourselves, our neighborhoods,
spaceflight.
and our countries, and to reflect on the fragile and beautiful planet that humanity
“Twenty years ago it was a science fiction fantasy, 10 years ago it got closer to reality with the first Space X cargo delivery to the
enjoys, needs, and should steward with extreme care and gratitude. There isn’t another Earth for a long, long way.”
space station, and today we are seeing the
“I have always been interested in the intersection of technology, policy and innovation. So often technical and scientific decisions with profound effects on people are made without all the appropriate technical voices and perspectives at the table. I feel compelled to put my technical ability to use for public benefit, and to bring a systems thinking approach and technical quotient or “TQ” to the policy making table.” Jenn, who has an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Florida and a master’s of science in technology policy from MIT, lives in Washington D.C. She was featured in Popular Mechanics in 2014 in this photo. Photo credit: Philip Friedman ESJ | 15 | 2022
Alex has served as President of the Episcopal Alumni Board and chaired the Board of Trustees at St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School, of which he is a graduate, prior to its merger with ESJ. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees at Episcopal. Alex is president of Duval Motor Company, which includes five dealerships, US Auto Credit, and Dana Safety Supply. Duval Motor has been an Episcopal Corporate Partner for 10 years. Alex is a graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South and earned his JD from Florida Coastal School of Law. He is a member of the school’s 1966 Society, which recognizes loyal donors, the 50 by Fifty Society, which recognized donors whose lifetime giving level exceeded $50,000 by the school’s 50th anniversary in 2016; and is a Great Oak Society leadership donor. Alex has four children, Luke ’27; Adams, who just completed fifth grade on the St. Mark’s Campus; and he and his wife Frances recently welcomed son Mackie, who joins big sister Josephine, two.
“Episcopal is an institution that has touched generations of my family. I am honored to help chair the Boldy ESJ campaign and continue to support its mission. I strongly believe the school is ready for this next step, and I am excited to see my children and their peers benefit from the opportunities the new Science and Student Life Center will provide,” said Alex.
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The robotics program at Episcopal is an excellent example of integrating and building classroom instruction into realworld problem solving and inquiry based learning. Open-ended learning in the robotics classroom is at the heart of STEM learning. The self-directed learning students
“Building robots is just the start for students who have the chance to put design, mechanical engineering, and computer programming to the test. These young engineers learn to program microcomputers controlling their robots and integrate optic and ultrasound sensor systems with the robot’s function,” said Scott. “These systems are increasingly at work around us everyday, and learning to control them builds confidence and skills in our Middle School students. The collaboration in the robotics classroom routinely takes over and students quickly forget they are ‘learning’ and quickly challenge themselves beyond the basics of the assignments.”
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participate in in the classroom actively prepares them for robotics competitions during the school year around Northeast Florida. The ESJ robotics team, 904 Robo Eagles, was assembled last year by Mr. Givonetti, who has been a First Robotics coach and involved in league leadership for more than ten years. This year, the 904 Robo Eagles competed in live events with their robot against 27 other teams in the Northeast Florida league. When competing in these interscholastic challenges, teams have certain size and weight limitations for their designed robots, but no set instructions on how to actually design and build the robot to meet the competition challenges, which change each year. This game, by design, sets up key opportunities for sharing ideas and learning to respect and compromise to achieve a common goal. Four robots compete at the same time in randomized teams of two, instilling teamwork throughout the league play. But the demand for leadership doesn’t end there; team members are required to document their design changes, failures, and revisions along with explaining their process to adult league judges and officials.
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WINSTON FAMILY TECHNOLOGY AND TEENAGERS GRANT Provides Tools for Social Media and Tech Education The Winston Family Technology and Teenagers grant has given the Episcopal community the opportunity to collaborate, educate, and explore the use of technology in and out of the classroom over the last three years. Amy Burrows Perkins ’92, Director of Student Services, and Tracy Jester, Dean of Students, were designated to take the lead and implement opportunities the grant could fund. Their first goal was to identify potential resources that may provide a better understanding of the digital age that influences ESJ students on a daily basis.
ESJ partnered with Josh Ochs at Smart Social for the length of the grant, beginning in January of 2020. Smart Social’s team is dedicated to teaching students and families how to use social media to make a positive impact and how to “Shine Online.” Parents and students had free access to all content provided by Smart Social. The website provided families with the most up-to-date information on social media apps as well as the potential risks regarding privacy, security, and age-appropriate content. In addition, the grant supported VIP (Very Informed Parent) access for all Episcopal parents, providing access to a video library which contained courses on the most popular teen apps such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and even online gaming like Minecraft. “Smart Social was not only used by students and families but also as a resource for the Student Life team when speaking with students regarding their social media choices,” said Tracy. “This resource was extremely thorough and covered both negative and positive effects of social media, as well as how to keep students safe online while allowing them to shine for colleges.” Additional student activities, including Online Safety Training, Virtual Reality Distracted Driving Experience, and a Digital Field Day were other programs funded by the grant.
Digital Field Day focused on inclusion and the impact of cyberbullying.
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• Increased peer incident reporting • I ncreased conversation among students, parents, and teachers
POSITIVE IMPACTS
on ESJ Community
• E volution of the Student/Parent Handbook to include more technology and social media usage guidelines • H onor Book Signing and Honor Community Pledge includes respecting others on social media • Parent Partnership in Tech Ed effort
Students: • Teens and Tech Survey (537 responses) • Three year free Smart Social Membership • Online Safety Training through the Monique Burr Foundation • Digital Field Day focused on inclusion and the impact of cyberbullying • Virtual Reality Distracted Driving Experience in Freshman Seminar • Nia Atcherson hosted Teen Talks through Harvard’s “Making Caring Common” program; conversations with Upper School students were about social media and technology use
Parents: • Three year Smart Social VIP (Very Important Parent) Membership
Faculty and Staff: • Three year Smart Social Membership • FETC (Future of Education Technology) Conference for Professional Development
(Top) Nia Atcherson ‘23 leads “Teen Talks” for Upper School.
• Completed the Monique Burr Foundation Online Safety Training
(Middle) Tracy Jester leads training for facilitators of the Digital Field Day.
• Established a Captain and four Jr. Captains for the new partnership with The Social Institute
(Bottom) Faculty and staff at the FETC conference. ESJ
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The Class of 2022 celebrated with Senior Honors Convocation and Baccalaureate on Friday, May 13, and Commencement on Saturday, May 14. Jackson Arthur Crass was named as Valedictorian, Sydney Hayley Freed as Salutatorian, and Lee-Ford Albert Tritt as Senior Speaker. All events took place on the Acosta-Schmidt House porch and lawn. Members of Episcopal’s Class of 2022 have been accepted into more than 180 colleges and universities around the world. Seniors will attend more than 80 schools, including Wake Forest, FSU, the University of Florida, Harvard, New York University Shanghai, Georgetown, Brown, Clemson, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and the Culinary Institute of America. Twenty-four seniors have committed to play a sport at the collegiate level, including at schools such as the University of Texas, Bucknell, Dickinson, and UNF. Ten seniors have committed to fine arts tracks, including musical theatre, dance, and film at schools such as the University of Miami, Northwestern, and Rollins. Congratulations, Class of 2022!
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Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Georgia Southwestern State University Gonzaga University Gustavus Adolphus College Hampden-Sydney College Harvard University High Point University Husson University Jacksonville University Johnson & Wales University (Providence) Kalamazoo College Kenyon College Lakeland University Liberty University Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Manchester University Manhattan College Maryville College McDaniel College McGill University Mercer University Methodist University Miami University (Oxford) Michigan State University Mississippi State University Montana State University Montclair State University Muskingum University Nazareth College New York University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University NYU Shanghai Oberlin College Ohio University (Main Campus) Ohio Wesleyan University Pace University (New York City) Palm Beach Atlantic University Palm Beach State College Pennsylvania State University (Main Campus) Pfeiffer University Piedmont University Purdue University (Main Campus)
Ringling College of Art and Design Rollins College Saint Leo University Samford University Santa Fe College Savannah College of Art and Design Seton Hall University Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Methodist University St. John’s University (New York) St. Thomas University Stanford University Stetson University Stevenson University SUNY College at Cortland Syracuse University Tallahassee Community College Texas Christian University Texas State University The College of William and Mary The New School The Ohio State University (Main Campus) The University of Alabama The University of Montana The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) The University of Texas at Austin The University of West Florida Thomas Jefferson University (East Falls Campus) Thomas More University Toccoa Falls College Trinity College University of Arkansas University of British Columbia University of California (Davis) University of California (Los Angeles) University of California (San Diego) University of Central Florida University of Colorado (Colorado Springs) University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Denver University of Delaware ESJ
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University of Denver University of Florida University of Georgia University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of Mount Union University of New Haven University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Florida University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of South Florida (Main Campus) University of Southern California University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington (Seattle Campus) Valdosta State University Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Wabash College Wake Forest University Warren Wilson College Washington University in St. Louis Waynesburg University West Virginia University Western Connecticut State University Wofford College Xavier University York College Pennsylvania
Memories Made
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Greg Hersey, who has taught instrumental music for eight years in the Fine Arts Department, was nominated for growing the instrumental music program, adding the pep band which plays at athletic events, chaperoning mission trips and working with student government as well as his professional achievements to grow as a musician and teacher. “Greg has created a welcoming culture within his classroom. His room is constantly full of advisees studying or students practicing. His room is inviting and full of energy….honestly, it’s the ‘cool’ place to be on campus where many students have found a home. There is always something positive happening.” Greg “contributes so much to our school community with concerts and programming. Our students are enriched when they are a part of the band program and Greg makes a lasting impression. He’s the right mix of approachable and professional,” stated another nomination, and “Greg teaches beyond his years. He has elevated the musicianship of each student. He has a clear curriculum and the students are always so well prepared for performances.Greg is an elite artist and can perform any genre of music. He models for the students, as well as assists any groups needing percussion on campus.”
GREG HERSEY
Established in 1992, the Davis Awards for Excellence in Teaching are presented each year to selected Episcopal School of Jacksonville teachers who personify quality in their teaching and in their influence on student learning; who consistently and unselfishly go above and beyond normal expectations of time, energy and devotion in working with students; who demonstrate the rare ability to motivate students to higher and higher levels of achievement; and who have consistently made use of opportunities for continuing education to improve themselves professionally. This award is intended to inspire all Episcopal teachers to pursue uncompromising excellence and caring in the classroom. To be eligible to receive the Davis Award for Excellence in Teaching, a teacher must have been a member of the faculty for three years and must be returning the following year. At least one award each year must be awarded to a teacher whose primary focus is the Middle School. ESJ
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DENISE CINNAMOND GIVEN WOOD EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD Denise Cinnamond, Learning Specialist on the Beaches Campus, is the 2022 recipient of the Nancy N. Wood Award for Excellence in Education in the Lower School. Her peer nominations stated that she “serves as an example of “leadership, integrity, and leadership to all,” while another shared that “she personifies quality in her teaching.” Yet another colleague observed that “she is prepared, innovative with ways to reach individual students, and is a true team player.” Congratulations, Denise!
Established in 2001, the Nancy N. Wood Excellence in Education Award is given to a faculty member teaching in the Lower Schools. Named for former St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School Head of School Nancy N. Wood, the purpose of the award is to recognize and reward faculty and teaching assistants who personify quality in their teaching and in their influence on student learning. The award recognizes and rewards faculty or teaching assistants who consistently and unselfishly go above and beyond normal expectation of time, energy, and devotion in working with students; recognizes a person who motivates students to higher levels of achievement; and recognizes and rewards faculty and teaching assistants who have consistently made use of opportunities for continuing education. The award’s goal is to inspire all Episcopal faculty and staff to pursue uncompromising excellence and caring in the classroom.
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EAGLES CELEBRATE A HISTORIC RUN
for Girls Lacrosse Varsity Girls Lacrosse finished a historic season this spring. Led by Head Coach Krista Grabher and assistant coaches Shannon Gilfedder and Jordan Smith, the program ended with an 18-4 record and headed to the state championship final four in early May, the first Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 1A girl’s team from Duval County to ever do so.
Left to right: Coaches Jordan Smith, Krista Grabher, and Shannon Gilfedder.
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Seniors are celebrated at Senior Night; four members of the Class of 2022 will play in college next year.
Episcopal introduced a girls’ lacrosse program in 2008. This year more than 40 students participated on JV and Varsity teams. The enthusiasm of the Middle School players, with six girls included on the Varsity team for the postseason, is just the start of more success. The Eagles will be training in the off season to hopefully make another run next season. “I have enjoyed seeing Coach Grabher and her staff raise the level of expectation
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for our girls’ lacrosse program over the last few years. She has created a culture of commitment, accountability and responsibility within her program and it is no surprise to me that we experienced historic success this season,” said Andy Kidd ’99, Director of Athletics. “I look forward to what the future holds for our girls lacrosse program. I believe Coach Grabher has built a strong foundation that will allow for even more success in the years to come.”
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Ingrained, the band concert, was held March 24 in the Munnerlyn Center and directed by Greg Hersey, Director of Instrumental Music, and Alex Hernandez, Middle School Instrumental Music Instructor. More than 15 pieces were performed by the following groups: Beginning Band, Middle School Concert Band, Jazz Band, Upper School, Honors Wind and Chamber Ensembles.
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An advanced theatre showcase was held on April 20 in the Deming Theatre and featured numerous pieces Upper School students had performed for thespian competitions throughout the school year. A combination of musical theatre pieces, scenes from “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Metamorphosis” were included in the show directed by Taylor Lee Horne ’00, Director of Upper School Theatre and Performing Arts Department Chair.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL PRESENTS “Alice in Wonderland” Middle School theatre students presented “Alice in Wonderland” in the Sikes Theatre January 26-28. Directed by Jono Hustis, Director of Middle School Theatre, the production included more than 30 Middle School thespians, who performed with assistance from a support crew that included Upper School students as choreographer and directors.
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Lady Alumni hosted the group’s annual service project at Feeding Northeast Florida on May 7. A special thank you to Lady Alumni Chairs Mary Burke Baker ’93 and Colleen McDermott November ’99 for their leadership and support.
Many alumni also gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school’s rowing program at a regatta on March 19 on the banks of the Ortega River. Boats were christened “Barabara Sanchez-Salazaar ’78,” in honor of Barbara’s early involvement and longtime support of the program, and “The 50th Anniversary” in honor of the event.
years 1971-2021
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50
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Save the Date Homecoming is November 4 ALUMNI
Go Eagles!
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1982
1986
Tinsley Coble has six children and three grandchildren and lives in the Seattle area. A physician by training, Tinsley is winding down clinical work and focusing on coaching for physicians and other endeavors.
Aaron Gibson-Evans is serving as Chair of The Bicentennial Bell Project for the Jacksonville Historical Society where he is leading the efforts to create a monument in observance of the 200th anniversary of Jacksonville’s founding.
Nancy Atkinson Linton (picture 3) is the Director of Counseling at Trinity Christian School of Fairfax, Virginia. She is also involved in local and state political advocacy and enjoys water skiing with her husband.
1987 Corey O’Steen (picture 4) wrote he is “forever thankful for my high school experience.” He shared that “after many fears conquered and many years of training, I did my first Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight (I entered the octagon). Three rounds with a guy five inches taller and ESJ | 71 | 2022
20 pounds heavier… it ended in a knockout, but not mine! It was one of the most epic events of my life.”
1990 Brett Chepenik (picture 5) served as ESJ’s Middle School girls lacrosse coach this year (his team finished first in the league). Brett now has four children who are Episcopal graduates: Conor ‘16, Grace ‘17, Stela ‘19, and Sofia ‘22. He will be relocating this summer to Greenville, SC, to be closer to Sofia to watch her play lacrosse for Clemson University and launching Little Lax Stars, a purpose-driven lacrosse league for elementary school age children.
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2008 Chris Pizzo (picture 9) is co-founder and General Partner of Druid Ventures, an emerging early-stage web3 fund focused on infrastructure and interoperability. The ~$13M fund closed on April 1 and is based in Tampa Bay, FL. Chris is also an officer of a publiclytraded SPAC on the NASDAQ. He and his wife Kristen have two children, Turner (2) and Annie (1) and a chocolate lab, Cashew. ESJ
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2022 Lucy Rachels was awarded the Angels for Allison Service Award from Angels for Allison in May. The Angels for Allison Service Award honors a high school student that best represents the spirit of service and volunteerism with Angels for Allison and inspires their peers to give back to the Jacksonville community. The award also recognizes students who have shown outstanding service and passion for the organization and made lasting and meaningful contributions. Lucy will attend Auburn University in the fall. ESJ
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Suzanne Friedline Ferber ‘87 and Dan Ferber ‘22
Alise Key Ferranti ‘94 and Lauren Ferranti ‘22
Darren Glenn ‘91 and Mackenzie Glenn ‘22
Jennifer Waugh Griffith ‘89 and Chris-John Griffith ‘22
Hardee Kavanaugh ‘94 and Kate Kavanaugh ‘22
Stephanie Athey Jarvis ‘91 and Walker Jarvis ‘22
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Trip Stanly ‘89 and Thomas Stanly ‘22
Lillie Tritt ‘19, Arnie Tritt ‘81, and Lee-Ford Tritt ‘22
Chris Vermillion ‘87 and Nick Vermillion ‘22
Not pictured: Carson Scheppe Hobby ‘91 and Mackie Hobby ‘22 Bob Massey ‘75 and Nicole Massey ‘22 Curtis Pajcic ‘86 and Ellis Pajcic ‘22
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Memories Made During
GRANDPARENTS’ AND SPECIAL FRIENDS’ MORNING
On Thursday, April 14, grandparents and special friends of students in the St. Mark’s Campus Early Learning Program (ELP) attended a special morning dedicated just for them. ELP 2 students delighted the audience as they took center stage for the first time during a performance in the Lori Schiavone Commons. Following their time in the Lori Schiavone Commons, attendees had the opportunity to visit classrooms and participate in resources including music, library, and Spanish alongside students. “This is the first time many grandparents had to see their grandchildren in a school setting,” said Cary Benefield, Director of Pre-Primary, St. Mark’s Campus. “Seeing our youngest students so well adjusted and happy was the perfect conclusion to a great year!”
Memories Made
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Grade 5 Awards Academic Achievement Award: Eve Luisa Sauvageau Athletic Achievement Award: Harrison Charles McClure Fine Arts Achievement Award: Emily Douglas Kidd
“The Fifth Grade Awards on the St. Mark’s Campus are chosen by ballot. The faculty members who have taught these students from kindergarten through fifth grade, including the resource teachers, vote for the student they believe exhibit the characteristics and skills of the award,” said Beville Anderson, Head of Lower School, St. Mark’s Campus.
Faith, Character, Culture Award: Holland Rhodes McKinney Board of Regents Award: Brandon Adrian Nelson
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2021-2022 Parents’ Association Funds New Robotics Thanks to funds provided by the St. Mark’s Campus Parents’ Association, students will have access to new robotics and STEM resources for the 2022-2023 school year.
LEGO Education STEM kits LEGO Education SPIKE Essential & Prime Robotics LEGO Education BricQ Motion Robotics Learning Lab robots (Sphero, Root, and more) littleBits Classroom Kits STEM bins (KEVA planks, STEM challenge team mission materials, etc.)
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BEACHES CAMPUS ROBOTICS PROGRAM Bringing STEM to Life Robotics are transforming typical elementary school classrooms and making STEM a household word. Research and studies have shown that introducing STEM early plays a key role in a child’s cognitive development. Beaches Campus is ensuring ESJ students are benefiting from STEM and robotics by looking for engaging opportunities to bring them to life in the classroom. “In elementary school, students are still learning with their eyes and hands – drawing, molding, and manipulating objects,” said Shannon Johnson, science instructor on the Beaches Campus. “Students are starting the transition to learning by reading, and robots make it possible for them to work through problems visually and experiment with concepts they are learning.” There are many examples across campus where students are using robotics to enhance learning opportunities. Fifth grade students had to build robots using LEGO Spike Prime kits. They learned how to code the robots, and use the distance sensor as well as the touch sensor. Fifth grade also had four Mars challenges that they had to complete with their robot which required them to think critically and solve complex problems. Students compared ESJ
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their robots to Perseverance, NASA’s current Mars rover. Second graders learned how to code Ozobot robots by using various color patterns. Students then built a miniature version of a marketplace and programmed the Ozobots to travel around and through their stores. Students learned basic coding concepts like cause-and-effect, critical thinking and debugging. The Beaches Campus also introduced a new after school LEGO class this school year. Students in kindergarten through second grade worked on completing the Cargo Connect FIRST LEGO League challenges. They learned how merchandise gets shipped from locations far and wide by ships, planes, and trucks. As part of the challenge students learned how to build sturdy structures, moving vehicles, and robotic machines that are used to transport cargo at shipping ports. “Students in today’s world are natural innovators who relish and need this creative outlet,” said Shannon. “I am beyond excited to see how the students (and families) have welcomed STEM and robotics to our learning environments here on the Beaches Campus.” 2022
Grade 5 Awards Board of Regents: Lily Grace Bowling Academic Achievement Award: Sophia Rose Wubker Athletic Achievement Award: Liam Ray Eliasson Fine Arts Achievement Award: Cecilia Marie Jimenez Faith, Character, Culture Award: Cari Brink Dubnick
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T H E
EPISCOPAL FUND
2021 - 2022
Thank you to all of our Episcopal Fund donors. Your generosity added $1,304,584 to the operating budget for the 2021-2022 school year. 309 made a first gift. 245 new parents gave. 563 alumni gave. The average gift amount was $602 . The youngest donor is in the Class of 2027 . We have 154 members of The Great Oak Society of Leadership Donors. A donation from Zürich, Switzerland was the farthest location from the Munnerlyn Campus.
53 companies supported the school through our Corporate Partner Program.
esj.org/episcopalfund Results as of June 10, 2022
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ALUMNI CREATE NEW ENDOWED FUNDS Four alumni have recently created endowed funds which will support the school in perpetuity. George Warren History Endowment Seth Pajcic ’95 established a fund in memory of George “Buddy” Warren, who taught history at Episcopal from 1978 to 1997 and inspired Seth and many others with his passion for the subject. “George Warren did not teach history as just a series of dates and names to be memorized,” Seth says; “rather he used the events of the past to challenge us to think critically about why those events occurred and how those events relate to the present and the future.” The Warren Endowment will provide annual support for the history department and increase opportunities for special learning experiences in the study of history.
Joseph and Jean Conrad Endowed Scholarship Three Episcopal alumni siblings–Jill Conrad ’70, Suki Conrad Newton ’73, and Reid Conrad ’79–have established an endowed scholarship fund in memory of their parents, Joseph and Jean Conrad. Joseph Conrad was the first Director of Development at Episcopal shortly after the school opened, and it was this position that led the family to move to Jacksonville. Suki Conrad Newton also worked in the Development Office as the Alumni Director for a few years in the 1980s. “At that time it was a part time position and the Development Office I think had two of us working!” she says. “Episcopal has always had a special place in our hearts and lives,” Suki says. “My siblings and I liked the idea of donating in memory of our parents, recognizing the role Episcopal High School played in our lives and also the importance of the Episcopal Church [in our lives].” The Joseph and Jean Conrad Endowed Scholarship will provide financial aid for a student who would not otherwise be able to attend the school. “We are so grateful for the generosity of our alumni in giving back to Episcopal,” said Missy Ketchum, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. “It is inspiring to see those who have benefited from an Episcopal education want to ensure that the school thrives for future generations.” ESJ
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M A G A Z I N E
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
WINTER 2022
The Magazine of Episcopal
4455 Atlantic Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207
EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE
T H E
Winter 2022
O F
