T H E M A G A Z I N E O F E P I S C O PA L S C H O O L O F J A C K S O N V I L L E
EPISCOPAL
On the Covers
Episcopal’s 2013 Commencement Ceremony
45 PA R K S A N D L A S T I N G E R H A L L S
Campus Chronicle
Richard Skinner & Associates, Architects wins Civic-Institutional Addison Mizner Medal
5 I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R O G R A M S W I L L INCLUDE CHINA Chantal Dulieu returns from visiting Beijing and Shanghai
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8 NEW ADMISSIONS TEAM Meet Sam Hyde ’00, ESJ’s new Director of Admissions
10 E S J S O F T B A L L O N T H E F I E L D While young, this team is going far
14 R O W I N G P R O G R A M H O N O R S W I L L I A M H . WA LT O N I I I ’ 7 0 New rowing shell named for rowing great
16 VA R S I T Y B A S K E T B A L L L O O K S
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CLASS OF 2013 COMMENCEMENT Director of College Counseling Ryan Riggs
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ESGN STUDENTS SHARE ESJ EXPERIENCES Selected Website Journalism Students’ Essays
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“ T H E R E I S A LWAY S R O O M AT T H I S I N N ” Director of Fine Arts Sally Maguire Deming Shares
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P E R F O R M I N G A N D V I S U A L A RT S U P D AT E S Katie Black ’95 and Bob Kirk, Chairs
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D A L E . D . R E G A N P L A Z A AT T H E G R E AT O A K D E D I C AT I O N Plaza dedicated March 6, 2013
F O RWA R D Talented team plans for great season
20 S P O RT S T E A M R E C O R D S A N D AWA R D S Athletes, Coaches Recognized
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HONORING DALE D. REGAN THROUGH DESIGN Chris Flagg creates a beautiful memorial A L E G A C Y S TA N D S S T R O N G by Cutler Renard ’13
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Development
Su mmer 2 0 1 3
46 THE E P I S COPA L FUND New projects thanks to donors
47 THE 5 0 BY FI FTY S OCI E TY
Bill and Theresa Dahl fund The Guardian Gift
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49 MA RY PA CK E R CUMMI NG S S OCI E TY Heather Halliburton Douglas ’94
52 P ROFE S S I ONA L D E V E L OP ME NT P ROG RA MMI NG E X PA NDS Donor Gift Makes Additions Possible
54 J E A N L I NDS AY HONORE D FOR 2 3 Y E A RS OF S E RV I CE TO E S J Glenda Feliciano Joins Advancement Team
Alumni 56 A LETTER FROM
A L EX G RAHA M ’ 0 0 New Alumni Board President Begins Term
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57 A RNI E TRI TT ’ 8 1 NA ME D A L UM NUS O F THE Y E A R Tritt Honored Alumni Weekend
58 REUNI O N WEEK E ND 2 0 1 3 P I CTURE S Classes ending in “3” and “8” Celebrate
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65 A L UM NI S P OT L I G HTS
Alumni Adventures, Successes and Careers
72 CLASS NO TES Updates on Episcopal Alumni
78 I N M EM O RI UM Mason Romaine III, M.D. and J.T. Townsend ’05
79 FROM THE ED I TOR Meg Scheu Sacks, Director of Marketing
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2013-2014 Board of Trustees Claudia Saenz Amlie ’87 James F. Bailey Oliver J. Barakat ’88 Clare Berry ’73 Patricia Blanchard Edward E. Burr Stephen D. Busey Robert M. Clements (Chairman) Angela Corey Jill Langford Dame ’74 William M. Easton John Falconetti ’85 Preston H. Haskell III David C. Hodges Jr. ’90 Susan M. Jangro Wyndel Dickinson LaPrade ’76 The Very Reverend Katherine B. Moorehead Niels P. Murphy ‘88 Helen C. Rowan Derrick W. Smith William N. Steitz III John D. Strom Stephen M. Suddath Herschel T. Vinyard. Jr. Dori Walton The Right Reverend Samuel John Howard, Bishop of Florida (Ex-Officio) Alex Graham, Alumni Board/President (ExOfficio)
Trustees Emeriti Peggy P. Bryan J. F. Bryan IV David W. Foerster Henry H. Graham Jr. † Mark Hulsey † Delores T. Lastinger Allen L. Lastinger J.T. McCormick † Walter A. McRae, Jr. † John A. Mitchell III Jane S. Munnerlyn † W. Wilson Munnerlyn † The Reverend Doctor Robert R. Parks † Gert H. W. Schmidt † Elizabeth Walton † William H. Walton, Jr. † James H. Winston Mary Winston †
Honorary Trustees Michael D. Abney William B. Barnett William B. Bond E. Bruce Bower The Rt. Rev. Frank S. Cerveny Maxwell K. Dickinson
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John W. Donahoo, Jr. J. Dix Druce, Jr. Joan E. Haskell Dr. Ross T. Krueger Hugh M. Magevney III Thad L. McNulty Joan W. Newton Marian B. Poitevent The Hon. Gerald B. Tjoflat The Very Reverend Gustave J. Weltsek, Jr. Katharine K. Zambetti
2013-2014 Foundation Board Joe Jangro (Chairman) Richard H. Jones Thad L. McNulty Robert M. Clements (Ex-Officio) Charles F. Zimmer (Ex-Officio)
St. John’s Cathedral Vestry Hud Berrey Betty Brisbin Tommy Donahoo ’84 Bill Erwin John Falconetti ’85 Bill Fouraker Bonnie Hardman Jim Jamison Ginny Myrick Mark Richardson Ryan Uitti Charlotte Walker Charles Winney Faye Wisner
Editor Meg Scheu Sacks
Design and Production Emily Okie
Copy Editor Karen Kelly Becker
Contributors Charley Zimmer Chantal Dulieu Sam Hyde ’00 Mike Rickey Chip Stroud Kara Mathias Ryan Riggs Sally Maguire Deming Katie Black ’95 Bob Kirk Alex Graham ’00 Heather Halliburton Douglas ’94 Missy Ketchum Lisa Allen Glenda Feliciano Michael Wilbur
Photography Heather Stine Paul Figura Amy Ploss Mike Rickey Jason Hulsey Brandon Westerman ’99 Chantal Dulieu Michael Wilbur
2013-2014 Alumni Board Alex Graham ‘00 (President) Anne Marie Forbes Hulsey ’95 (President-Elect) Charles Chunn ‘98 William Magevney ‘00 Mrs. Heather Halliburton Douglas ‘94 Kevin Vaughn ‘99 Baker Berg ’04 Rushton Haskell Callaghan ’82 Daniel Dill ’82 Susan Knight Feeley ’83 Marlon Francois ‘08 Meredith Wachtel Hines ’90 Katherine O’Quinn Huddleston ‘03 Anne-Marie Forbes Hulsey ‘95 Frances Poitevent Hutto ’88 Bruce Jackson ’79 Tiffany Kidd ’96 Eric Kolar ’84 Mark LaBorde ’84 Michael Lewis ’05 Sean Magee ’98 Eleanor Bryan Mathews ’94 William Milne ’00 Heather Rainey Moseley ’88
www.MichaelG.org
Kerri Cannon Napoleon ’94 Allison Vermillion Needle ’88 Heather Kenyon Oakley ’83 Todd Ogletree ’88 Kelly Pietan ’88 John Ream ’96 Lisa Lampe Rogers ’85 David Smith ‘01 Cris Scott Tennant ’82 Dearing Setzer Thoburn ’88 Peter Thomas ’03 Harold Tool ’84 Arnold Tritt ’81 Sis Van Cleve-Miller ’82 Kevin Vaughn ’99 Deena Bateh Wallace ’00 John Wallace ’00 Erin Wolfson ’01 Randy Wyse ‘84
† = deceased
From the Head of School Episcopal ended the year on the high note of Commencement – 141 students, all heading to great colleges and universities, all readied with what we have taught them, all knowing that they leave behind a school “family” that is grateful for their accomplishments and for their presence in our lives. This is the pinnacle of what it is that we do! The business of running a school always remains because after every graduating class we welcome new students in the fall, whether they join Episcopal in the Middle
Charles F. Zimmer Head of School
or Upper School. So, we keep trying to be more proficient in our sacred work each year and make the experience here so profound that our alumni take it with them wherever they go. This community is like no other! As I have written previously, we are moving forward with a comprehensive look
at our athletic facilities and beginning to formulate a plan for what is needed and how we will garner support for an important capital campaign. The Knight campus awaits significant upgrades and the Munnerlyn campus has facilities which need improvement to meet our commitment to provide the best athletic experience possible for all of our students. In addition to the survey of our athletic needs, we will also review the general campus master plan to ensure that it still fits our philosophical and practical vision for the school. Related to the campus master plan, the Board of Trustees and I will review the school’s strategic plan over the next 12 months. Using input from you solicited through the survey we sent out last spring, we intend to make sure the plan reflects not only our desire to provide the best education and resources available but also to incorporate parental suggestions and concerns. We were very pleased with the results of the survey, knowing that even though there is always room for improvement, the majority of what we do, we do right….in your opinion. In November Episcopal will host a Visiting Committee composed of individuals representing both the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The purpose is the five-year review of the operation of the school to ensure that we are meeting the standards as required by these organizations. We have been preparing for this visit for over a year and, therefore, we have looked in depth at what is being taught in our classrooms and what we are doing to become better-informed global citizens. Finally, it is already time to begin planning for the school’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2016! What a great place to be in the timeline of Episcopal. We need to honor our past and cherish our future, and we will be calling on many of you to help us do just that! The campus is suddenly full of passion again as this new year begins. I continue to be honored to serve as your Head of School, and I look forward to seeing you on campus for any of the myriad events we host.
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Episcopal Exchange Programs Expanding to Include China
As Episcopal’s new International Programs Director, my vision is to expand the international program opportunities offered to our
Chantal Dulieu
students. The first major step in
Episcopal’s New Director of International Programs
this expansion will be to offer our Chinese students the opportunity to travel to Beijing and Shanghai
Studying abroad my junior year in col-
tions of the culture, as well as seeing the
for a two-week cultural and
lege was undoubtedly one of the most
exponential increase in their motivation
language immersion program in the
rewarding and unforgettable experiences
to speak and understand the language.
summer of 2015. In June and July
of my life: I spent a semester in Sevilla,
Nothing could be more gratifying to me
of this summer I had the exciting
Spain, living with a host family and taking
as a language teacher, and I doubt that I
opportunity to travel to China to
courses at the University of Sevilla. Often
will ever tire of being a part of this impor-
begin constructing our 2015 study-
we tend to define ourselves based on
tant experience in our students’ lives.
abroad trip to Beijing and Shanghai.
such variables as our family, our friends,
While I consider myself quite well-
our culture, the school we attend, or the
As Episcopal’s new International Pro-
traveled, I have never been to Asia,
place where we work. Thousands of
grams Director, I have a dream of
and I was thrilled to embark on a
miles away from these defining elements,
continuing to expand the international
new adventure!
I was forced to reassess myself as an in-
program opportunities offered to our
dividual, and being thrust so far out of the
students. The first major step in this
protection of my comfort zone forced me
expansion will be to offer our Chinese
to be even more observant and apprecia-
students the opportunity to travel to
tive of the new culture surrounding me. I
Beijing and Shanghai for a two-week
embraced the immersion and was never
cultural and language immersion program
more motivated to learn the language so
in the summer of 2015. (Episcopal has
that I could communicate more effectively
offered Chinese language courses since
with my new friends and host family, as
the 2009-2010 school year.) In June
well as gain a better understanding of the
and July of this summer I had the exciting
culture and country in which I was living.
opportunity to travel to China to begin
- Chantal Dulieu
constructing our 2015 study-abroad trip When I started teaching Spanish, I
to Beijing and Shanghai. While I consider
wanted to give my students the oppor-
myself quite well-traveled, I have never
tunity to have a similar experience, so I
been to Asia, and I was thrilled to embark
worked hard to established the exchange
on a new adventure!
program with Episcopal’s sister school,
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lona and Paris excursions portion of our current exchange programs.
Colegio Inglés, in Zaragoza, Spain. This
While in Beijing, I met with the CISabroad
has been another of my most rewarding
site director of the Beijing area, who
The preliminary program we worked to
experiences, because each time I travel
worked with me to build a truly custom-
develop for our Chinese language stu-
with ESJ students, I am able to relive the
ized program for our ESJ students.
dents will include three hours of interac-
excitement of that first exposure to a new
CISabroad is the company Episcopal
tive classes at the Living the Language
culture. I love hearing their stories about
partners with to book flights, secure
Mandarin School in Beijing each morning;
their host families and their observa-
medical insurance, and plan the Barce-
students will also participate in excursions
to various historical and cultural attractions
The Temple of Heaven. I also dared to at-
to offer; in addition, they will visit some
during the afternoons and evenings. I
tempt shopping in the Silk Market, which
nearby cities. Some examples of what
visited the Mandarin school where ESJ
was a unique experience in itself!
students will see in Shanghai are The
students will take classes and some of
Pearl Tower and Market, The City God
the sites that our students will see on their
For the last four days of the trip, Episco-
Temple, and the Yuyuan Gardens, as well
excursions and cultural visits. These ex-
pal students will not take classes, but will
as The Zhouzhuang Water City.
traordinary and fascinating sites included
visit Shanghai to apply all that they have
Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City,
learned and to experience the historical
Having been warmly welcomed by the
The Great Wall, The Summer Palace, and
and cultural attractions that the city has
Chinese, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. 5
Every moment was a learning experience for me, and I cannot express how grateful I am to have walked through this experience prior to orchestrating a program for our students. Having been to each city and met with all who will be involved in building our specially customized program, I am much more confident in this new role. I know that this will be an extremely special experience for our students, and I am thrilled to play a role in their opportunity to visit China. As International Programs Director, I am also pleased to begin work on expanding our existing exchange opportunities at ESJ. Currently, in addition to our Spanish program, we have a French exchange program in which we are partnered with a school in Bayonne, France. For both programs, our Spanish and French students host students from the Colegio InglĂŠs and from LycĂŠe LargentĂŠ for two weeks and then travel to the homes of their exchange partners for two weeks during the summer. Our Latin students are also partnered with a German school that focuses heavily on the classics; they will both host and visit students from Wilhelmsgymnasium, a school more than 450 years old, located in Munich. These programs have been immensely successful in affording our students the opportunity to establish lasting friendships with their exchange partners and create unforgettable memories. Further down the road, I hope to offer a study abroad opportunity to Rome for our Latin students. Episcopal eventually hopes to open up its international program opportunities to other disciplines beyond the World Language Department. This project will, of course, take time and patience, but I embrace the challenge as an important step in the preparation of our students for the increasingly multicultural world we are living in today.
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CH A NTA L D ULIEU
Dulieu visited Shanghai, where ESJ students will spend the second half of their visits to China.
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Becoming an Episcopal Newcomer – for the Second Time For the second time in my life, I am an Episcopal newcomer. I find myself filled with much of the same excitement and butterflies as I did when entering seventh grade, although this time I didn’t get lost trying to find the Acosta House on my first day! The Episcopal family has offered me the same warm welcome as it did years ago, and I am grateful for the opportunity to once again report to this beautiful campus on a daily basis.
Samantha Hyde ’00 Director of Admissions
It is an incredibly exciting time for our school, and I could not be more thrilled to be a part of it as our new Director of
Education:
Admissions! Thanks to Peggy Fox’s many years of dedicated
Episcopal School of
service, Episcopal Admissions are in a great place as we
Jacksonville, ’00
welcome 198 new students to campus for the 2013-14
University of Alabama, ’04, B.A. in
school year. I look forward to picking up where Peggy left off
Public Relations
as we plan for the 2014-15 school year and beyond, and I’m
Most Recent Work Experience:
especially grateful for Peggy’s continued generous support and
Director of Communications,
guidance along the way.
Riverside Presbyterian Day School, 2011 - 13
The Admissions Team, both in and outside of our St. Elmo Drive office, will serve as an essential asset in advancing
Community Involvement:
Episcopal. All ESJ constituents – from the Admissions Office
Up & Cummers Board (young
and students, to parents, faculty, alumni and board members–
professionals group of The Cummer
are on “Team Admissions,” serving as ESJ’s ambassadors on
Museum of Art & Gardens),
a daily basis. I encourage each of you to talk about our school
President-elect
with friends and colleagues. Reminisce about your days as a
Art & Antiques Show benefiting
student via social media. Wear an ESJ T-shirt to your next 5K
Wolfson Children’s Hospital,
or community service effort. The many wonderful people who make
Volunteer
up the ESJ family today (that includes you!) will be those who help to recruit the wonderful students, families, faculty, staff, and supporters
Interests:
of the future.
Travel; food; Jaguars and Alabama
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football; fashion; the arts; spending
My experience in marketing and communications strategies
time with friends and family,
for independent schools and organizations should prove to be
especially my siblings (Hunter
beneficial in leading Team Admissions as we continue to advance
Hyde ’96 and Martha Hyde Hays
Episcopal and attract Jacksonville’s finest students. I am honored to
’93), siblings-in-law, three nieces,
take on the responsibility of leading our admissions efforts in such
one nephew, and, of course, my
a way that as to ensure that we sustain our tradition of excellence
magnificent parents.
through enrolling the most qualified, well-rounded students possible.
Episcopal’s Admissions Office: Elisa Williams, Robb Smith ’99, Sam Hyde ’00 and Katie Berline ’06. I am eager to get to know the many members
I welcome you all to stop by the Admissions
of our ESJ family whom I have not yet met,
Office any time for a visit.
or who did not know me in my years as an Episcopal student, basketball player, volunteer,
Thank you all for your warm welcome, as well
thespian, vestry member, or class officer (one
as for supporting Episcopal and serving on
of our school’s great strengths is encouraging
Team Admissions. Go Eagles!
students to explore various interests, an opportunity of which I took full advantage!). There will be many opportunities for us to meet at campus events, but in the meantime, 9
Episcopal Softball The Episcopal Girls Varsity Softball team has worked hard over the last four years to build a winning program. This year the team was rewarded for its efforts by taking home the District
to remember how young some of the players are sometimes because they have played for Coach Tracy Jester and me for so long. This year we started one seventh grader, one eighth grader, two ninth graders and our starting pitcher, Bailey Ray, a tenth grader – more than half our starting lineup was underclassmen and Middle Schoolers,” said Coach Rickey. “Many of the young players made key contributions during the season and
Championship and advancing to the
in the playoffs. Eighth grader Farley Callaghan hit a homerun in the
Regional Finals!
District title game and seventh grader Lindsay Poulos scored the winning run against West Nassau.”
“The softball team had an amazing season. I was not surprised by how
Coach Rickey is excited about the future of Episcopal softball –
well they finished because I have seen
with such a talented young team and only two graduating seniors
how hard they worked and how far
(Delaney Rickey, Mike’s daughter, who played third base, and
they have come. I think we surprised
Taylor Dickson who played left field) – the team looks to have
some teams in the post season but we
another promising season in the spring of 2014. The program has
weren’t surprised. The girls believed in themselves and I knew what they were capable of and it showed in the playoffs,” said Coach Rickey, Varsity Softball Head Coach. The team began their playoff run by defeating Bolles 6-4 in the District Championship game on the road. From there they went on to defeat West Nassau 3-2 and Yulee 2-1 to advance to the Regional Final game which was held at Episcopal. By advancing to the Regional Finals, Episcopal was one of only eight teams in the state to advance that far in the post-season. While the team had an excellent season, it was not without challenges. “Our biggest challenge this year was that we were still young. It is hard for me
On the Field
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talented players at all three levels. This year, Episcopal had a JV team for the first time in several years and the Middle School team is now consistently competitive in the IMSC. “I believe we can do as well next year as we did this year. It is going to be difficult to replace the senior leadership that we lost. However, the strength of our team over the past two years has been the chemistry and how well all the girls get along with each other. That chemistry will help out during the 2014 season. We have seven returning starters and we will have three seniors on the team leading what is still a young group of players,” said Coach Rickey. “We will have several challenges, though. One of the biggest will be a much more competitive District. We will be in a District with five teams, any one of which have the ability to win Districts. We will also need the three seniors (Emma Andrew, six- year starter; Emily Risdon
ES J S O FTBALL
This year’s team won the District Championship and advanced to the Regional Finals. 11
and Darby Monagle) to step up and be strong leaders on the field and in the locker room.” Coach Rickey’s goal for the program is for the Varsity team to become a contender for the state title on a consistent basis. Beyond a state title, Coach Rickey’s philosophy over 13 years of coaching softball is to produce not just better players, but better people. “Softball is just a game and a game that, for all of the players, will eventually end. I hope they learn that the relationships they build, by being part of a team, can help them get through difficult times. I know that this team was there for each other during the tragedy that happened on campus [in 2012],” Coach Rickey shares. “I hope at the end of the season they look back and smile. They can remember the funny things that happened between them and their teammates or them and their coaches. I hope they look back and know they did everything they could have done to help the team be successful. I hope they have become better people and created friendships that will last a lifetime.” Coach Rickey also wants his players to be willing to work and give their best every time they take the field. “I expect their best effort every practice and every game. This team has learned how to win. They never give up, they always give their best and they are there for each other. That is what I expect from them,” he said. “I want a player who wants to get better. I want a player that is willing to work outside the regularly scheduled practice times. I want a player who is not afraid of making a mistake but instead is willing to learn from it. To me, the biggest compliment someone can pay a player is not that you are the best on the team; it is that you are the hardest working member of the team. I want and I have those players on my team.” As a coach, Coach Rickey is thankful for the mentors he has had at Episcopal over the past 17 years. “I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned from Coach Jester and Coach Ritter. Both of them have a passion for their sport but more importantly, love teaching it to the kids,” he shared. Tracy Jester, who was the first softball player inducted into the University of North Florida’s athletic Hall of Fame, and Coach Rickey have coached softball together at Episcopal for more than 10 years. Lew Ritter was the wrestling coach at Episcopal for more than 20 years and has mentored Coach Rickey for the past 17 years. “I love coaching at Episcopal because it is the whole package. A major
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league franchise is not successful because of the players, the coach or the front office. It is successful because each piece does their part and they work together efficiently as an entire unit. Episcopal has all of that. The majority of the kids I have coached work hard and strive to become better athletes. We have parents who support their children and their children’s coaches. I am blessed to have the best coaching staff in the city and an athletic office that makes my job easy. When all of these things are happening, coaching is fun!” said Coach Rickey. Episcopal softball’s future is bright. The players at all three levels are working hard all year round and that hard work will show during the 2014 season. Photo cutline: Coach Rickey’s daughter, Delaney Rickey ’13, heads to Florida Atlantic University this fall to play collegiate-level softball. While at Episcopal she was named to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association 4A All Academic Team and the 4A All State Softball Team.
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Walton Crew Shell
overlooking the Arlington River. Dedicated January 10, 2004, the Walton Boathouse has become an important fixture for the boys and
Episcopal recognized alumnus, parent, and crew program supporter William (Bill) H. Walton III ‘70 by dedicating an eight-man rowing shell in his honor at a special ceremony on February 23 at the Elizabeth S. and William H. Walton, Jr. Boathouse. Bill’s family, members of the Episcopal crew team, Head of School
girls rowing teams, which have brought home numerous championships since its construction. The children of Elizabeth S. and William H. Walton, Jr. (Bill ‘70, Beppy ‘71, Missy ‘74, Lon ‘77 and Raymur ‘85) made the lead gift to the Boathouse in honor of their parents.
Charley Zimmer, Director of Athletics
In addition to his support of the crew program,
Andy Kidd, rowing program director
Bill served on the Episcopal Board of Trustees
Mike Alton, and other guests were in
from 1998-2004. He and his wife Dori have
attendance. After being christened with
three children, Francesca, Will and Lon.
champagne by Bill’s family, members of the Episcopal rowing team took the Walton on its first row, launching from the dock of the boathouse. At the dedication, Bill spoke fondly of his days at Episcopal, his parents’ influence and his love of rowing. He began rowing mid-year his freshman year at Princeton University. In 1973, Bill’s boat won the Eastern Sprints and the Thames Challenge Cup at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in England. The strokeman of that boat was also in attendance at the dedication, as well as Bill’s three-year Princeton roommate who introduced him to rowing. Bill has served as a Trustee at Princeton and is a former president of the Princeton University Rowing Association. Set at the scenic, 28-acre Knight Sports Complex, Episcopal’s Walton Boathouse gives direct river access to the rowing teams and is regarded as one of the finest facilities of its type in the U.S. The ample bays are capable of holding the program’s many shells and the building is complete with ergometers, work-out facilities, meeting and locker rooms, and a vaulted ceiling club room
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On the Wa The William H. Walton III ’70 on its first row.
ater 15
Varsity Basketball Looks Forward to Next Successful Season
Nine Episcopal Student-Athletes Commit on National Signing Day This Year
Episcopal’s Boys Varsity Basketball team finished 16-12 this year, and already Coach Chip Stroud is looking forward to the upcoming season. The team’s first game in 2013 will be November 13 against Ponte Vedra for a pre-season match-up. With only one senior on the team, Coach Stroud is ex-
“There aren’t a lot of sophomores and juniors in the city
pecting a lot out of his underclassmen. As he says, “Our
with the level of varsity experience our returners have,”
only senior is Cole Wilbur, who is the heart and soul of
he added.
the team. The younger players will definitely look to him for leadership. Key sophomores Isaiah Gibson and Kent
The team’s 2012-2013 successful season included
Thomas will be looked upon for scoring and playmaking
some wins against historically strong programs at Ribault
for sure. Chadwick Feeley, a junior, will also play a key
and Jackson High Schools. The team made it to the
role this year. We have two newcomers who will have
District Semifinals, finally ending their season by losing to
an immediate impact: David Clark, a post player, and
Jackson.
Danny Voss, a wing, have had a great summer playing with the team.”
“I feel the guys played well and surprised some people with the wins we had. Beating Ribault twice and
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With a younger team this year, Coach Stroud expects
Jackson was a surprise to many, I’m sure,” said Coach
that mistakes will occur, but he is pleased with the
Stroud. “I think coming up short to Jackson in the play-
underclassmen’s development, since many of them
offs was a disappointment, because we beat them in
already have a year of varsity experience under their belt.
the regular season, but hopefully we can learn from that
Photos courtesy of Michael Wilbur
game and put it to use this coming season.” Regionally, Episcopal faces tough teams such as Jackson, Raines, and Ribault. This coming year Coach Stroud anticipates some challenges, but he also expects every game to be a good one. “I think having underclassmen play at the Varsity level at any school is going to be a challenge,” he adds. “I was very proud of the way Isaiah, Kent, and our underclassmen responded this year. Playing middle school basketball one year and Varsity the next says a lot about their talent level. I was happy to see them succeed.” During his ten years coaching basketball, Coach Stroud has seen a lot of successes on the court. He spent three years coaching at Valdosta State University before he began coaching high school teams. Before joining the Episcopal family, Stroud coached for four years at Providence School of Jacksonville. While there, Stroud coached University of Florida basketball player Patric Young, who decided this year to finish his senior year playing for the Gators instead of joining the NBA. Young helped Coach
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Stroud with Episcopal’s basketball camp this summer. Besides striving for a successful season, Stroud’s philosophy is to instill in his players the qualities he believes athletic participation naturally helps to develop in students: character, responsibility, and leadership. “If you can learn those life lessons, then I think you’ve won already,” he says. “Obviously, we want to compete and we want to win on the scoreboard, but having former players coming back and thank you for what they learned as they start a new chapter in life is just as fulfilling. From a personal growth standpoint, I want them to become better students, better sons, and better people in general.” Coach Stroud also wants each player to develop a better sense of self by working through challenges, whether during practice, in the weight room, or during a game. “I want them to learn who they are as people during those challenges and to get them to see what type of athlete they really are. You can find out a lot about a person during 6 a.m. conditioning. If you can get them past the mental part, then they start to have more confidence in themselves,” he said. “I think toughness is lacking today in sports in general. I love tough-minded kids. Talent in basketball always helps, but coaching kids who don’t play scared and are ‘gamers’ makes it fun!” Besides developing his players, Stroud is always working to better his coaching. “I try to attend as many sporting events and coaching clinics as I can. There are coaches on campus here who have been coaching much longer than I have, so there is always something to learn from them,” he says. Coach Stroud is grateful for the Episcopal community’s support of the team, the players and himself as head coach: “The support from the administration is great. They really do a great job of working with the students and coaches,” he said. “And the parents are almost as valuable as the players. I have been blessed with great parents at all levels. With JV and Varsity specifically, we have had great ‘team moms’ since I’ve been here. Between the parents, the players, and the administration, I feel like we have everything we need to build a successful basketball program at Episcopal.”
Photos courtesy of Michael Wilbur 18
Playing at the Collegiate Level
The Girls Softball team won the District Championship this year. Delaney Rickey ’13 will play softball in college.
This fall 14 members of the Class of 2013 will enter college already committed to playing a sport at the collegiate level.
STUDENT
SCHOOL
SPORT
1. John Grube
Colorado College
Lacrosse
2. Delaney Rickey
FAU
Softball
3. Megan Sowell
The Citadel
Volleyball
4. Matthew Stiefel
Sewanee
Lacrosse
5. Marissa Tandron
Lynn University
Volleyball
6. Steven Matos-Torres
Swarthmore
Baseball
7. Dillon Woods
University of North Florida
Golf
8. BJ Dozier
Birmingham Southern
Lacrosse
9. Marilyn Rowell
Birmingham Southern
Swimming
10. Thomas Vinyard
Hampden-Sydney College
Football
11. Brandon Moore
Flagler College
Baseball
12. Justin Jaroszeski
Flagler College
Baseball
13. Laura Johnson
Boston College
Crew
14. Katie Berg
University of South Florida
Crew
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Winter and Spring Sports Records
Winter Sports
Boys’ Varsity Basketball:
Girls’ Varsity Soccer:
15-12 Overall Record
14-9 Overall Record
3-3 District Record
4-2 District Record District Runner-up
Girls’ Varsity Basketball:
Regional Finalist
6-14 Overall Record 0-5 District Record
Varsity Wrestling: 6th Place in Rob Bierbaum Invitational
Varsity Competitive Cheer: Placed 5th in State
6th Place in Wrestling District Tournament Max Sheppard ’13
Boys’ Varsity Soccer: 7-10-1 Overall Record 3-3 District Record District Runner-up Regional Quarterfinalist
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District Champion, Regional Champion, and State Qualifier
Spring Sports
Varsity Baseball: 23-7 Overall Record 6-0 District Record District Champions Regional Finalist
Boys’ Crew: 4th Place in Stanton Invitational 7th Place (1st Place Scholastically) in OARS Regatta 4th Place Scholastically in FSRA State Sweep Championships
Girls’ Crew: 4th Place in Stanton Invitational 5th Place in OARS Regatta 4th Place Scholastically in FSRA State Sweep Championships
Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse: 12-7 Overall Record 5-0 District Record District Champions Regional Semifinalist
Boys’ Varsity Tennis:
5th Place in the Eagle Open
17-2 Overall Record
3rd Place in the Episcopal Invitational
6-0 District Record
4th Place in the District Championship
District Champions Regional Champions
PD McCawley ’14 was district champion
6th Place in State Championship
in 800
Girls’ Varsity Tennis:
Girls’ Track:
13-5 Overall Record
3rd Place in the Eagle Open
6-0 District Record
3rd Place in the Episcopal Invitational
District Champions Regional Finalist
Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse:
4th Place in the District Championship 9th Place in the Regional Championship
9-8 Overall Record 3-0 District Record
Nikki Vandervelde ’14 was district cham-
District Champions
pion in triple jump and pole vault and
Regional Semifinalist
regional champion in the pole vault
Varsity Softball:
Boys’ Weightlifting:
15-9 Overall Record
12th in District Championship
5-1 District Record
Two lifters placed 3rd and
District Champions
4th at Sub-Sectionals
Regional Finalist
Jack Magri ’13 placed 4th at Sectionals 13th overall at States
Boys’ Track: 21
Student Athlete Awards Best Male Athlete in a Single Sport –
Athlete Scholar Award Male – Michael Koppel
Dillon Woods
5 Varsity Letters for Tennis
Earned 5 Varsity Letters for Golf at Episcopal
1 Varsity Letter for Soccer
Was team MVP in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012
2011 MVP for Tennis
Regional Champion for Golf in 2012
2012 Coach’s Award recipient for Tennis
Led his team to an 11th place finish in the
Will be attending the United States Naval Academy
state this year.
in the fall.
Will be playing Golf for the University of North Florida this fall.
Athlete Scholar Award Female – Anna Bauman 4 Varsity Letters for Soccer
Best Female Athlete in a Single Sport –
2 Varsity Letters for Volleyball
Marissa Tandron
Will be attending Tulane Universty after earning the
Earned 4 Varsity Letters for Volleyball at Episcopal
Dean’s Honors Scholarship.
Was team MVP in 2010, 2011 and 2012 Helped lead the team to a district championship,
Male Peter Ober Sportsmanship Award –
regional championship and a state final four
Thomas Vinyard
appearance in 2012
4 Varsity Letters for Football
Will be playing Volleyball for Lynn University this fall.
Will be playing football for Hampden-Sydney College this fall.
Best Male All Around Athlete – Jack Magri Earned 3 Varsity Letters for Football
Female Peter Ober Sportsmanship Award –
Earned 3 Varsity Letters for Weightlifting
Libbie Sabo
Earned 1 Varsity Letter for Wrestling
4 Varsity Letters for Cross Country
Was the MVP for Football in 2012
2 Varsity Letters for Crew
MVP for Weightlifting in 2013
1 Varsity Letter for Cheerleading
Will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall.
2012 Coach’s Award for Cross Country Will be attending Clemson University in the fall.
Best Female All Around Athlete – Delaney Rickey Earned 6 Varsity Letters for Softball Earned 5 Varsity Letters for Cross Country Earned 3 Varsity Letters for Basketball 2010, 2012 and 2013 MVP for Softball 2012 MVP for Basketball 2008 Coach’s Award for Softball Will be playing softball for Florida Atlantic University this fall.
22 24
Boosters Recognized Award Recipients JT Townsend Tenacity Award – Abby Gist 4 Varsity Letters for Tennis Two-time Coach’s Award winner for Varsity Tennis 1 Varsity Letter for Basketball Will be attending Florida State University this fall. Senior’s Choice Award – Coach Amber DeVries Program Director and Varsity Head Coach for Girls Soccer Led her team to a district title in 2012 and the regional finals in 2013.
John Ryan Excellence in Coaching Award Recipients
JV Coaching Recipient – Karry McGuire Coach McGuire is described as “an outstanding coach and great role model for our athletes. The team faced a lot of adversity due to injuries and players moving up to varsity. Rather than letting this impact the season in a negative way, she kept a positive attitude and helped her players learn how to overcome setbacks by working harder and playing with determination. Her players are better athletes and stronger people because of her leadership.” Assistant Coaching Recipient – Chris Milo Coach Milo is described as “a silent and calming strength not only to the varsity team, but to the entire program. As an assistant, this coach is out there every day taking care of the little things that, towards the end of the season, become big things. His athletes and fellow coaches are thankful for all of the time, effort and passion he has for the program.” Middle School Coaching Recipient – Anthony “Amp” Selvera-Damon Coach Amp is described as “passionate about coaching and a very good teacher of the game. He taught the girls an advanced
The Excellence in Coaching Award was established in 1992 by
style of play that is difficult for younger players to grasp. He is
then athletic director, John Ryan. The award was renamed the
honest and up front with the team about his expectations.” Last
John Ryan Excellence in Coaching Award in 1999 in Coach
season, he coached his team to a 14-2-1 record.
Ryan’s memory. This award recognizes the coach whose team reaches its potential in an environment that values and teaches
Career Coaching Recipient – Norm Wein
leadership, performance, self-discipline, integrity and teamwork.
Coach Wein has given his heart and soul to coaching, leading,
This award is given annually to a Varsity Head, Junior Varsity
and supporting Episcopal for a quarter century. He loves
Head, Middle School Head, and assistant coach (any level).
Episcopal athletics and will do anything he can to help them achieve success. He has coached football and wrestling, has
Varsity Coaching Recipient – Dede Allen
served as the athletic director, and now serves as the associate
Coach Allen is described as “someone who definitely deserves
athletic director and director of transportation.
to be recognized for her hard work. She loves the game. As program director and varsity coach, her dedication, organizational skills, and tireless work ethic provide a great experience for Episcopal students. She always has a positive attitude and motivates her players to do their best and enjoy the game. She sets an example for all to follow in our community.” Last season, she led her team to a 13-5 record as they won the District title and advanced to the Regional Finals.
23
Com
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24
mmencement 2013
Episcopal graduated 141 students on May 18, 2013. Commencement, per tradition, was held on the Acosta House porch. The Invocation was lead by The Very Reverend Katherine B. Moorehead, Dean of St. John’s Cathedral. Head of School Charley Zimmer welcomed the graduates and their families. Salutatorian Virginia Margaret Smith, valedictorian Nathaniel Scott Lambert Rowicki and senior speaker Zachary Crockett Smith were the featured speakers for the Class of 2013. Diplomas were conferred followed by prayer and benediction led by The Right Reverend Samuel Johnson Howard, Bishop of Florida. Students and their families celebrated at a reception held on the Dale D. Regan Plaza.
25 27
123 Colleges and Universities for Episcopal’s Class of 2013 The Class of 2013 had great success this year with their college admissions. As the landscape of selective university admissions has grown consistently rockier over time, Episcopal students still navigate the process well, and have wonderful college choices when they graduate. This year ESJ had students admitted to 123 different colleges and universities all across the country, and students will be attending college in states as far away as California, Colorado, and Massachusetts.
RYAN RIGGS
Director, College Counseling Several seniors were admitted to some of the most prestigious universities in the country: Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame, Johns Hopkins, Boston College, Washington University, the United States Naval Academy, MIT, Vanderbilt, UVA, and UNC. In a year when Stanford admitted only 5.7% of the students who applied, and many other selective universities admit rates were similar, our students overcame great odds to gain acceptance into these schools. In state, more than 70% of our students who applied to both UF and FSU were admitted, percentages that are far above these two schools’ average admissions rates. The College Counseling Office continues to work with all students beginning in ninth grade to help ensure their success in the entire college admissions process. We strive to enhance our programs each year, bringing in outside speakers from several universities to discuss the current college admissions environment to parents and students. Every other year, we have training sessions for our Upper School faculty on writing effective recommendation letters. Most importantly, the College Counseling Office is open to meet with students and parents at any time. While our main focus in the fall, obviously, is on the seniors who are applying to college during that time, each counselor in our office takes the time to meet with any student who walks in the door with questions. If you would like more information about the Episcopal College Counseling office, please contact Ryan Riggs, Director of College Counseling.
BAC CALAU RE AT E 201 3 26
List of College Acceptances for the Class of 2013 University of Florida
Florida Southern College
Florida Institute of Technology
University of North Florida
Furman University
Tallahassee Community College
University of Central Florida
University of West Florida
LaGrange College
Florida State University
Tulane University
Savannah College of Art & Design
North Carolina State University
Sewanee: The University of the South
Pratt Institute
University of Pittsburgh
Washington & Lee University
The University of Alabama – Birmingham
Flagler College
University of Georgia
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Auburn University
Birmingham Southern College
Florida Gulf Coast University
Clemson University
Georgia Southern University
Syracuse University
Drexel University
Hampden Sydney College
Rhodes College
Emory University
University of Mississippi
Samford University
Duke University
Roanoke College
Southern Methodist University
Johns Hopkins University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Emory & Henry College
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Hood College
Vanderbilt University
University of Southern California
Lynn University
University of Virginia
University of California at Berkeley
Radford University
Washington University – St. Louis
University of Chicago
Randolph-Macon College
University of South Carolina
Stanford University
Rider University
University of South Florida – Tampa
The Catholic University of America
Grove City College
The University of Alabama
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
University of Notre Dame
Boston University
State University
Millsaps College
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Arkansas – Little Rock
University of Oregon
College of Charleston
Louisiana State University
Illinois Institute of Technology
West Virginia University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
James Madison University
Florida Atlantic University
Lake Forest College
Wake Forest University
Colgate University
Wittenberg University
Baylor University
Trinity College
Jacksonville University
Boston College
Mercer University
Colorado College
Wheaton College, IL
University of South Florida – St. Petersburg
Rollins College
Berry College
Davidson College
North Carolina A&T State University
Queens University of Charlotte
University of San Diego
Presbyterian College
Westmont College
Texas Christian University
Wofford College
Centre College
Stetson University
Elon University
Rhodes College
University of Denver
High Point University
Trinity University
Marist College
United States Naval Academy
Hampton University
Oxford College of Emory University
Indiana University at Bloomington
Hofstra University
Xavier University
University of Maryland – College Park
Spelman College
Fashion Institute of Technology
University of Michigan
Temple University
Fordham University
Swarthmore College
Mount Holyoke College
American University
The Citadel,
Smith College
The George Washington University University of Miami
the Military College of South Carolina The University of Tampa
Purdue University Ithaca College
27
Homeroom is where I succeeded in finding my “stitch” at Episco-
My Stitch in the Episcopal Quilt
pal. In seventh grade, I was fortunate enough to have a homeroom teacher who made me feel comfortable on that first, nervous day of school. My all-girl homeroom with Ms. Chantal Dulieu quickly became my favorite part of the day. All the girls in our homeroom became so close to Ms. Dulieu and each other that when it came time to move on to the ninth grade, we were upset to discover that--because Ms. Dulieu was a Middle School-only advisor--our homeroom family could not continue into Upper School. But we never forgot how much our homeroom family had meant to us in those early, nervous days. In the long run, that sad change actually ended up leading to a good change. In ninth grade, I became part of a new homeroom family with Mr. Alex Nichols, who soon became one of my favorite teachers. I was a part of his homeroom for four years, and while we may not have had the tastiest treats on Fridays, I believe we had
By D evo n DeLo renzo Class of 2013
the most fun. During my sophomore and junior years, I had the pleasure of having Mr. Nichols twice a day, since he taught me both European and American history. I enjoyed every minute of it, even if
Senior year at Episcopal brings
some days he didn’t!
a whirlwind of emotions. While Homecoming, Spring Fest and
Just as I had in Middle School, I looked forward to those 15 min-
Prom all give us something to
utes of advisory/homeroom every day. I am thankful to Mr. Nich-
look forward to, it’s easy to get
ols for continually pushing me to go beyond my comfort zone at
so caught up in waiting for Commencement that we miss out on just how special our years at Episcopal have been for each of us. The tight-knit community here allows students to excel in multiple ways. In their own individual
Episcopal, especially for encouraging me to keep playing sports my senior year and taking hard courses. It would have been easy for me to take my senior year off and breeze through to graduation. But, like Ms. Dulieu, Mr. Nichols helped me find my stitch at Episcopal. He taught me the importance of keeping commitments and
ways, the students reflect their
striving for excellence in life. I’ve learned that a stitch can be made
uniqueness through the arts,
loosely with little effort and still hold together a woven piece of cloth,
through academics, or through
but the stitches created with care and true craftsmanship can make
sports. This is just one of the rea-
a quilt last for a lifetime.
sons I will always cherish Episcopal: everyone here is able to find
The faculty and staff at Episcopal are unlike any other I’ve known.
her own little “stitch in the quilt.”
The teachers truly care about their students and want what it best for them. Whenever I was nervous or needed a slight nudge to keep going, my homeroom advisors made me feel safe and at home at Episcopal . I can’t imagine going anywhere else, and I thank my parents for sending me to such an amazing school.
28
We decided to build what is known as a raku kiln, which typically fires ceramics at a lower temperature
My Passion for Ceramics
than normal kilns. In contrast to the electric kilns at Episcopal, our raku kiln is fueled by propane, which allows for much more variation in the resulting piece of art than the
By Bi ll y Tot h Class of 2013
same piece fired in an electric kiln. Consequently, every pot comes out totally unique, with its own distinctive flare.
In eleventh grade I began taking Ceramics at Episcopal. During the first semester the class mainly worked on sculpture and hand-built
During my time at ESJ I have tried my hand at quite a few other
pieces; however, ceramics quickly grabbed my interest when we
art mediums, all of which I have
started throwing on the wheel. At that point, I really started to hone
enjoyed, but none of them became
my skills, and pottery quickly became a passion of my life.
the personal passion that ceramics did. The pleasure of making
Last summer I installed a wheel at my house so that I could make
pottery will stay with me for the
pottery outside of school. My wheel became a place that I would
rest of my life. As a potter, I will
go to routinely every day--sometimes for just a short time, but
continue to mature and explore new
sometimes I would spend hours making pots. This was where
facets of ceramics to expand my
I could go to help get my mind off things; any stress or worries
understanding of the art and allow
that I had at the time would just seem to disappear when I began
my pieces to become ever more
working. However, I don’t just do ceramics on my own, since a number of my friends also share my love for pottery. In fact one friend of mine, Tommy Goodrich ’13, also has a wheel at his house; at one point, we both ended up with so many unfinished pots that we had to
sophisticated and personal. Although I will be moving on from ESJ, one thing that I will most certainly take with me is my love for pottery. I owe that to Episcopal and my teacher, Mr. Bob Kirk, for
take them to school in order to fire them. After that experience, we
providing me with the opportunity
decided to build our own kiln.
and giving me the foundation for what has become such an important part of my life.
29
Marine Biology & Episcopal’s Unique Opportunities By Fl etc h e r B a t t e n Class of 2013
Beginning in ninth grade, when I first enrolled at Episcopal, I took
in the deep sea. No other class at Episcopal allows you to swim
classes that were required, but not my favorites. Then, in the
with another species. Swimming with the manatees not only
eleventh grade I chose to take Marine Biology, a course that I
provided a bonding experience for me and my classmates, but
found intriguing. It included a substantial amount of group activ-
it also allowed me to see what manatees are like in the wild. In
ity, including dissection, which was always interesting because it
class we learned facts about them, but meeting them in person
allowed us to interact with the material beyond just taking notes.
and following them around in the water offered us a new lens
I will remember this class more than any others because of ev-
through which we could learn about them.
erything we learned about how the natural world works. Marine Biology wasn’t the only course I’ll remember, but the way The opportunity to dissect the animals made the school day
we learned the material offered unique opportunities, whereas
more interesting and allowed me to do an activity I otherwise
most classes focus more on learning facts and taking tests. Al-
never would have done. Although I didn’t look forward to the
though Marine Biology did not necessarily teach me what I want
smells, I gained a great deal of knowledge about the various
to do with my life, the activities associated with it made school
features of animal anatomy. At the end of the year we even dis-
more intriguing. When I go to college, I might not remember
sected a shark, which I will never forget.
all the information I learned about algae, but I will definitely take with me the bonding experiences with classmates and the vivid
Marine Biology also allowed us to learn about sea animals, rang-
memories of the field trips we shared. This course represents
ing from many I had never heard of, to those that are considered
just one of the many ways that Episcopal has trained me to get
the kings of the ocean. The course also included three ocean-
the most out of my college experience.
life field trips that included visiting Sea World, swimming with manatees, and exploring Fernandina Beach. All three of these trips gave us the opportunity to learn outside the classroom. Seeing these animals firsthand gave me a new level of understanding of the material. Because of our school’s investment in that experience, my personal appreciation for the subject was enriched. Most science classes involve labs and group work, but in Marine Biology we learned about how other species live and work, and we were encountered the fascinating possibility of what may live
30
Two Influential Coaches & The Game I Love During my four years at Episcopal, I have had the opportunity to play on four really good soccer teams. My experiences with these teams have made me a better player on the field
B y Ma c ki e C h a pma n
Class of 2013
and a better person off the field. At the Varsity level, I had the opportunity to learn from two great coaches: Andy Kidd, the current Athletic Director at Episcopal, and Tim Broderick. My first experience with Coach Kidd occurred in seventh grade during the summer workouts. When I was younger, I was a pretty shy kid, so I obviously found it intimidating to see all the older high school kids on my first day at the workouts. By introducing me to everyone, Coach Kidd immediately made me feel a part of the program, so I felt more comfortable and continued to go to workouts that summer. During my ninth-grade year, I played on JV, which offered me an opportunity to improve my skills so that I could play at the Varsity level during the remainder of my high school years. Because of my performance on JV, Coach Kidd gave me the opportunity to play on Varsity at the end of their season. This experience helped me to realize what hard work you have to put in to be successful. After our team won the District Championship against Bolles, Coach Kidd took me aside and told me to remember this experience and what it took to accomplish this win. The hard work that Coach Kidd instilled in that team offered them an opportunity to play at States. Coach Kidd’s words stuck with me for the rest of my high school career, reminding me every day to work hard, because in the end I will be rewarded. At the end of my junior season, I heard that Coach Kidd was moving to the Athletic Director’s position and would not be coaching soccer anymore. Although I was disappointed that he would not be coaching during my senior season, I was confident that he would leave our team in good
I was very fortunate to have developed a positive relationship with Coach Kidd, so I knew he would find a coach who would continue the soccer program’s success. With his hiring of Coach Tim Broderick, Coach Kidd did just that. Much like Coach Kidd, Tim Broderick was able to make me both a better player and a better person. Both coaches wanted to make sure that we were improving and that we were being gentlemen on and off the field. During the Fletcher High School game, Coach Broderick took me out at halftime because I wasn’t playing well, and I did not play for the remainder of the game. I was obviously pretty disappointed and asked him later that night on the bus why I hadn’t gone back in the game. Coach Broderick was very honest with me and told me I needed to work on my passing and to become a more confident player. I really respected his honesty, which motivated me to work harder, and the next game, against Bishop Snyder, I got an assist and my first-ever Varsity goal. Coach Broderick and I developed a positive, honest relationship my senior year, which made us become very close. My experience playing for both him and Coach Kidd have made me a better person and a better player; having become close to both of them, I know that I will stay in contact with them throughout my life.
hands.
31
State of the Fine Arts; There is always Room at This Inn “The settled happiness and security which we all desire, God withholds from us by the very nature of the world: but joy, pleasure, and merriment, He has scattered broadcast. We are never safe, but we have plenty of fun, and some ecstasy. It is not hard to see why. The security we crave would teach us to rest our hearts in this world and oppose an obstacle to our return to God: a few moments of happy love, a landscape, a symphony, a merry meeting without friends, a bathe or a football match, have no such tendency. Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.”
- CS Lewis
I love his perspective and agree with it. Think about it, while we
in the past and join hands and
hearts by being actively
are here on earth Our Lord provides “Inns” for us to reestablish,
present as we ascend and break
new ground. We look
refresh, refuel, react, rejoice, and renew, as we reconnect our
forward to the future and all the limitless possibilities that can
relationship with Our Father on our journey back HOME. I believe
happen here at Episcopal.
this is why Episcopal School of Jacksonville is more than successful. To me, our faith in the Lord is what strengthens, guides,
For alumni, please know you have left a legacy at this Inn that
and distinguishes us from other prestigious college prep schools
we cherish. You left this school in better shape than you found it.
throughout our country.
We are here because of you, our gratitude is endless. We now have your children coming through our doors and know your
This year, as in every year, I remain in awe of how His Holy
trust in us is taken seriously.
Golden Thread is woven through our school community and campus. The tapestry continues in the Fine Arts curriculum and
For our Fine Arts Department and FANS, there is always room at
beloved after school performances, concerts, art gallery open-
this Inn to create, shake it up and try new ways to bring
ings, technical offerings, communication and video projects and
LIFE to our young artists’ worlds. Your wisdom is valuable and
daily innovative workshops and challenging intensives.
deeply appreciated.
I celebrate working more than 33 years here. I can honestly say
My all-time favorite event last year was our poignant and compel-
there “is always room at this Inn.” There is room for all students
ling Fine Arts Chapel during Fine Arts Week. It was truly an align-
to get involved, follow their passion and learn and grow in some-
ment with the Divine, using all of our gifts to the Glory of God,
thing new while creating with the very best! There’s always room
with a pure commitment to excellence. As all of us have made
to share what we create with others through service, chapel,
innovative plans and dates for this new year, we also know
district and state festivals, city art opportunities, elementary and
to leave room each and every day for the Holy Spirit to work
senior centers, community and Fine Arts trips.
through us, with us and in us, as moments are transformed to Light-filled treasures and memories.
For parents, there’s “always room at this Inn” to support, attend, and witness our awesome, talented students whose God-given
I joyfully greet you at our open door, welcoming, upholding and
gifts are challenged in the performing and visual arts disciplines
uplifting our mission at this Inn along the way back Home.
under the Fine Arts Department. Enjoy your stay with us!
32
For teachers, staff and administration there is always room at
Blessings abound,
the Inn to unify throughout campus what we have accomplished
Sally Maguire Deming
ESJ Choral Performs Grease
Episcopal’s Vocal Ensemble put on “Grease” for the Spring 2013 Concert Choral.
33
In Performing Arts we are also looking forward to changes in the Middle School curriculum for the coming year. All sixthand seventh-graders will be given the opportunity to participate in each performing art discipline and courses that offer exposure. As eighth-graders, students may choose the art on which they would like to focus for a semester, thus allowing
ESJ Middle School students put on “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone” this winter, a fun parody of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
them the ability to pursue their passion as soon as they discover it.
Katie Black ’95, Performing Arts Chair If you peek into a performing arts classroom
certs and performances both in school and beyond our walls.
at Episcopal, you’ll be struck first by one
In both Middle and Upper School, our instrumental musicians
thing: enthusiasm! Our artists take pride in
can play in instrumental ensembles during the school day, using
their chosen craft and work with their whole
a range of orchestral and contemporary instruments. Students
hearts and minds to learn and grow as
learn music theory while playing in group settings that stress
performers and technicians. Our classes are
ensemble awareness, as well as individual technique. These
geared both to students who already have
groups play for our school community, as well as for other
a background in and knowledge of their art and to students
schools and at music festivals.
who are ready to explore and learn the art for the first time. All students are offered exposure and training, regardless of their
For Middle and Upper School theatre students, we offer courses
level of ability; all of our faculty members are working artists in
in acting, directing, technical theatre, and advanced perfor-
their fields, performing, directing, and teaching at the School and
mance as they learn theatre genres that range from panto-
around the globe.
mime and movement to musical theatre and children’s theatre. Students perform in classes for their peers and often have the
Performing Arts at Episcopal offers a full dance curriculum that
opportunity to perform for the school community in assemblies
incorporates training in modern, contemporary, ballet, pointe,
and chapel services. Our advanced class also performs for our
jazz, and hip-hop. Our dance instructors are highly trained,
community and participates in district and state festivals. Theatre
motivated dancers and choreographers. In addition, guest-artist
technicians work behind the scenes weekly in school chapel
choreographers with specialized training visit our classrooms to
services and for many types of productions.
enrich our students’ experiences. Our media production students work hard to create movies that Our singers are offered a wide range of choral opportunities dur-
both promote upcoming productions and provide our community
ing the school day. Middle School and Upper School students
with highlights of events that enrich our campus. We are excited
alike can choose to take choral arts classes that train the voice
that this program is growing, and we are adding Media Produc-
and teach basic music theory. Various genres of music are in-
tion Levels 3 and 4 in the upcoming year.
troduced as students learn to sing in numerous styles. Students can also join extracurricular vocal groups that participate in con34
The Performing Arts are alive and well at Episcopal!
Dance Concert
ESJ’s Dance Concert, “Speak To Me.”
Highlights from the 2012-2013 school year in Performing Arts are as follows:
• A large stage production of “Pippin” involving instrumental pit musicians and theatre, dance, and choral students in the Munnerlyn Theatre. • Episcopal’s annual Christmas Concert at St. John’s Cathedral, featuring chorale and instrumental students performing sacred and secular music that put everyone in the holiday spirit. • ESJ’s Dance Concert, “Speak To Me,” which highlighted choreography by global artists and students, and emphasized the interconnectedness that exists among us all. • “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone”, a Middle School play that underscored the importance and joy of reading. This production was deemed one of the best Middle School performances that the Sikes Theatre has ever seen. • The yearly Fine Arts Chapel, during which each discipline comes together to perform works of art that point to the Creator and remind us of the place of artistic expression in the worship experience.
35
ESJ Visual Arts
2013-2014 School Year, by Bob Kirk, Visual Arts Chair Visual Arts is excited about the new faculty and program initiatives for the upcoming school year. We are happy to welcome Rebecca Hoadley as the Upper School Draw, Paint, Printmaking instructor. We are also pleased to announce that Katie Berline ’06 will be joining us as the new Art History instructor.
Michelle Krueger’s role as the new Middle School Visual Arts Specialist will include being the liaison for cross-curricular initiatives in the Middle School program. She will also concentrate on fostering relationships that will provide art-exhibition and community service opportunities for our Middle School Visual Arts students throughout Jacksonville. Mark Zimmerman will continue his excellent work with our established and flourishing photography program. This year our Media Production program, under the direction of Diane Bates, will be included as part of the visual arts discipline. One of our curriculum goals for the coming year is to implement a common design component in all of our visual arts classes. Beginning with the sixth grade, this component will be expanded and then included in all of our visual arts classes through the AP levels. We will ensure that every art student gains a strong design background and uses the appropriate design vocabulary when communicating during critiques and creating their 36
own designs. In addition to providing opportunities for collaboration, this common design component will also allow our students to move more seamlessly from one discipline to another as they transition from Middle School to Upper School. The Visual Arts program hopes to foster communication and understanding that will support students throughout their art experience at Episcopal. I am excited to continue my new role as chair of this outstanding discipline.
B O B KIRK
Visual Arts Chair
Student Ceramics and Photography on display in the Berg Gallery of the Munnerlyn Center for Worship and Fine Arts.
39 37
Dale D. Regan Plaza Dedicated
The Dale D. Regan Plaza at the Great Oak was dedicated March 6, 2013 in a ceremony for the Episcopal community and all those who have given to the Dale D. Regan Memorial Fund. In consultation with Dale’s family, Episcopal determined the building of the Plaza was the best way to create a lasting tribute to Dale using the Fund. The Regan Plaza is 12,000 square feet of wood decking, which will protect and preserve the root system of the Great Oak, which is hundreds of years old, in addition to providing a safe place under the spreading branches of the tree for quiet reflection or study. The Great Oak was important to Dale Regan and was a special gathering place for her and her sons. This particular project was one of Dale’s dreams for Episcopal, making it a fitting way to honor her.
38
39
Chris Flagg There aren’t many who know the bend and flow of the landscape of Episcopal like Christopher D. Flagg, ASLA, President of FLAGG Design Studio. Over the course of his nearly 20-year relationship with Episcopal, Chris’s work has left an indelible mark on the beauty of the Episcopal campus. His most recent contribution was, for him, the most personal: the Dale D. Regan Memorial Plaza at the Great Oak, a space Chris created in memory of Dale based on years of conversations with her and their shared vision for the Great Oak and the layout of the School. It was the early 1990s when Chris first began working with Episcopal, almost two decades after he graduated from Louisiana State University’s intensive five-year program in landscape architecture. At the time, Episcopal had planned to remove the red and white bowling alley from the campus that was part of the original Mary Packer Cummings estate. After much discussion, Chris was able to convince the Buildings and
raised through Episcopal’s annual Celebration event. When Chris presented a plan or proposed an idea during a Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting, “I’d see Dale’s head nodding, and knew I was on a roll,” he shared.
Grounds committee of the Board of Trustees that the quaint building, now the concession stand for the baseball field, be saved, and a new copper roof installed. Over time, through numerous campus planning exercises and illustrative graphics,
After Dale was appointed Head of School in 2006, Chris said that “she and I would walk around campus, saying, ‘I want to do this,” or ‘What do you think of this?’ and ‘How can we do that?’”
he would work to preserve the Acosta House, the Bond-Lane House and Episcopal’s magnificent river view.
In 1990 Chris was one of the designers of the protective wood deck under the 250-year old Treaty Oak in the San Marco area
“I met Dale in that initial meeting,” said Chris. “And I must have made an impression, because she said to me, ‘You and I will be fast friends,’ referring to our mutual desire to preserve the past while creating a dynamic plan for the campus’s future.”
of Jacksonville. “Dale knew we would have to do the same for the Great Oak, but we had other priorities first,” said Chris. One of these was a new academic facility. Parks and Lastinger Halls, dedicated in January of 2011, were Dale’s vision for the campus.
Later, Chris’s watercolor collage of the Acosta house won an American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) philanthropic
“She dreamed so hard for Parks and Lastinger,” said Chris,
design award and the $80,000 needed to preserve it was
40
Honoring Dale D. Regan T
Plaza. His early watercolor depiction of the plaza was enlarged and used to create momentum for the idea, proving once again, the power of a vision. “Dale and I used to sit under that oak and talk about the tree, and how it was an incredibly special place,” said who designed the Campion courtyard. “When I unveiled my watercolors of her vision of those new academic buildings,
Chris. “We believed that the personality of the Episcopal campus was branded by its trees.”
she started to cry. I wasn’t sure if it was because they were bad or that she loved them that much…She assured me
The campus’s design is in a horseshoe shape, and with
that it was the latter.”
the addition of Parks and Lastinger Halls, the Great Oak became the epicenter of campus.
In 2011, Dale was awarded an Eve Award for education for her determination in raising the funds for Parks and
When Episcopal lost Dale Regan in March of 2012, and
Lastinger Halls and establishing their purpose as centers for
the School and her family reached a consensus that the
interdisciplinary teaching supported by the most advanced
Dale D. Regan Plaza at the Great Oak would be a fitting
technology then available.
memorial, Chris offered, free of charge, his design services to create the Plaza in her memory.
But the plaza under the Great Oak was not forgotten. “’We’ll get back to that one,’ she said, referring to the plaza,” said
Chris says that the final design “embraces the tree and its
Chris.
organic shape respond well to the oak’s natural form” The elevated wooden deck is 12,700 square feet and has a
Always a believer in the art of visual communication, Dale
drip irrigation system underneath it to water the roots during
asked Chris to provide a sketch of a potential Great Oak
dry times. The elevated deck protects the roots from the
hrough Design
41
constant impact of foot traffic while creating a contemplative space for study, instruction, prayer or congregation. “Immediately, students took to it, which is what Dale always wanted,” said Chris. “It is indescribable – there is gratification beyond words in doing this to honor someone – to accomplish a vision Dale and I used to discuss off-the-cuff, this truly is the epitome of what I have done as a professional.” He says he felt that she was looking over his shoulder during the entire design process. Over time, Chris has worked with Charley Zimmer and Dale Regan and others to ensure sustainable campus expansion that is aesthetically pleasing while remaining logistically practical. Chris’s touch as a landscape architect and campus master planner has helped to create a beautiful space that transcends time and has made Episcopal known for its unique campus, with the Dale D. Regan Plaza at the Great Oak as the crown jewel. 42
A Legacy Stands Strong: The Dale D. Regan Plaza at The Great Oak
by Cutler Renard, Class of 2013 Students sit on a shaded bench, quietly contemplating some
ship for Ms. Regan, as well as a place where every Episcopal
idea or new project. Others stand under stretching limbs, read-
student, faculty, and staff member has walked. Second, they
ing pages in a notebook. Still others walk, in groups large and
hoped to ensure a meaningful and lasting memorial to Ms.
small, across the wooded deck, engaged in animated conversa-
Regan, in the form of the Great Oak’s natural beauty, continu-
tion. Two teachers stand at an entryway, laughing. Following
ity, renewal of life, and peaceful ambiance--all symbolic of her
its dedication on March 6, 2013, the Dale D. Regan Plaza at
legacy—something that will endure and matter for lifetimes to
the Great Oak has become the ideal for everything that Ms.
come.
Regan, her family, donors, staff, and faculty had envisioned in its conception and construction. It has become part of daily life at
The preservation of the Great Oak and its location as a gather-
Episcopal.
ing place for students beneath its majestic canopy was a dream of Ms. Regan’s for many years. After much planning, Mr. Chris
Beginning in the Fall of 2012, a group of faculty and staff, spear-
Flagg, a landscape architect and the owner of Flagg Designs,
headed by Mr. Keesy Goebertus, worked daily and diligently
volunteered his services to design the 12,000-square-foot
with Ms. Regan’s family to plan the memorial at the Great Oak,
plaza, including many fine details to make the plaza both protec-
made possible by the generosity of the many donors to the Dale
tive and functional. An arborist was consulted for advice on the
D. Regan Memorial Fund. The focus of this group was twofold:
best possible plan to protect the root system of this very special
first, they planned to preserve the root system of this magnificent
tree and increase the Great Oak’s longevity. Mr. John McKean,
old oak tree—which, because of its symbolic significance for this
Episcopal Director of Facilities, dedicated countless hours to su-
school, was such a meaningful place of meditation and fellow-
pervising the construction of the plaza, which was built by A.C.
43
General, a company that has previ-
Some of the important details developed in the design-and-construction
ously worked with Episcopal on other
process to make the plaza so ideal and multi-functional for Episcopal
campus projects.
life include the following:
At the March 6 dedication service for
• The wood of the deck and docks is a type called ACQ40, ecologically ef-
the Dale D. Regan Plaza at the Great
fective, but treated for outside use, and the wood planks are spaced closely
Oak, colorful banners displaying the
enough for safety, but at a sufficient distance apart to allow water and nutri-
words “Mentor, Love, Faith, Teacher,
ents to reach the tree roots.
Friend, Family, and Legacy” were
• A sprinkler system was built underneath the plaza to ensure adequate
present front and center, reminding all
watering during dry weather.
those present of Ms. Regan’s last-
• All screws used on the deck are stainless steel to resist any rusting, decay,
ing gifts to the Episcopal community.
or damage to the plaza.
Each speaker at the service touched
• Twenty lighting poles have been placed around the plaza, each with
upon one of these qualities, all of
multiple outlets to supply power for multiple uses during evening religious
which embody Ms. Regan’s life and
services, fine arts programs, or other events. At night, the plaza is also il-
spirit. The remarks made by her sons,
luminated by lights located underneath the wood deck.
Duke and John, were particularly
• About 500 square feet of the plaza space has been raised to serve as a
eloquent and poignant for us students,
stage or platform.
since they described the amazing per-
• Plaques dedicating the plaza to Dale Regan are placed at the entrances.
son who was their mom, and explored
• Multiple entrances were planned both to provide easy access and exit for
what the Dale D. Regan Plaza means
group gatherings and to invite all those coming and going from different di-
to their family.
rections on the Episcopal campus to experience the serenity and celebration of life represented by the Regan Plaza at the Great Oak.
Capturing these feelings and everything that the Great Oak and the Dale D. Regan Plaza symbolize, the dedication service program aptly quoted one of Ms. Regan’s favorite poems by e.e. cummings: “(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree/ called life, which grows/ higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide…).” At the close of the ceremony, the Regan plaza was blessed by The Right Reverend Samuel Johnson Howard, Episcopal Bishop of Florida. As we students sat on the shaded plaza underneath the seemingly boundless radiance and timelessness of the Great Oak, we were--more than ever before--reminded of the same qualities in the foundation and vision Ms. Regan brought to Episcopal. In years to come, Episcopal students will only know a campus with the Regan Plaza at the Great Oak. They will do exactly what Mrs. Regan envisioned—study, learn, grow, search for answers, ask questions, expand their horizons, and contribute to the wider community. As for me, a senior, I will take with me a greater appreciation for the love and hard work that went into the conception and construction of this plaza—to honor Ms. Regan’s memory and carry on her joy for life. And, on my last day as an Episcopal student, I know that at some point I will stand on the plaza and gaze upward into the branches of the Great Oak—with a new and richer understanding of what this place is really all about.
44
Parks & Lastinger Halls Win Design Award
Episcopal completed the first phase of its campus master plan expansion project with the dedication ceremonies for Parks and Lastinger Halls on January 6, 2011.
Richard Skinner & Associates, Architects, the firm that designed Episcopal’s newest academic buildings, Parks and Lastinger Halls, has been named a recipient of the Civic-Institutional Addison Mizner Medal 2013 for their design of the buildings.
The Mizner award is granted by the Institute
each outfitted with the most updated tech-
of Classical Architecture & Art for the state
nology available.
of Florida and is intended to celebrate individuals and design firms who excel in
The spaces encourage increased collabo-
the advancement and promotion of the
ration between students, interdisciplinary
ideals of classicism and traditional design in
studies and allow today’s student to learn in
architecture, urbanism and the allied arts.
a facility that fosters academic creativity. The buildings incorporate columns and
Named for one of the school’s found-
Jeffersonian arches, outdoor hallways and
ers, the late Reverend Robert Parks, and
second story open decks with views of the
longtime Episcopal supporters, the Delores
St Johns River and downtown Jacksonville.
and Allen Lastinger family, the two mirroring halls encompass nearly 13,000 square
Former Head of School Dale D. Regan won
feet of classroom space separated by an
a prestigious Eve Award for her determina-
8,000-square-foot courtyard. Each building
tion in ensuring their construction and vision
houses 12, 900-square-foot classrooms,
for their use. 45
The Episcopal Fund raised a total of $620,000 this year! Episcopal thanks all who gave to support every aspect of campus life for each student. The Fund gives the School flexibility to create the best possible educational experience for our current students.
Above: Episcopal Fund Leadership 2012-2013 Lon Walton ’77
Jorge Oliver ’99 and Eduardo Oliver ’00
Episcopal Fund Campaign Chair
Alumni Eagle Society Co-Chairs
Melissa and Larry Roland
Janet and Don Kolar
Upper School Parent Chairs
Parent of Alumni Chairs
Christy and Tom Ponder
Sarah and Pat Pattillo
Middle School Parent Chairs
Grandparent Chairs
Keith and Ashley Daw
Marta Pauly
Senior Parent Chairs
Faculty and Staff Chair
William Magevney ’00 & David Smith ’01 Alumni Co-Chairs New iPad Cart
List of Items Funded by the 2012-2013 Episcopal Fund: Left:
Newly Repaired Acosta House
College counseling visits Professional development courses and travel Financial aid Fine arts and athletic budgets New sound system for Semmes Gym Technology training iPad cart 55 passenger Prevost Lemirage Coach Bus Boathouse repairs Some of the office renovation for the Head of School
Left:
New Office for Head of School 46
Acosta House – repainted and repaired porch ceiling Additional outside lighting for Lastinger Hall Updated alarm system in the Buck Center
Bill and Theresa Dahl Begun in 2011, the 50 by Fifty Society was established in appreciation of supporters whose lifetime giving to Episcopal is or will be $50,000 or more by the School’s 50th Anniversary in 2016. Episcopal is grateful for the dedication of these members whose faithful commitment sustained the vision of the School’s founders and continues to ensure its future. Below: Dillon Woods ’13 reads his nomination about Mimi Bryant, Head of Middle School
graciously made a second gift which allowed for two pairs of student-guardian recipients. This year’s winners were Elizabeth Daw and her guardian, Erika Dale, and Dillon Woods and his guardian, Mimi Bryant. Bill’s son, Baylen, is a member of the Class of 1995. Q: What is your connection with Episcopal? I moved to Jacksonville in 1989, when Baylen was a rising seventh grader. I was working full days and was looking for an excellent academic program with a nurturing environment where Baylen would feel comfortable and safe staying after school until I picked him up. From the first time we visited Episcopal, it had such a warm, family feeling that I knew it was the right choice for us. Q: When did you start to think about creating an annual
50 by Fifty Society members Theresa and Bill Dahl are the
gift for faculty?
benefactors behind The Guardian Gift, one of Episcopal’s most
We had been making donations to Episcopal throughout Bay-
cherished awards that is given annually at the Senior Honors
len’s time there, but most of the gifts were self-serving: if you
Convocation. The Guardian Gift recognizes the lasting influence
gave to Boosters, you got free admission to the games; we
of our teachers on the lives of our students. It is chosen based
refurbished the gym floors because some of the dads played
on essays submitted by students about their teachers, and both
basketball there on Wednesday nights and that was a trade-off.
the teacher and the nominating student receive a cash award.
As time progressed, I developed a strong relationship with a few
The selected student reads his essay about the winning teacher
of Baylen’s teachers (I think they saw the need for an adult in his
at the Senior Honors Convocation. The presentation of this
life). I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had a teacher who didn’t
award has become a highlight of the Commencement season.
have an impact/influence on their lives. The reality is that when kids reach a certain age, they may spend more time with a
For years, the Dahls made an annual gift in the total amount of
teacher than they do with their parents. I was aware that teach-
the cash award to the winning teacher and student.
ers are underpaid, but it was also evident that they weren’t in this for the money. I wanted to give them a cash gift that would
In 2003, the Dahls established an endowed fund that would
honor what they did and also give them a little financial boost.
ensure the perpetuity of the Guardian Gift. Baylen had so many great teachers at Episcopal. Four particular This past year, for the first time, the judges for the Guardian Gift
influences were Dale Regan, who was Baylen’s advisor; Charlie
could not choose between two nominees, and Bill and Theresa
Hunt, his football coach; Beth Kramer, his German teacher and 47
John Iorii, his history teacher. Dale really took Baylen under her wing and was very nurturing, while Charlie provided structure and accountability at football, the weight room and even outside of school. Beth was the constant who encouraged him, and John was able to read Baylen pretty well and kept him in check. He had these four pillars who got him through. Q: Why was this gift important to you? It’s important to me because it was a natural progression of my involvement at Episcopal. I saw an unmet need. This particular gift was an opportunity for the students —I wanted the kids to
Elizabeth Daw ‘13 reads her nomination about Erika Dale, Director of Student Activities
be part of it. I knew I did not want to be involved in the decision.
and reinforce my belief that Episcopal’s teachers are a loving
I wanted it to reflect the essence of a true gift.
and caring group of people. This gift enables the students to express their thanks and help them to realize that they will become
Q: How did you establish the criteria for The Guardian
guardians themselves.
Gift as we know it today? Dale and I had several discussions about how to set it up. We
Q: What were some of the highlights of your years as an
established the underlying purpose as spelled out on the nomi-
Episcopal parent?
nating form. The idea was that the students would be invited to
A: We loved watching the students grow up. I am just amazed
write an essay about a teacher who had mentored them and
at the quality of students coming out of Episcopal. They have
through that experience, helped the students understand that
natural intellectual gifts, but there is also a drive there, a level
they, too, can have a positive influence on someone else’s life. It
of compassion and maturity. As I reach my senior years, it is a
was important to me that the winning essay be the one that was
comfort to know that there is an upcoming generation who will
from the student’s heart and not necessarily about technical writ-
have things under control. They’re qualified to make their own
ing skills. The winning selection was to be judge by peers of the
decisions.
students and educators. Dale established the criteria and took it from there. For many reasons (all self-serving), I did not want
Q: What do you think was Episcopal’s greatest gift to
to be part of the selection committee. From the beginning, the
your son?
idea was that the cash gift would be evenly split between the
In addition to a great education, Episcopal gave him lasting
nominating student and the mentor he or she nominated.
values, perseverance, and how to properly treat people, no matter what walk of life. Episcopal was an incubator of love.
Q: What has impressed you the most about the essays
Baylen graduated from Florida State University and directs inves-
written by the students about their ‘guardian’ teachers?
tor relations for a commercial real estate investment company
The lasting influence these educators have on our children.
in Tampa, where he lives with his wife and two children, with
These nurturing bonds that are established at ESJ lay the
another on the way.
groundwork for some wonderful things. When reading the winning essays, it warms my heart to know that all is well. Theresa
Q: What are you doing now?
and I have had the opportunity to attend the Senior Honors
I am self-employed in timber and securities investing. Theresa
Convocation, and I am always amazed by the relationships that
is involved in real estate with her own brokerage company. For
develop between the students and their teachers. This was
a recent birthday, Theresa asked me what I wanted to do and
certainly Baylen’s experience, and it is rewarding to see that
I said I wanted to go to Epcot. So that’s what we did. We went
Episcopal has not changed in this regard.
to Epcot and sat on a bench and watched all these kids having a ball with joy on their faces. That’s where I am in my life. I enjoy
Q: What do you hope the Guardian Gift accomplishes? In addition to a small cash bump, my hope is to acknowledge 48
the simple things. God’s love and a peaceful grin.
Mary Packer Cummings Society The greatest gift my parents ever gave me was when they made the decision to enroll me at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. The door that opened that day changed my future and life forever. For the first time, I was challenged academically in school. I witnessed students and teachers encouraging each other, open dialogue in the classrooms – and respect for each other was demanded. It was cool to be smart! The academic programs taught me discipline and how to manage my time. The word “lazy” does not exist on campus at Episcopal. When you graduate you are successful in college and prepared for success in life.
Heather Halliburton Douglas ’94 with husband, Scott, and son, Hudson
I credit Episcopal with giving me the tools to be successful in
all the faculty and staff. It is a privilege and an honor to be an
both my education and student leadership at the University of
Episcopal Eagle!
Florida, where I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and ultimately became a member of Florida Blue Key. After
Episcopal gave me an outstanding education, lifelong friends
graduation, it was because of my Episcopal friendships that I
and a moral compass that guides me today to give back and
landed my first job out of college – which then led me to meet
do good. The foundation Episcopal laid for me in academics,
my husband, Scott.
leadership and moral character made me the person I am today. I am grateful to the countless donors who gave their time and
Over the last decade my husband has come to understand
money to give me this foundation for life.
that Episcopal is not just a school, but a family that nourishes your mind and soul. Our arts program under Sally Deming’s
My husband and I realize the most important gift we can
leadership is comparable to premier colleges, our athletes
give our son is an education. In that spirit, it is with great love
are state ranked and our academics continue to outshine the
and affection for the faculty, staff and students, and future
competition. Each year I am blown away by the success of the
generations, that my family formally placed Episcopal School
students. Episcopal is a school like no other.
of Jacksonville in our estate planning. It is my great hope that my fellow Episcopal alums and friends of the school will do the
The faculty and staff at Episcopal prepare students to be kind,
same.
giving and prepared leaders for our future. As a member of the Alumni Board, I am amazed at the professional development that
What a gift Mary Packer Cummings gave when she donated the
is continually offered. The faculty are given the tools and support
land our great school sits upon. God bless everyone that has
to be the very best for the students. I will forever be grateful to
ever given their time and money to our great school! 49
March 2, 2013
The Celebration Committee was pleased to host 344 members of the Episcopal community in the Buck Student Center for Celebration – Southern Soiree. The fundraising goal for Celebration was $50,000, and the net profit raised totaled $81,000!
50
51
BOB SHANNER, MIMI BRYANT AND KEESY GOEBERTUS ARE HEADING THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FOR EPISCOPAL.
Bob Shanner, Mimi Bryant and Keesy Goebertus are heading the Professional Development initiative for Episcopal.
Episcopal’s Professional Development Program Expanding Thanks to Donor Gift This fall, Episcopal will embark on the first of a three-year professional development program made possible by a generous gift to the School. The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, will give $120,000 over the next three years to expand professional development for the faculty. This gift will enable Episcopal’s academic and administrative leadership to act immediately on a comprehensive program to enrich the School’s strong instructional and intellectual community. “The timing of this gift is ideal,” says Bob Shanner, Dean of Academic Services. “During last year’s preparation for our upcoming SACS accreditation, we identified faculty professional development as an area we wanted to expand, and we set a goal of making Episcopal a leader in pedagogy based on sound scientific research. We never dreamed we’d be able to fund this goal so quickly.” The donors say that they were motivated by a desire to affirm the importance of an excellent faculty.
52
“Our decision to make this gift is based on the belief that at the heart of every great school are great teachers,” they said. “There are some great professional development opportunities for our teachers, especially with the innovative technology that can be applied in the classroom today. We hope that this gift will make it easier for the faculty to take advantage of those opportunities.” Shanner says that Episcopal will continue to underwrite individual faculty participation in relevant conferences, workshops and graduate courses, and the donors’ gift will allow the budget dollars already allocated for professional development to be spent with even greater precision based on individual teachers’ needs. The donors’ significant contribution will be over and above the School’s investment, creating an opportunity for every member of the Episcopal faculty to explore brain research and its implications for innovative and results-based teaching and learning. “Researchers have learned and continue to learn how various parts of our brains mature and develop at different rates, how each of our brains have different relative strengths and weaknesses, and how teaching and learning can be customized to improve learning and retention,” Shanner says. “We intend to create a program that
“There is new information coming out all the time and figuring out how to best utilize that research at ESJ for the betterment of our program is captivating to me.”
will establish Episcopal’s faculty as experts in secondary education in the areas of cognitive development, developmental psychology, gender differences in cognition
-Mimi Bryant
and developmental aspects of social judgment.” “Just the idea of becoming experts in the area of the new brain research in the North Florida area is exciting,” says Mimi Bryant, Head of Middle School. “There is new information coming out all the time and figuring out how to best utilize that research at ESJ for the betterment of our program is captivating to me.” Bryant and Shanner say that the three-year term of this gift is particularly influential. “This makes it possible for us to grow our professional community over a period of time and set benchmarks for each phase,” Bryant says. “We’ll be able to assess what we learn during each phase, continue to learn, ask questions and then implement what we have learned in our classrooms and community.” Head of School Charley Zimmer has oversight of this new professional development initiative, along with Keesy Goebertus, Assistant to the Head of School, Mimi Bryant and Bob Shanner. “Nothing has greater potential to impact education than the quality of teaching,” says Mr. Zimmer. “I am deeply grateful to these donors for allowing us to capitalize on this faculty’s considerable energy for professional growth. This gift will have far-reaching consequences for our students now and in the future. It’s a game-changer!” The donors are pleased to support the faculty and hope that their gift affirms the importance of good teaching. “We hope that our gift sends a message to the faculty and staff at Episcopal that we value them and want to support the work they are doing with our children,” they said. At the opening faculty meetings this fall, Zimmer and Shanner introduced the professional development program to faculty to engage their collaboration and involvement and to establish the operational details of the program. 53
Advancement Welcomes Glenda Feliciano, Honors Jean Lindsay’s 23 Years of Service Jean Lindsay joined Episcopal’s Advancement Office in 1990 as Advancement Services Assistant. Throughout her tenure at the school, she was the primary manager of the School’s donor database which records all donations and in-kind gifts to the school. She served the members of the Advancement Office and the Board by providing detailed reports on our fund-raising efforts, and she was instrumental in preparing the School’s Annual Report to Donors. Jean also was responsible for helping to organize and plan all of Episcopal’s many, many fundraising, alumni and special events. For decades, she greeted Celebration guests and Reunion Weekend attendees, as well as registered golfers and tennis players, and distributed pom-poms to alumni children at Homecoming. She was the backbone of the Advancement Office and her gentle spirit and institutional knowledge of all things Episcopal will be very much missed. Episcopal thanks Jean for her 23 years of time and talent!
Glenda Feliciano is the Advancement Office’s new Advancement Services Assistant. Glenda came to Episcopal from the Children’s Hospital and a prior post at Winsor School for Girls in Boston, where she held similar positions. Originally from Tallahassee, she is happy to return to Florida, where her grandchildren reside. The Advancement Office welcomes Glenda!
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55
A Letter from Alex Graham ’00 I was fortunate enough to spend 20 years being educated at Episcopal schools. I coached football at Episcopal for two seasons while in law school and I have been involved with the Alumni Board since 2005. In all the years I had spent around Episcopal, I had never read The Purple Book, the report that the School’s planning group published in 1966 which described in detail the vision for Episcopal. On a suggestion from my wife, Caroline Brinton ‘02, I read through it and was truly inspired by the thought, detail and philosophy of the Founders. In a short time, Episcopal will be 50 years old. To borrow a slogan
provide the lead-
contemporary to the founding of the school, “You’ve come a
ership necessary
long way, baby.” The past five or so years presented challenging
for the genera-
times in the greater world, to which Episcopal was not immune,
tions of Episcopal
with economic uncertainty, national social debate, and our own
graduates that
personal tragedy.
will follow us as Alumni.
During this time, strong leadership, good management, and focusing on the core mission of the School have made Episcopal
The Founders
perhaps its strongest ever. In addition, the School has two new
wrote of the
modern classroom buildings, our always inspiring student body,
need for true
and a master plan to take the School to new places. If you have
leadership in their
walked the campus lately, you have seen the improved grounds
time; opining
and the wonderful new space around the Great Oak, the Regan
that, “by ‘leadership’ we do not mean that all too familiar method of
Plaza. There remain the challenges of funding our collective vision,
leading by promising all men all things they want.” The Founders
continuing our mission to provide a superior college preparatory
sought to train strong leaders with the goal to foster “leadership
education, and keeping up with our ever-changing modern world.
which seeks to find what is really best for man and then seeks to
In this time, we need our Alumni to be leaders, to deepen our
lead him through the rational process of persuasion.” In 2013, our
engagement where we already have an impact and to discover
need for real leaders in the world has not changed.
Alumni Board President Alex Graham ’00
new ways to aid the School. I am excited for the future of Episcopal and what we as Alumni While The Purple Book is exhaustive in its details as a found-
can accomplish and add to the School. As the School ap-
ing document, it is silent on the future Alumni of the School. The
proaches 50 years I hope that we can all look to our experience at
graduates of Episcopal have evolved and shaped their own path
Episcopal and understand how it shaped our lives and answer the
and forged their own relationship with the School. I applaud the
call to lead as Alumni. As the Founders said, “the goal will not be
work of the Advancement Office, the Alumni Board, and the host
to develop the ‘do-gooder’ but, rather, to develop doers of good
of Alumni who have shaped us. Alumni continue to enrich the
and leaders of men… They will have knowledge of who they are,
experience of current students, recruit future students, open dia-
why they are in this transient world, and wither they are going.”
logues between the School and graduates, and create networking and social opportunities. Our Alumni have personally raised more
Go Eagles,
than $100,000 for Episcopal in the past four decades, including a record $131,000 in 2012-2013. Over the years, our ranks of Episcopal Alumni have grown to 4,498, of which 2,547 reside on the First Coast. Our mission must be to support the School and 56
Alex Graham ‘00
Episcopal welcomed about 400 alumni and their families back to campus for Reunion Weekend 2013. Classes ending in 3 and 8 celebrated quinqennial reunions this year. Campus tours, an all class party at the Walton Boathouse, an open campus for family picnics and sporting events, as well as individual class parties on the Munnerlyn Campus, with an after party featuring Reunion Band, were all a part of Reunion Weekend 2013.
58
59
60
Alumnus of the Year
Arnie Tritt ’81 Named Alumnus of the Year, pictured with his wife, Danielle Arnold “Arnie” Tritt ‘81 was named Alumnus of the Year during Episcopal’s annual Reunion Weekend celebrations. This award is given to an alumnus or alumna who has consistently provided exemplary service to Episcopal by enhancing the mission, success, stature, and well-being of the School. Arnie leads by example in his promotion of and service to the School, whether out in the Jacksonville community or in the boardroom. During his time on the Alumni Board, he has served on the Homecoming, Nominating, Reunion Weekend, and Admissions Committees. He has also been a Career Day Speaker and a phonathon volunteer. Arnie’s invaluable service to Episcopal in supporting the School’s admissions efforts is second to none. He personally gives private tours of campus to prospective Episcopal families, often enhancing their experience by inviting various department heads to be a part of the tour, based on the specific interests of the prospective student. Arnie’s law firm, Tritt & Associates, participates in Episcopal’s Corporate Partners Program, and he is a leadership donor. He is also the creator and leader of the Legacy Lawn Party brunch, held on Commencement morning to recognize and honor alumni legacy graduates. Arnie’s daughter, Lillie, entered Episcopal as a seventh-grader in the Fall of 2013. His son, Lee is in third grade. 61
62
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Nineteen Alumni Return to Campus to Share Their Career Experiences with Juniors and Seniors
Nineteen alumni from a variety of educational and career backgrounds returned to campus on Wednesday, March 20, to share their experiences with the Classes of 2013 and 2014 for Episcopal’s annual Career Day. The day helps to expose current ESJ students to as many career and college options as possible as they prepare for life after Episcopal. Three panels of alumni were in locations around campus and three different sessions allowed the students to hear each panel. The day finished with a reception in the Buck Student Center where students had an opportunity to speak with alumni one on one about their college and career path choices. Alumni included: Gene Nichols ‘88, Charles K. Chunn ’98, Mark Fechtel ’81, Bruce Jackson ‘79, Heather Kenyon Oakley ’83, Dearing Setzer Thoburn ‘88, Arnold D. Tritt, Jr. ’81, Matt Basford ‘87, Meg Haston ‘01, Mark Keister ‘77, Thomas Pauly ‘00, John Wallace ‘00, Jennifer Waugh ‘89, Rick Alexander ‘82, Dave Abney ’99, Matt Holzmann ‘95, Sam Hyde ’00, Lisa Lampe Rogers ’85 and John A. Duncan, M.D. ‘70, a member of Episcopal’s first graduating class. 64
Alumni Spotlights After completing his freshman year at Washington & Lee University, Jack Wilbur was ready for an adventure to enhance his studies in global history and geology, and Japanese and Afrikaans. So with the Washington & Lee Outdoors Club, Jack decided to go on a trip to Africa that included a safari and a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. “I wanted to be able to prove to myself I could climb one of the seven summits of the world,” said Jack. Undaunted that his highest climb to date were mountains in Appalachia, he was one of nine out of 14 on the trip (and the youngest by three years) to make it to the top.
Jack Wilbur ’12 Climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro
“The hardest part of the climb was summit day. We woke up at 6 a.m., ate breakfast and hiked for five hours from
12,000-15,000 ft. Then we had a break until midnight,” said Jack. “We woke up suited up for -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Forty mile per hour-plus winds were ripping at us as we ascended. The climb up was made in total darkness, with only our headlamps lighting the narrow path. Over the course of eight endless hours from 15,000-19,400 ft., we trudged one foot after another until we reached the summit.” Jack then watched the sun rise from the top of the mountain. “It is something I will never forget, standing on glacial fields and seeing the sun slowly bring color to everything around us. It was like watching someone fill in the color to the most beautiful painting I have ever seen. After standing up there for a little bit (we could only stay up there 40 minutes because of lack of oxygen) we began our climb back down all the way to 10,000 ft., and reached camp around 6 p.m. that night. It was easily both the longest and the shortest day of my life,” shared Jack. After the climb, Jack and his group went on a safari and enjoyed sightseeing after their challenging and exhausting mountain climb. “I saw uncountable amounts of zebra and wildebeest, hyenas, jackals, ostrich, hawks, eagles, black mamba, elephants, hippos, leopards, lions, and even a rhino!” he said. To prepare for his intense trip, Jack was already involved in spring rugby for the school, and he went camping and took friends hiking in the mountains near Washington & Lee. “Episcopal helped me with meeting and dealing with new people and helping me to collaborate and help the other hikers as we climbed. Episcopal taught me how to study hard and prepare well for my academics, which can easily transfer to other areas in my life,” said Jack. “It was especially helpful in preparing for the climb and those last 100 meters. Those were the steps were my body wanted to give up but my mind preserved and I reached the summit and became one of the few to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. That is something I will be proud of the rest of my life.”
65
As part of the PMF program, Alex has been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The program requires a graduate degree, a minimum of 160 hours of formal training, at least two rotations, and a mentor. During the program, Fellows are encouraged to explore their interests, acquire a breadth of knowledge, and work on challenging projects. Alex was one of 550 Fellows selected from an applicant pool of more than 9,000. “After completing college, I realized I wanted to serve my country again, and the PMF program looked like a wonderful opportunity,” said Alex. During his Fellows program, Alex has worked at four different agencies, all with the Department of Homeland Security. In his first year, he supported an intelligence agency in Washington, DC with international affairs, training development, and business support. He then com-
Alex Nickoderm ’12 Works for the Department of Homeland Security through Presidential Management Fellows Program Alex recently completed
pleted a six month rotation at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Ga., developing training courses in the field of behavioral science. For his second rotation, he consulted for another DHS agency in Washington, D.C., building their Supervisory Leadership Development Program.
the prestigious Presidential Management Fellows Program
“I love helping people with their professional development and person-
(PMF), a two year leadership
al growth and positively impacting organizational culture and morale. I
development program designed
get to be very entrepreneurial, creative, and innovative, especially with
to cultivate future leaders for the federal government. Alex spent five years serving in the U.S. Army as part of the 101st
the current budget situation. Also, I get to learn new concepts, ideas, and skills every single day,” shared Alex. Alex’s last assignment and the position he assumed after completing
Airborne Division. He then used
the program is working in a professional development and training
the GI Bill he earned through his
office within an agency of DHS. He manages a mentoring program,
service to attend the University
develops and teaches workshops and seminars, and manages all
of Florida, where he graduated
training communications and marketing.
in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. At Florida he was
Alex says he’s come a long way since his Episcopal days.
designated a Warrington Finance Scholar. He then completed his master’s in International Business at Florida in 2009, studying abroad in Hungary and the Netherlands. He then also completed graduate work in international affairs at Texas A&M University. 66
“There were so many great teachers at Episcopal who saw potential in me that I did not see myself, and they never gave up trying to help me to succeed. I am also still grateful for all the support I received from the school during my two combat tours,” said Alex.
Jasmine Thornton ’10 Serves God on Mission Trip to Uganda Jasmine Thornton just
with them and each of my team members got to stay in our
finished her junior year
own host village home for a weekend. That was such an experi-
at Florida State Uni-
ence! I got to witness and attend a traditional Ugandan wedding!
versity and spent her
We were guests of honor wherever we went. They treated us
summer in Uganda
like royalty because they felt so blessed by our presence,” said
on a mission trip,
Jasmine.
where she was able to apply her major
Jasmine also learned about the U.S. and Uganda relationship
in family and child
and differences between the countries.
sciences. Jasmine always dreamed of
“Americans have a good reputation among most Ugandans
going to Africa, and she was looking for the opportunity to do
because there have been many American Christian missionar-
something meaningful during her summer. She applied to two
ies that have brought transformation and relief to their country
programs and was accepted to both, one in Ghana and one in
throughout history. It was cool to be held in such high esteem
Uganda.
but also kind of disheartening at times because some of these people had such low self-concept and didn’t see their own
“It was so cool, because it was so clear and awesome that God
value or the beauty in their heritage and culture,” she said. “They
wanted me to go to Africa, which is what I wanted to do; how-
did not quite understand that America is not the Promised Land,
ever, He gave me the option to choose whether or not I would
and just because we are materially more fortunate does not
go for myself or for Him,” said Jasmine. “If I went to Ghana I
mean we have a better quality of life or that God loves us more.”
would be earning academic credits, but going to Uganda meant I got to spread the gospel in a foreign context and carry out
She was able to experience everyday life in the villages she
God’s purposes for me there. So the choice was easy: I chose
visited and to note the cultural differences within the country and
God; I chose Uganda.”
between the U.S. and Uganda.
At FSU, Jasmine is a member of the Navigators, an international
“One really cool thing was a church auction instead of offering.
ministry organization with outreach on many college campuses.
The people would bring in crops and livestock to church, the
Through the Navigators, Jasmine served with their staff in
church would auction it to the congregation, and the church
Uganda as part of their ministries throughout the country. There
would receive the proceeds. It was very resourceful,” Jasmine
are three ministries Jasmine participated in, two in rural areas –
said.
one called “Mission: Moving Mountains” in Mbale, Uganda; and one called “Discipling for Development” in Iganga, Uganda – and
Jasmine also enjoyed seeing much of the country.
a third, urban ministry, at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, Uganda.
“The fact that everything was so spread out meant that every time we traveled it was a sightseeing opportunity,” she said.
“In the rural areas we volunteered with these two ministries
“Just looking at the landscape was beautiful for me. There were
leading workshops, painting their facilities, visiting homes in the
so many mountains, waterfalls, and agriculture. I had no idea
villages, praying for families, leading and participating in Bible
Uganda was so green.”
studies, and just living among them. We got to go to church 67
Toward the end of the trip Jasmine was able to relax and enjoy the country, including bargaining while shopping, eating at Ugandan restaurants, and attending a cultural show with dancing, music and comedy. “When we were exploring the capital city of Kampala, it was like the Super Bowl,” said Jasmine. “Uganda was playing another country in soccer, and everyone was out celebrating. There was
One of the best parts about Jasmine’s trip was getting to know the Ugandan people.
crazy traffic and people all in the streets, painted and dressed like the Ugandan flag, with music, dancing, and food every-
David Drew, a student at Princeton
where. It was so exciting!”
University, has always loved talk shows, even if it meant sneaking out
Jasmine also was able to inspire others during her ministry at the
of bed at night to watch them. So he
Uganda Christian University campus in Mukono.
decided to create one of his own.
“I volunteered to give a message on witnessing because I knew
“All-Nighter with David Drew,” a
I had a good testimony but I was so nervous,” she said. “I get
live, late-night talk show that David
really shy and anxious speaking in front of big crowds but God
co-founded and hosts, was se-
used me in a magnificent way because I allowed Him to and I
lected as a recipient of the Alberto
asked Him to help me get past the nerves. Many were encour-
Santos-Dumont Prize for Innovation
aged to share their personal testimonies after hearing mine. It
at Princeton. The award, presented
was so uplifting.”
by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, recognizes
One of the best parts about her trip was getting to know the
unique programs, events, initiatives
Ugandan people.
and projects that were implemented during the academic year.
“They were so wonderful to observe and be among. The best word to describe them is ‘hospitable’ because they were so
All-Nighter’s team of producers,
loving, generous, and kind toward us, even though we were
writers and actors present a show
strangers and they didn’t always have all that much to offer. I
each month featuring musical
was so enriched by their wise words, testimonies, and pas-
guests, comedy sketches, and inter-
sions,” said Jasmine. “God sent me there for a purpose much
views with notable guests such as
grander than I. I learned about community development, poverty
author Jeff Eugenides, diplomat Ann
alleviation, the flawed education system – topics I’ve never taken
Marie Slaughter, and Pulitzer Prize
significant time to ponder or deal with. I’m so fortunate to have
winning poet Paul Muldoon.
had this opportunity. I think is opening up my heart and eyes to opportunities in these fields for the future.”
At Princeton, David had “done improv comedy for two years and
Jasmine will graduate from FSU in the spring of 2014, but she
had been looking for a way to
is not quite sure what she will do afterwards. She plans to go
perform sketch and stand-up with
to graduate school for Social Work and Public Administration
my friends from that group. I took a
so she can use her gifts and passion for helping children and
class my sophomore year on televi-
families. She’s also already been offered a job in Uganda as part
sion journalism with New York Times
of the Navigator’s Mission: Moving Mountains ministry.
TV critic Alessandra Stanley, during which we studied the late night talk
68
All-Nighter episodes are available on youtube.com/allnighterprinceton
David Drew ’10 Wins Prize for Talk Show at Princeton show wars and took a field trip to a taping of Saturday Night Live, which was completely amazing and inspiring. When I told my friends about it, we agreed that a talk show would be awesome.” “All-Nighter with David Drew” was born shortly thereafter. “We realized that we had all that we needed to put on a successful show - there’s no shortage of interesting people on Princeton’s campus, from professors like Pulitzer Prize winning author Jeffrey Eugenides to students who have participated in the Olympics, and we knew a lot of students interested in comedy writing and acting who just didn’t have an outlet to exercise their talents,” shared David. So far “All Nighter with David Drew” has produced seven episodes. David plans on participating three more before passing the torch to another student. At Princeton, David’s interests are broad; he is majoring in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, with a certificate in Creative Writing. This past summer David interned at two different film production companies, evaluating scripts and assisting with research and other development related tasks. While he would love to work right away on a comedy show – scripted, talk, or variety – he knows that will take a lot of luck and perseverance. In the meantime he plans to work on his own writing and possibly start preparing for law school. And he’s not worried about being able to manage it all. “Episcopal was an amazing preparation for Princeton in so many ways. Every teacher I had at Episcopal provided amazing preparation for Princeton’s demanding environment, particularly in the awesome AP classes,” he said. “Most importantly, my experiences in all disciplines at Episcopal taught me how to research, from Mrs. Zeiner’s science research seminar to the infamous research paper with Mrs. Pauly.” He also credits Episcopal with teaching him “how to communicate, whether in Spanish class and the Florida State Spanish Conference or through extracurriculars like Student Senate and shows in the Munnerlyn Center. Both of those skills have helped me tackle a diverse course load and a ton of extracurriculars at Princeton, and are skills that I can take with me anywhere.”
69
If you live in Jacksonville, chances are you’ve passed by Grassroots Natural Market on Park Street in Riverside, established by Episcopal alum James Robison, after graduating with an economics degree from the University of North Florida. Robison opened Grassroots in 2006.
James Robison ’00’s Grassroots Natural Market Focuses on Health and Wellness The store’s website is www.TheGrassrootsMarket.com Grassroots Natural Market offers natural and organic food, in-
enjoy confronting. We opened our doors in 2006 with a team of
cluding fresh produce and meats. Suppliers include area farms,
four people: me, my brother, and two others,” said James. “We
dairies, and companies from North Carolina to South Florida who
worked together to shape what has become a well-respected
share the same philosophy as the market. Grassroots offers a
benchmark in the natural products industry. We now have a
juice bar and lunch options as well.
team of 25 individuals with diverse backgrounds, many of which have prior experience in various aspects of the industry, from all
“I have an interest in understanding how things work and causal
over the country.”
relationships between the food choices we make and how they affect our health,” says James. “I started the market because I
Since opening, Grassroots Natural Market has continued to
wanted to turn my hobby of studying health, nutrition and biology
enhance its selection to provide more and more for its growing
to a way of providing much needed access to clean, healthy
customer base.
food to the community.” “Since we have opened we have chosen to add additional shelvThe name Grassroots Natural Market was a collaborative effort
ing, coolers, equipment, and remodel several parts of the store
of James, his brother Jack, and their father, Jim. James wanted
as well as add additional square footage next door,” says James
the word “market” to capture a certain local, cozy, feel that they
of their rapid growth. “We are just now finishing the construc-
hoped would brand the store. Jim insisted that the word “natural”
tion of a large patio for customers to enjoy our fresh organic
be included in order to properly express what would be available.
smoothies, juices, and prepared food. We see having additional
Jack suggested “grass roots.” After weeks of trying to name
locations eventually as the goal. We definitely don’t want to force
James’s dream and vision, the answer had appeared: Grass-
expansion though; when the timing is right we will begin.”
roots Natural Market. James credits Episcopal with giving him a solid foundation that “I genuinely enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping people
has served him well.
with their wellness goals,” says James. “Their sincere thanks make all the long hours more than worthwhile.”
“Being a hands-on operator of a full featured grocery store is a very dynamic, around the clock endeavor, requiring a lot of
Running a market has its own challenges, just like any other or-
inputs and coordinating very many moving parts,” shared James.
ganization; James has had to manage internal challenges posed
“Episcopal’s rigorous educational program as well as running
by the rapid growth of the market.
cross country and rowing gave me the work ethic necessary to thrive in the very competitive grocery market as well as all other
“Naturally, a 20-50% per annum growth rate since opening presents organizational and efficiency challenges which I eagerly 70
aspects of my life.”
Kelly Flanagan ’02 Named Vice President of Finance and Planning for Jacksonville Jaguars
Kelly Flanagan has always liked sports – but what really intrigues
opportunity to interact with and support every department in the
her is everything taking place behind the scenes of a profes-
organization, which has provided me with a great perspective on
sional sporting event. Kelly began volunteering at THE PLAYERS
the importance of teamwork.”
Championship while at Episcopal, and realized what great opportunities could exist in sports management.
Kelly doesn’t have a “favorite player,” – she says she takes great pride in supporting all of them. But she “really enjoys seeing the
“I worked to pursue internships in the field while I was in college.
guys like Mark Brunell, Tony Boselli and Jeff Lageman who were
After college, I relocated to the New York City area to begin my
with the franchise in the beginning and are still actively involved in
career in public accounting working within the Entertainment &
the organization.”
Media practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers,” said Kelly. “From there I went on to become the Controller of MetLife Stadium,
In addition to her job, Kelly also still volunteers for THE PLAYERS.
home to the New York Jets and New York Giants. Last season, I had the opportunity to return home to Jacksonville and join the
While at Episcopal Kelly golfed and swam, but “now I’m more of
Jaguars as a member of the organization that I grew up cheering
a spectator,” she says.
for!” Still, she says “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Kelly was named the Jaguars’ vice president of finance and plan-
Episcopal – it provided the necessary foundation for my career.
ning on April 1. She is responsible for leading the Jaguar’s finan-
I still remember learning how to balance a check book from Ms.
cial planning and analysis efforts, as well as business planning
Ferlisi’s sixth grade math class.”
of quantitative and analytical support of key revenue initiatives including ticket sales, corporate partnerships and in-stadium
Kelly graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia
spending.
with a B.S. Accounting. She then earned an MBA from St. Joseph’s University, followed by a master’s in sports management
“The most challenging part of my job is probably very similar
from Columbia University in New York City. She is also a C.P.A.
to any role in a fast-paced organization - structuring your time and schedule to best optimize the hours in a day,” said Kelly. “The best part about working within finance is that you have an 71
Elena Neibaur ’02 Working in Mexico with Peace Corps
a new environmental consciousness. Trying to get people to realize the impacts that we as humans have on our environment and how it will affect our future is challeng-
Elena Neibaur ’02 is in is a Mas-
ing. However, I find this to be a difficult task back home as well!” says Elena.
ter’s International Program in Environmental Studies at Florida
After her program is complete and she earns her master’s degree, Elena hopes to
International University in Miami,
continue working in Latin America, helping communities “that are part of the 1.2 billion
but she’s spending 27 months in
people worldwide who don’t have access to clean safe water, through economical,
Puebla, Puebla, Mexico with the Peace Corps. She is doing her thesis work along with her service in the Peace Corps, integrating her volunteer work into her thesis.
sustainable solutions,” says Elena. “In the community where I work, children as young as six years old are responsible for getting water from the closest well that is about a two kilometer trip.” Elena however, is enjoying the opportunity of being in Mexico.
Elena’s master’s degree will focus on climate change vulnerabilities
“There are a couple things that have been great about my service here in Mexico,
on hydrological resources within
she says. “One, I am in a beautiful country will lots of history and culture, so I feel
small communities.
blessed being able to explore that. My hopes are to shed light on people’s misperception back home on what Mexico is like and its safety. Two, the humility of the
“I am working in a community that
people is inspiring, because often people with nothing are happier and more gener-
doesn’t have access to water and
ous than those you encounter who have a lot of material goods. Lastly, being that
one of the solutions that we are
I am on a volunteer stipend, it’s taught me to more creative, and more conscious
constructing is harvesting rainwa-
about my own environmental impact.”
ter in cisterns. I would like to educate the people on climate change and how that will affect the water supplies in their community, and what measures need to be taken to ensure there is enough clean, accessible water for future use,” said Elena.
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Elena has looked to composting and building furniture to make up for what she lacks in Mexico, and she credits Episcopal with her internal resourcefulness. “Episcopal has taught me to be a well-rounded person and to help out others in need. With my education and my upbringing I have learned to try to achieve a selfless, simplistic life,” shared Elena.
One of the hardest parts of her
A graduate of California State University at Long Beach, Elena’s major was in environ-
work in Mexico is “trying to impart
mental science and policy, with a minor in Italian.
Class Notes ’75 John Henry Lonie and his wife, Hilary, are living in
welcomed their son, Grant James, on October 16, 2012. He is
Gloucester, England, where he works at Sustainable Direction
adored by his big sisters, Madeline (8), and Gwyneth (4).
Ltd. His job includes lecturing at two universities as a Visiting
’94 Shauna Wuggazer Knott and her husband Korey, and
Fellow at the MSc and
daughter Zoey (3), welcomed their new baby Garrett David on
Ph.D. levels. John also
November 12, 2012 in River Falls, Wis. Shauna is employed as
has taken up rowing with
a Cardiac Rehab Specialist at River Falls Area Hospital.
the Gloucester Rowing
’97 Lacey Keen moved back to Jacksonville after more than a
Club, founded in 1844,
decade in Atlanta. She is an Account Executive with IFS Busi-
and remembers fondly his
ness Interiors, providing products and services to commercial,
years at Episcopal and
educational, healthcare and GSA facilities.
rowing for the school.
’97 Natasha Nickodem Stevens and her husband, Matthew,
His daughter, Catriona,
welcomed son, McClean “Mack” Swanson Stevens, on June
is married and living near
25. They live in Chicago, Ill.
Cambridge, UK. His son,
’97 Brad Sleeth
Elliot, lives near Cambridge, Boston, Mass.
and his wife Elizabeth
’78 Arthur J. Wood III rowed for Episcopal when he was a
welcomed William
student. During a recent crew regatta in Tampa, Arthur, who cur-
Brooks Sleeth on
rently resides in the Tampa area, sought out the Episcopal crew
May 23, 2013, which
team to say hello. Go Eagles!
also happened to be
’84 Mark LaBorde is now the President of the Southeast
Brad and Elizabeth’s
Region at Aetna. He serves on the Episcopal Alumni Board.
anniversary! Brooks
’88 Deborah Johns Rey and her family have moved back to
weighed 5 lb. 8 oz.
the Jacksonville area. They are living in Ponte Vedra Beach.
and was 19 inches
’92 Gordon Speed joined the National Association of Manufac-
long.
turers, Washington, D.C., as the Director of Strategic Develop-
’98 Jonathan A. Stimler has been named a partner with the
ment. The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest
law firm of Latham, Shuker, Eden & Beaudine, LLP, in Orlando,
manufacturing association in the United States.
Fla., and practices with the firm’s litigation department. He lives
’93 Christy Holt Clements lives in Florence, Ala., with her
in Orlando with his wife Melanie, where they celebrated the birth
husband, Sammy Clements, and two children Alex (12) and
of Carson Lee Stimler on August 1, 2011.
Jackson (8).
’99 Carey Wodehouse Burden recently bought and is reno-
’93 Ron Heymann recently moved back to Fernandina Beach
vating a 108-year-old house in The Fan in Richmond, Va., with
from Johnson City, Tenn., to work with Troy Davis ’93 at Da-
her husband, Rob. She is also freelance writing for a leading
vis Capital Management. Ron holds the position of Executive
home decor site, One Kings Lane, and just accepted a position
Wealth Manager, and assists clients with investment guidance
as Senior Copywriter in the Brand Marketing Department at the
and financial planning. He earned the Certified Financial Plan-
Capital One campus in Richmond.
ner (CFP®) designation in 2011. He and his wife, Reagan, are
’99 Emily Humphries Wise and Jervis Wise welcomed a
proud parents of Kate (4) and Jack (2).
daughter, Blakely Jane, on November 13, 2012. She weighed 9
’93 Meredith Tomlin Thacker and her husband, David,
lbs., 4 oz., and was 21 inches long. The family recently moved
73
to St. Petersburg, Fla., and Emily is the Director of Public Rela-
’06 After graduating from the University of Florida,
tions and Communications at the Academy of the Holy Names in
Allison Cater entered Georgetown University, from which she
Tampa.
will graduate with a master’s in health systems administration in
’01 Timo Weiland showed his Fall - Winter 2013 Men’s and
2014.
Women’s lines at Lincoln Center as part of New York Fashion
’06 Milena Pajaro van de Stadt is a 2013 graduate of Rice
Week.
University with a master’s in string quartet. She is a member of
’02 Kelly Flanagan has been named Vice President of Fi-
the Dover Quartet and performed in Jacksonville at Friday Musi-
nance and Planning for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Flanagan has
cale for two performances on March 15.
been working with the team as a business planning manager the
’07 Daisy Glasser hiked the entire Appalachian Trail last fall.
past year. Flanagan will serve the Jaguars by leading the team’s
’07 Charles LaPrade , along with hiking partner, Bree Ross
financial planning and analysis efforts.
’08, started in April an attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian ’02 In April 2013, Dr.
Trail. As of day ten, they had hiked about 90 miles in cold, wet
Jerrold M. Jackson
and snowy weather. Their intent is a thru-hike that will take until
married his fiancée
sometime in August if successful.
Nicole in Atlanta, Ga.
’07 James Poindexter was elected secretary of the Duval
One month later, Jerrold
County (Florida) Democratic Party. He expects to graduate from
graduated from the
the Florida Coastal School of Law in 2014 with his juris doctorate
Mount Sinai School of
and master’s in business administration.
Medicine in New York
’08 Lindsay Gerzel is currently attending graduate school at
City with a Ph.D. in
Jacksonville University. She plans to graduate in 2014 with a
Clinical & Translational
master’s degree in marine science.
Research, all while em-
’08 Meghan Green graduated from Elon University in 2012
ployed as a research scientist and adjunct instructor at the Silver
with a bachelor’s in business administration. She is a Financial
School of Social Work at NYU. Jerrold has also maintained a
Services Professional with Financial Design Associates - Mass-
part-time position as a licensed clinical social worker at Mount Si-
Mutual in Jacksonville.
nai Medical Center. This fall the Jacksons will relocate to Atlanta,
’08 Katie Leininger has been working for nearly three years
Ga., where Jerrold will begin a postdoctoral fellowship at Emory
(since junior year) with a small Montreal-based consulting firm
University’s Rollins School of Public Health.
called JMConsulting (JMC). Their focus is on investment pro-
’02 Elena Neibaur is currently in the Peace Corps in Mexico
motion and project management for private and social sector
as well as pursuing her master’s degree in environmental studies.
projects throughout Haiti, primarily in the manufacturing, tourism
’04 Shannon Gleason Capps and her husband Carl wel-
and artisan sectors. The primary goal for all of their projects is
comed Keagan Orion Capps on December 1, 2012. The family
to create sustainable jobs for Haitians, establishing businesses
resides in Jacksonville.
in partnership with locals, in a way that makes sense for Haiti
’05 Carley Glasser completed the Boston Marathon in
and supports local needs. Katie graduated early from SHU in
April. She is in her fourth year of teaching elementary school at
December of 2011 with degrees in international relations and
Beaches Episcopal School in Jacksonville Beach.
French and with a minor in Nonprofit Studies. Katie plans a move
’06 Mycah Lynda Bullard graduated from FSU in 2010
to Haiti this year to continue her work; she is continually inspired
with a degree in marketing. She is currently a Senior Account
by the people she meets and works with there and thinks it is a
Coordinator at The Zimmerman Agency in Tallahassee, Fla.
beautiful country.
She married Todd C. Hunter, Jr., an Assistant State Attorney in
’08 Bree Ross , along with hiking partner, Charles LaPrade
Leon County, on May, 4, 2013, in Tallahassee, Fla. Bridesmaids
’07 , started in April an attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
included Lesley Marchman ’06 and Jennifer Efstathion ’06 .
As of day ten, they had hiked about 90 miles in cold, wet and snowy weather. Their intent is a thru-hike that will take until some
74
sometime in August if successful.
training, demolitions and tear gas techniques. Upon completion
’08 Nicole Wein graduated cum laude in May 2013 from
of the first semester of his junior year, Carson secured a semes-
the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in industrial
ter abroad to Valencia, Spain.
engineering with a mathematics minor. She will be pursuing a
’10 Paige
master’s in industrial engineering in the fall of 2013 at Columbia
Shirley
University.
was recently
’10 David Drew attends Princ-
featured in the
eton University. “All-Nighter with
January 2013
David Drew,” a live, late-night
issue of The
talk show that David co-founded
Vaulter Maga-
and hosts, was selected as a
zine, along with
recipient of the Alberto Santos-
her teammates
Dumont Prize for Innovation at
at the Air Force
Princeton. All-Nighter’s team of
Academy, for
producers, writers and actors
her superb
present a show each month fea-
pole vaulting
turing musical guests, comedy
and academic
sketches, and interviews with notable guests such as author
achievements. Paige is a junior at the USAFA and has jumped
Jeff Eugenides, diplomat Ann Marie Slaughter, and Pulitzer Prize
3.70m.
winning poet Paul Muldoon. The award, presented by the Office
’12 Conor Clark
of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, recognizes unique
recently completed
programs, events, initiatives and projects that were implemented
his freshman year
during the academic year. All-Nighter episodes are available on
and won two awards
youtube.com/allnighterprinceton.
at the Swarthmore
’10 Jessie Drew Hawkins is attending Savannah College of
College Lacrosse end
Art and Design and spent her third semester attending SCAD’s
of season awards ban-
Hong Kong campus for ten weeks.
quet. Coach Patrick
’10 Cadet Carson
Gress and his staff
McKendree attends the
recognized Conor’s
U.S. Military Academy at
achievements by
West Point as a member of
presenting him with the
the Class of 2014. He will
Most Improved Player
graduate with a double ma-
award, as well as the
jor in economics and Span-
Iron Man award, which is given to players who do not miss a
ish. During the summer of
single practice or game.
2011, Carson attended
’12 Ashleigh Watkins is a biomedical sciences (pre-med) ma-
the Sabalauski Air Assault
jor at the University of Central Florida. She volunteers at Orlando
School and attended Cadet
Regional Medical Center.
Field Training. In 2012, following his sophomore year, Carson
’12 Jack Wilbur just completed his freshman year at Washing-
completed an internship at Fort Benning, Ga. After his internship,
ton & Lee University. He completed a climb to the top of Mount
Carson completed Ecuadorian Jungle Warfare School, spending
Kilimanjaro this summer in addition to going on a safari.
six weeks in the jungles near Coco, Ecuador. The training consisted of patrolling, rifle marksmanship, land navigation, survival 75
Upcoming Events
Grandparents’ Day Friday, October 18 The event begins at 10:00 a.m. in The Munnerlyn Center for Worship
October 11, 2013
and Fine Arts and is followed by lunch with your grandchild. Invitation
Homecoming will include various events for all
to come. More information will be available at www.esj.org
ages. The Alumni Office will host the annual Alumni BBQ Friday, Oct. 11 before the Eagles take the field against Baldwin High School at 7 p.m. Visit http://www.esj.org/alumni/homecoming for more information.
Golf & Tennis Tournament November 18, 2013 Episcopal is pleased to hold its annual Golf & Tennis Tournament on Monday, November 18, at Timuquana Country Club. Join us for a round robin tennis tournament or an afternoon of golf, followed by an evening awards reception complete with the announcement of the winner of our popular Masters Raffle and more! Registration begins October 7 at www.esj.org. 76
D ECEMBER 3, 2012 JACKSONVILLE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Bash is Episcopal’s bi-annual casual fundraising and communitybuilding event, featuring live and silent auctions that focus on the ESJ community. The All Star Bash will be a great event where good times are had by good friends coming together for a great cause. Hope to see you there! More information will be available on www.esj.org 77
In Memoriam Board of Trustees Mason Romaine III, M.D., died on February 25, 2013. He was born on December 31, 1922 in Petersburg, VA. He entered college at age 16 and received his B.A. from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, VA. in 1942. He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1945. Dr. Romaine was an Ensign in the US Navy Reserves while in medical school from 1943 to 1945. He was called back into active duty during the Korean War from 1956 to 1957. Dr. Romaine was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and served as a member of the Vestry. Dr. Romaine is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anne Parker Romaine; three children, Mason Romaine IV (Jeannie) of Jacksonville, FL, Randolph P. Romaine of Columbia, S.C., and Douglas P. Romaine (Elizabeth) of Lexington, KY; six grandchildren: Kollen, Mason V., Janie, Anne Mason, Doug and Charlotte; and two greatgrandchildren: Nolan and Virginia Mason, and several nieces and a nephew. A founding member of Episcopal School of Jacksonville and original Board member, he was a Trustee from 1966 to 1972 and served on the Finance and Health Facilities committees.
Alumni J.T. Townsend ’05 passed away June 4, 2013. His basketball and football jerseys – numbers five and seven – are prominently displayed in the lobby of the Buck Student Center with the words “J.T. Townsend, A Celebration of Courage” written above in gold lettering. J.T. suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a football game while he was a student at Episcopal in 2004. J.T. graduated from the University of North Florida in April of 2013. Members of the Episcopal faculty administration, including Head of School Charley Zimmer, have served on the Board of Directors of the J.T. Townsend Trust or the J.T. Townsend Foundation, which J.T. founded to assist others with spinal cord injuries.
78
From the Editor This is the sixth Magazine of Episcopal I have worked on since joining this great them before writing this letter, not wanting to repeat myself! But there was no need – every issue of the Magazine is always different, and with this one we are very excited about the new layout as well. I have always had an insatiable appetite for stories – for reading them, and for fessional. In that vein, Episcopal does not disappoint. Every time I sit down to outline the next magazine and what it will include, usually even before the ink on the one I am currently working the pages, and I haven’t even asked anyone in particular to contribute yet! In six issues we have covered new academic courses, new buildings, Middle we have paid tribute to Dale Regan. We’ve highlighted different sports and arts performances and the accomplishments of students, donors, alumni, faculty and staff. We’ve shown off our special events, such as Reunion Weekend, Commencement and Celebration, and we’ve thanked the donors that help to make our work here possible. Members of our vibrant community are always creating new stories; alumni reminisce about “old” adventures; students share their stories of new experiences; and faculty and staff perspectives are the bridge between students who already have graduated, and those still on campus. We know there will always be more than enough to share with you in the Magazine! Thanks for reading!
Meg Scheu Sacks
4455 Atlantic Boulevard 路 Jacksonville, Florida 32207
www.esj.org