Fine Arts presented “Fans of Masks Since 500 BC� this fall on the Kirwan Flag Plaza
Photo
I
Laura Evans
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
How, Not If As we began our fall semester, opening for the school year on three different campuses for the first time in our history, we approached the year with the mantra How, not If. We committed to staying well and physically being together on campus so we could provide our students the opportunities that are so essential to an Episcopal education and their well being. And we have succeeded in staying on campus thanks to our exceptional faculty and staff, our students stepping up to do all that was asked of them, and through the support of our parent community. Our Varsity teams were able to compete this fall. There have been less people in the stands due to COVID, but we welcomed more and more Eagle fans as the months passed and we ensured that no contagion originated on campus. We were also able to host a socially distanced Homecoming event for alumni, and parents are connecting with each other in multiple ways -- planning Bash, the Dad’s Club, assisting with A Vision for Art and the Ortega River Run, and making plans for the Parent Social. In keeping with their creative spirit, Fine Arts has worked to ensure we had Thanksgiving and Christmas performances to enjoy, a Middle School play to share, and a fall variety show to spotlight the many talents of our students, especially our seniors. This is an unusual and even unpredictable year, and yet Episcopal is moving forward–
6
Winter 2021
we’ve added Beach Volleyball to our athletic roster and broke ground on new courts in November. The first match will be played at the end of February, and I’m excited to watch the first team. Later this year we will begin construction on a new gym and fine arts facility for the Beaches Campus, a space that will provide students with a wider breadth of opportunity there. On the Munnerlyn Campus we expanded and dramatically enhanced our spaces for studio art in the Kurlas House and photography on St. Elmo Drive. Excellence across our Four Pillars is making its way through Athletics, Academic, Fine Arts, and Spiritual Life initiatives as we work out each detail related to the St. Mark’s and Beaches mergers and set goals for the future while continuing inter-campus collaboration. For example, our dance instructors on the Munnerlyn Campus are now teaching classes on the St. Mark’s and Beaches Campuses as well. We are now more than ever deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity of our threecampus Episcopal family that makes what we do possible. Our mission has not changed, and though COVID has created challenges and changes for us, the pandemic has not altered our fundamental desire to know and love each child in our care and provide for them the best education available in northeast Florida and among the finest nationally. Our world is changing quickly, but we will continue to be the best at what we do because of who we are – Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Blessings,
The Rev. Adam S. Greene Head of School
HH
ALUMNI NEWS
Young Alumni Golf Tournament Eagles Fore Eagles The second annual Eagles Fore Eagles golf tournament took place on Sunday, August 30 at Marsh Landing Country Club. A special thank you to Brad McCollum ’08, Chet Stokes ’09, Tracy Thompson ’12, and Nick Walker ’10 for hosting and coordinating another successful golf tournament in support of Episcopal.
Lady Alumni Virtual Wine Tasting Lady alumni from different decades gathered virtually with friends for a fun “Toast to the West Coast” wine tasting on October 8. Everyone enjoyed sampling and learning about wines from the West Coast with David Joudi from Riverside Liquors. Special thanks to Lady Alumni Committee Co-Chair, Ashley Helmick ’07, and Deanna Thornton Lombardo ’10 for orchestrating a fun night for all!
26
Winter 2021
ALUMNI NEWS / CLASS NOTES ’73
’77
working as Director of
Clare Gebert Berry and
Francine Andia Walker
Communications for The
her husband Vance are
’77 and Wally Thomas
Florida Bar and spending
proud grandparents! Their
’77 have co-hosted three
every possible minute
son Vance Berry ‘05 and
Zoom gatherings for the
with her grandchildren
his wife Liz welcomed a
Class of 1977 and will
– Buddy, 9, and Bailey
daughter on August 3 in
continue to bring their
Grace, 4, who live in
Portland, OR.
classmates together this
Wakulla County. If you’d
way at least as long as the
like to join the next Class
’76
pandemic lasts. They’ve
of 1977 Zoom, please
Leila Ewin Conner is
gathered friends from
email wearejehs77@
a Hotel Site Selection
Alaska to Florida to San
gmail.com for the link.
Specialist, and helps
Diego and Vermont and all
meeting planners and
points in between. A few
’78
group organizers book
members of near-classes
Laura Register Reinbold
meetings, conferences,
have also Zoomed-in for
was recently honored by
and group hotel stays.
these “be happy hours.”
the Nashville Business
She works like a realtor
Wally recently joined
Journal as Engineer
would and gathers
Francine as an Alumni
of the Year as part of
information from the
Class Representative and
the organization’s 2020
group on their needs,
has been searching for
Commercial Real Estate
arranges site inspections,
classmates on the “lost”
Leadership Awards.
and negotiates all
list to reconnect them
The awards program
contracts. Leila has been
with the school. Wally
recognizes leaders in the
very busy getting her son
and his wife Amy met in
Nashville community
Whit prepared for college
1979 at the University of
who are guiding the city’s
next year. Her husband
Florida, got married in
growth, solving client
Ken works as a scenic
1984 in St. Augustine, and
challenges, and spotting
artist in film and TV and
moved to the Anchorage,
opportunities.
runs a small construction
Alaska, area in 1986.
company. Leila sadly lost
They have two children,
her father this summer.
David, 26, and Danielle,
’80
22. Wally is an Examiner/ Analyst with the Alaska Division of Insurance. When they retire, he and Amy plan to split time between Alaska and the Lower 48 to see more of our beautiful country by
36
Winter 2021
touring in a motorhome.
Lanse Scriven was
Francine is in Tallahassee
recently named the
CLASS NOTES / ALUMNI NEWS recipient of the 2020
Journal 2020 Woman of
Cade, and is located in
George Sheldon Public
Influence in September.
Gainesville, FL. The Cade
Interest Award by The
Randy currently serves as
uses invention as the lens
Tampa Lawyer Chapter of
Senior Vice President and
through which STEAM
the American Constitution
National Agency Counsel,
concepts are introduced
Society. Lanse, one of
Fidelity National Financial.
to people of all ages. It is also an institution focused
Tampa’s most highly regarded business-
’84
on providing access to
litigation attorneys, has
Patti Eckert Bauernfeind
the growing “innovation
for decades dedicated
McMurdie married
economy” in underserved
himself to civic service,
David McMurdie on July
communities across
from the Innocence
17. Many friends and
the state. Stephanie’s
Project of Florida to the
family across the country
children, Landon and
George Edgecomb Bar
attended virtually.
Waverly, are now 13 and 12. Her husband, Tygh,
Association and the Hillsborough County Bar
’87
works in sales for DR
Association. His firm’s
Claudia Saenz Amlie
Horton, a national home
website is
was recently named Pet
builder.
www.lansescriven.com.
Paradise’s first Chief People Officer. Reporting
Dr. Mike Waters was
directly to the President
elected as City of Atlantic
and CEO, Claudia
Beach City Commissioner,
oversees Pet Paradise’s
Seat 3, in November. Mike
human resources
is a physician with Baptist
organization including
Primary Care. He and his
talent acquisition and
wife, Dianne, have three
deployment, talent
children: Caroline ‘17,
development, total
Emily ‘19, and Alivia ‘21.
rewards (benefits and
’99
compensation), and
Jessica Diebel runs
’82
human resources
Makenu Chocolate in
Randy Poitevent DeFoor,
operations.
Atlantic Beach, FL, a bean
a member of Jacksonville
to bar chocolate shop.
City Council, was awarded
Stephanie Chesson Bailes
The shop’s mission is to
an Eve Award on October
was recently promoted to
create chocolate people
1 by The Florida Times
the position of President
love from cacao sourced
Union for her work on
& Executive Director of
ethically. Her website is
the proposed sale of
the Cade Museum for
makenuchocolate.com.
city-owned Jacksonville
Creativity and Invention.
Electric Authority. She
The museum is named
was also named a
after the lead inventor
Jacksonville Business
of Gatorade, Dr. Robert ESJ
37
ALUMNI NEWS / CLASS NOTES ’02
’07
at life. For any teachers
Jennifer Heinz McLendon
curious, I was right on
is managing her brother
time to walk down the
Ryan Heinz 09’s new
aisle!”
chiropractic office in The ’09
Nocatee Town Center.
Ryan Heinz recently ’05
opened a new chiropractic
Vance Berry and his wife
office in The Nocatee
Liz welcomed a daughter
Town Center. Ryan is
on August 3. She entered
a former collegiate
the world in Portland, OR,
Ashley Helmick ‘07
baseball player for the
a healthy and hearty
married John Howard of
George Washington
7 lbs and 13 ounces and
Jacksonville on November
Colonials who played
21 inches.
28, 2020, in Lake Toxaway,
for Coach Mike Jones
NC. After making multiple
while at ESJ. One of
wedding plans due to
his practice’s primary
COVID, they were able
focuses is athletes. True
to celebrate with their
Wellness Health Center is
closest family over the
a chiropractic, nutrition,
Thanksgiving Weekend.
and wellness office with a
Ashley shares, “We
state-of-the-art facility that
really missed our friends
offers multiple treatment
and extended family,
rooms and an open
but the small ceremony
exercise area for hands-
allowed us to reflect on
on training and guidance.
the importance of our
Jennifer Heinz McLendon
vows and people who
‘02, is managing the office
Paige Nobles married
have most supported
with her brother.
Cameron Clifton on
us throughout our lives.
December 12, 2020.
I hope others use this
’06
opportunity to reflect on what is really important during these uncertain and busy times. This year really threw us a curveball, but fortunately my softball days and years at ESJ really taught me how to step up to the plate and take a swing 38
Winter 2021
CLASS NOTES / ALUMNI NEWS
’10
’15
Kaye-Alese Green was
Riley Tennant graduated
featured on NBC News in a
with honors from University
story about the first Black
of South Carolina in
woman doctor in the U.S.
December of 2019. Riley is
Kaye-Alese is currently a
living in Jacksonville Beach
Chet Stokes won City
medical student at Boston
and working for the family
Council Seat 3 - At Large
University. After Episcopal,
company.
for Jacksonville Beach
Kaye-Alese attended UCF
on November 3. Chet is
and played volleyball
Managing Partner and
for the Knights, earning
General Manager of Marsh
exceptional accolades such
Landing Country Club and
as the Order of Pegasus
Vice President at Stokes
for exemplary scholarship,
Land Group.
leadership, and service.
’16
A Dean’s List honors student at UCF, she was also elected co-captain of
Lexie Witt is attending
the Knight’s NCAA team in
Southern Methodist
2013 and 2014. Her master’s
University and will be
degree in interdisciplinary
graduating with a BFA
studies from UCF included
in Dance Performance
a concentration in public
and a BS in Engineering
health and urban education.
Management Science in May. Throughout
’11
the pandemic she has
Manny Fernandez
continued taking classes,
graduated with honors
studying Modern (Graham),
Jessica Griggs Swinton has
from the University of
Jazz, and Ballet virtually
moved to
Illinois College of Medicine
and in person. She chose to
St. Augustine permanently
in May and has begun his
not perform this semester,
from California. Jessica was
internal medicine residency
but last semester prior to
recently a contestant and
at Northwestern with a
COVID she was featured
won her show on Wheel of
career goal of practicing
in the restaging of Adam
Fortune (episode S37 E163).
Hematology/Oncology. He
Hougland’s piece “Cripple
She and her husband,
recently married Rachel
and the Starfish” — her
Joshua, are looking forward
Halstrom.
favorite piece to date. She
to celebrating her win
also choreographed a dance
from this once-in-a-lifetime
film titled “Rescue” during
experience in the near
the pandemic where she
future.
collaborated with former ESJ
39
ALUMNI NEWS / CLASS NOTES
Episcopal Dance Director
’18
Katie McCaughan to film on the rooftop of the Florida Theater in Jacksonville. ’17
Katharine Conklin, a junior at Wellesley College, completed the 2020 Boston Marathon in September, running mostly on the Henna Awad was featured
traditional Marathon route.
on a Florida State University
She raised over $11,000
admissions podcast. Listen
for Pediatric Oncology at
to Episode 22: Center for
Massachusetts General
Global Engagement from
Hospital.
Sep 21, 2020 on Apple Podcasts. <https://podcasts.
’20
apple.com/us/podcast/
Lauren Nott was awarded
episode-22-center-for-
a Mary Award in the area
global-engagement/id15092
of Leadership this summer.
68681?i=1000492021869>
Given by The Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation,
Chase Tennant is Chair of
The Mary Awards honor
Community Service for
exceptional young women
his fraternity at Clemson
who are high school
and heavily involved in a
seniors. The awards seek
student service organization
to empower young women
that works with children
while supporting Ascension
with special needs.
St. Vincent’s in its core values: Service of the Poor, Reverence, Integrity, Wisdom, Creativity and Dedication. Lauren attends Samford University.
40
Winter 2021
CLASS NOTES / ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Share COVID Experiences There have been so many changes in our world. In the September edition of the Alumni Quarterly we asked – How Are You? As our alumni, we always want to hear how you are and what you are doing. We invite you to always share your stories with us so that we can share them with the rest of our community by emailing alumni@esj.org. When COVID-19 first came to Thailand, everyone put on masks and every business checked temperatures at the door. The changes were simple because in Asia they’ve been wearing masks for decades. When people are sick, even with just a cold or cough, they wear a mask to prevent passing the illness to friends or loved ones. Somehow, maybe because of the masks, the pandemic was contained even considering the densely packed public transportation. The borders shut quickly and all inbound travelers were quarantined. Localized lockdowns started and both private citizens and companies responded by donating food, money, time, rent or even market space to help those affected by the lockdowns. Life inside the closed border went back to normal within a couple months, but we’re all still wearing masks and still checking temperatures at every door. We’ve been pretty normal for four-plus months. Now the only remaining problem for us is that it is still very difficult to leave the country and come back. – Bill Oaks ’00 I have learned to see challenges as opportunities. I started a new job as an event coordinator at UNF one week before having to work remotely and was asked to create virtual events to pivot with the times. I love getting people together in person, so this took a lot of stepping outside my comfort zone. Calling a challenge an opportunity makes me think more positively, and ultimately helps drive my creativity! – Ashley Helmick ‘07
The pandemic helped me remember to give thanks in all things and keep a big picture perspective. I married the love of my life this summer surrounded by our incredible family. It was absolutely perfect! I’m beyond grateful to God for His blessings. Here’s to a marriage even more beautiful than our wedding. – Elizabeth Hartman Williamson ’07 Because I work in a hospital (UF Health Jacksonville) I was considered “essential” so I have continued to work throughout this ordeal. We have just started allowing visitors so it has been very strange to walk down the halls when no one else is in sight! We were allowed for a short period of time to work from our offices but that changed in August because “face to face” is considered “best practice.” I have to admit this was not my choice! I have been VERY careful since I am over 65, have asthma, have grandchildren I help with and a husband, but I was given no other choice. So now I wear a medical face mask and a face shield whenever I go into a patient’s room. It makes for long sweaty days! This is the new normal but I am hopeful that it will get better. I am thankful I have a job, my family is healthy and we are still able to maneuver this pandemic. – Shelly Fulford Wilson ’72
ESJ
41
MUNNERLYN CAMPUS NEWS
MUNNERLYN CAMPUS NEWS
Adapting the College Process During COVID By Ryan Riggs, Director of College Counseling Just like all offices on Episcopal’s three campuses that are creatively helping students during COVID-19, College Counseling also has had to change almost every aspect of its model for how students are advised during their college search. As colleges themselves shut down and restrict access for visitors and prospective students, Episcopal’s college counselors find themselves re-evaluating how they advise students on all parts of the college admissions process. For example, this year’s seniors are grappling with colleges being closed for in-person campus tours, so the office has helped students go on virtual tours at different locations. Counselors still meet with students one on one, but parents join via Zoom. In addition, college counseling group meetings for parents of seniors are virtual, and those are working well with even more parents being able to attend and participate than in years past. And since Episcopal is no longer able to host college admissions representatives on campus, Zoom meetings allow students to still meet with the reps. “While the Zoom meetings for college representatives have not been perfect, several colleges that have not normally visited Episcopal, such as the University of Michigan and the University of Oregon, met with our students online,” said Julie Carter, Associate Director of College Counseling.
56
Winter 2021
“So the upside is our students are learning about schools that might be a good fit for them that in the past they maybe would not have considered.” The office is looking at creative ways to meet with the current juniors in person so that each student will receive all of the benefits of the grade level’s annual college search and application class, during which students learn the steps of the college process so they know exactly what to do and when to do it. If necessary, meetings will again be virtual to ensure no time is lost. In addition, counselors are still hosting informational meetings for parents of juniors on the college search and application process via Zoom. While the COVID environment this semester is uncertain, based on what College Counseling accomplished last spring during remote learning, ESJ is confident it can continue to provide juniors with what they will need to prepare for their senior year. Thanks to the hard work of Andrea Rizzi, Associate Director of College Counseling, and Julie Carter, the college counseling classes for juniors moved online last spring, and the counselors taught them via Zoom. “The kids rose to the challenge of meeting their college counseling class online. Yes, there was some Zoom fatigue, but by and large the kids did a great job learning the process,” said Andrea Rizzi. “We made sure
MUNNERLYN CAMPUS NEWS
Awareness, Inclusion, and Respect; Technology Initiatives Health, Safety, and Well-Being Program Tackles Tough Subjects Episcopal’s Health, Safety, and Well-Being (HSW) program has two focuses this year -- continuation of its Awareness, Inclusion, and Respect (AIR) initiatives as well as student health and safety regarding technology. The school’s HSW program is continually expanding on ways to ensure students learn self care and how to make healthy choices, and the program works to provide information and support for issues students face in the current environment, whether on campus, in their personal lives, or within our greater world.
resources to help manage their student’s technology use. Thanks to a three-year grant received last year from the Winston Family Foundation, the school is able to provide programming as part of the foundation’s Technology and Teenagers focus. This programming includes students and parents on Episcopal’s Lower School campuses as well. Using the grant funding, ESJ provided an opportunity for parents to hear from renowned social media safety speaker Josh Ochs, founder of Smart Social, via Zoom in November.
Students and Technology
The presentation covered several topics: how to ensure safety measures are in place on sites and apps (YouTube, Instagram, SnapChat) that students may be using, and tips and tricks on managing Netflix, screen time and location sharing. Following the presentation, parents and faculty were invited to become VIP (Very Informed Parents) members of Smart
Last spring ESJ’s Student Services Department identified social media and technology as key contributors to student anxiety levels. Teachers echoed the sentiment. Technology is reaching students at younger and younger ages and it is important to provide parents with
58
Winter 2021
MUNNERLYN CAMPUS NEWS Social, which was also made possible with the grant funding. VIP content on Smart Social’s website provides parents, faculty, and students access to videos such as “Dangers Every Parent Should Know Before Giving their Student a Smartphone,” “YouTube App Parent Course,” “How to Set up Twitter for a Positive Impact,” “Positive Internet Comment Etiquette for Kids,” and “5 Hottest Teen Apps: What Parents & Teachers Need to Know.” ”Our emphasis is on helping students learn how to discern when to use technology, how to assess when it is starting to dominate their thinking, and how to have the courage to make necessary changes in their interactions with technology,” said Tracy Jester, Dean of Students and Faculty Liaison for the grant. “We know technology is not going away and we want our students to be able to use it in the safest way possible that allows them to remain mentally and physically healthy as well.” Awareness, Inclusion & Respect ESJ’s Awareness, Inclusion, & Respect (AIR) Initiative, led by a Steering Committee made up of representatives from each campus, began programming this fall in each of its three-step implementation plans - Listen to All
Voices, Educate Our Community, and Embrace Anti-Racism. Community conversations were held with alumni, faculty, and staff in late summer and early fall to begin facilitating discussion and sharing perspectives with each other. Upon return to campus in August, faculty, staff, and students participated in OneJax’s Civil Discourse and the University of North Florida’s Department of Diversity Initiatives Cultural Competency training. Student peer groups with particular focuses, such as the Black Student Union, formed. In September students received Diversity Education facilitated by Deidre Lane of OneJax. On Election Day students discussed self-care to ensure each member of the community felt safe and heard. Community Norms were reinforced through advisory discussions. During the spring semester and in the coming months plans include additional training and education with OneJax; Civil Discourse discussions and training with students and faculty that explore more pressing topics relevant to the social climate; and provision of additional resources for faculty, staff, and students, such as professional development, programming, and more community conversations. Work is underway on a longer-term goal for a curriculum review.
ESJ
59
MUNNERLYN CAMPUS NEWS
Teaching History and Government During an Election Year By Emily Farmer and Jefferson Brant, Upper School History Department Faculty While widespread investment in our nation’s
United States History students recently
political discourse is important in our
discussed the importance of understanding
democratic system, the heightened tensions
the history of politics. AP United States History
and divisive rhetoric surrounding the 2020
student Lucy Rachels ’22 saw the value in
election and its still-developing aftermath
“understanding the evolution of political
have impacted so many aspects of our
parties.” Amy Coscia ’22 shared that she can
society. Beyond the central role that differing
now engage “with her family members in
political ideologies and agendas have played
political conversations and better understand
throughout the history of our republic, this
what they are talking about.” This learner-
current election cycle is showcasing the
centered and discussion-focused approach
simultaneous benefits and challenges of
to historical studies at ESJ reflects our
instantaneous communication in our digital
employment of the Harkness Method more
age.
broadly throughout our humanities courses, and challenges students to engage confidently
There are several emphases in Episcopal’s
with complex and contentious issues of our
core history curriculum that promote a
world today.
student’s ongoing intellectual and personal growth. First, a diverse study of history and relevant topics ranging from political theory to geography promotes the development of content knowledge sufficient to recognize the historical contexts of modern political topics. Second, our learner-centered approach to historical studies at ESJ is focused not just on understanding topics, but promoting critical analysis of information and the formulation of individualized conclusions in response to them. We cultivate this critical approach by challenging students to articulate their ideas effectively through a range of mediums, and to then engage others in civil discussions.
Jefferson Brant selects a student to head the day’s Harkness discussion. ESJ
61
ATHLETICS
ATHLETICS Episcopal Breaks Ground on Conser Beach Volleyball Center Episcopal celebrated the groundbreaking
thanked donors Stephanie and Mark
of a six-court beach volleyball complex on
Chesser and Shannon and Mark Connell of
Tuesday, November 3, at the Knight Sports
Conser Moving and Storage for providing
Campus. Shovels were put in the ground
the lead gift for the project. The facility will
and The Rev. Adam Greene, Head of School,
be named Conser Beach Volleyball Center.
and Andy Kidd ’99, Director of Athletics, “We feel very blessed to be able to do this,”
Left to right, The Rev. Adam Greene, Stephanie Chesser, Caelan Chesser ‘25, Andy Kidd ‘99, Mark Chesser, and members of the volleyball team at the groundbreaking ceremony November 3, 2020.
64
Winter 2021
ATHLETICS
Fall Sports Records and Accolades Special Recognition
Boys Swimming advanced through the district
Dede Allen, Tennis Program Director and Head
meet and regional meet to compete at the state
Girls Tennis Coach, recently received the United
championship meet. The boys’ team placed sixth
States Professional Tennis Association High
in the state and was led by Julian Smith ‘21 and
School Coach of the Year award for 2020. She was
Scott Haney ‘21. Julian was the individual state
nominated by Athletic Director Andy Kidd ’99 and
champion in the 50 yard freestyle and finished
her coaching colleagues for her efforts on and
fourth in the state in the 100 yard breastroke. Scott
off the court in support of her student-athletes.
finished fifth in the 100 yard freestyle and fourth in
Coach Allen is entering her twelfth season at ESJ
the 200 yard freestyle.
and has an overall record of 131-38, four regional championships, and nine consecutive district
Girls Swimming advanced through the district
championships.
meet and regional meet to compete at the state championship meet. The team placed eighth in
Boys Cross Country
the state and was led by Mary Kate Kelley ’21, a
Varsity runners Don Kohla ’21, Michael Officer
University of Florida commit, who placed second
’22, and Jack Adams ’21 advanced to the regional
in the 100 yard backstroke and third in the 100
championship meet. Boys Middle School Cross
yard butterfly. Her time in the 100 yard butterfly
Country placed first scholastically at the end of
(54.92) broke an ESJ record previously held by
season Florida Youth Championship Meet.
Olympian Nancy Hogshead ’80.
Girls Cross Country
Volleyball finished the season with a 9-3 overall
Varsity placed third at the district meet and fourth
record and advanced to the regional quarterfinals.
at the regional meet to advance to the state championship meet. The team finished 16th in the
Boys Golf finished the season with an 8-5 record.
state, led by Hannah Kowkabany ’24, Mackenzie
Cliff Ellis ’21 and Henry Robards ’24 advanced
Glenn ’22, and Harper McEvoy ’21 at the state
to the regional tournament and Henry advanced
competition.
to the state tournament. This marked the twelfth consecutive year that the program has been
Football
represented at the state tournament.
Varsity advanced to regional semi-finals with playoff wins over Wolfson and Interlachen. The
Girls Golf finished the season with a 7-3 record.
team recorded the most playoff wins in a season
Ella Rhodin ’23 and Olivia Messana ’25 both
in the program’s history. The season also included
qualified for the regional tournament.
a 42-38 win over rival Bishop Kenny. Middle School Football finished undefeated in the SSAC (Sunshine State Athletic Conference) and recorded a 3-2 overall record.
66
Winter 2021
ATHLETICS
Twenty Eagles Commit to Play in College Episcopal already has multiple Eagles committed to play sports at the next level, and 2020-2021 may turn out to be the school’s largest committed class in ESJ history. National Signing Day is Wednesday, February 3. Congratulations to the following students who will be playing a sport in college:
Baseball Clayton Hodges – Jacksonville University Dillon Haines – Stetson University Brogan Napier – University of Central Florida Layton Perry – Jacksonville University Football Nick Elksnis – University of Florida Tucker Tomberlin – Stetson University Jack Bogan – Davidson College CJ Tremble – University of Pennsylvania Lacrosse Mia Carter – Flagler College Soccer Abigail Jones – Ave Maria University
Swimming Mary Kate Kelley – University of Florida Scott Haney – Georgia Tech Cross Country/Track and Field/Triathlon Sabrina Wingert (pole vault) – University of South Florida Volleyball Jordan Cooper – University of North Florida Cate Hale – Montreat College Rowing Emily Podvia – Rollins College Wrestling Joe Jackson – Roanoke College Noah Meyer – Roanoke College
Softball Kami Eppley – Stetson University Maddie Latta – Yale University
Episcopal will celebrate seniors who have committed to play a sport in college next fall on February 3. Photo includes students who committed as of November 11. 68
Winter 2021
FINE ARTS Over the summer, we were authorized to
members. Our vision for the future of dance at
expand our dance program to the St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
Episcopal is to create a program that nurtures
and Beaches Campuses. We needed someone
individuality, strength, adaptability, and artistry,
who would be able to develop a Lower School
while providing a diverse curriculum that
program that would seamlessly integrate
prepares students to pursue multiple avenues
with our Middle School and Upper School
in the dance field, e.g., join a professional
curriculum on the Munnerlyn Campus, and we
dance company, major in dance in college,
found that person in Andrea Hagan. Andrea
earn college scholarships, join the dance team
recently graduated from UNF and has had the
at their chosen university, or just cut a mean
opportunity to teach and assist with dance at
rug at their best friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding!
the University of Florida, Lavilla School of the Arts, Project S.L.I.D.E, and Accotink Academy.
The ability to have this united team of dance
Andrea is teaching Pre K-3 through fifth graders
educators working together to teach these
on both the St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Beaches Campuses.
exceptional ESJ students is a tremendous
We are proud to have a dance program that
gift. Ms. Hagan, Ms. Johnston, and I provide
begins in Pre-K and continues all the way
training that is grounded in faith and rooted
through 12th grade with a cohesive curriculum
in solid foundational similarities, while also
and a united approach. Episcopal students can
bringing our individual experiences and gifts
now begin dance as they enter our community,
to educate our students with a cross-cultural
and continue throughout their entire school
understanding of dance as an art, a discipline,
career, receiving consistent training and artistic
and a profession. I am excited to see what the
development.
future holds for us all in these unprecedented times and beyond.
I am humbled by the support we have received from our community and our new faculty
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SPIRITUAL LIFE
Creating a Three-Campus Chapel Program Filled with Joy and Wonder The Reverend Teresa Seagle, Director of Spiritual Life and Service Joining the Pre-K and kindergarten students in hand motions to their favorite Chapel songs; being awed by the insightful comments and questions of the elementary students in Christian Ed classes; witnessing the eagerness and joy of the Middle School volunteers who lead their peers in worship; guiding seventh and eighth graders to a deeper level of understanding of the ancient scripture; empowering Upper School Vestry students to plan and lead interactive and engaging Chapels… these are a small sampling of the blessings of being a chaplain at Episcopal. The chaplain team, The Rev. Teresa Seagle, Rev. Andy Farmer, and The Rev. Christopher Dell, have found their expanded roles on all three campuses to be filled with joy and wonder. Supporting the work of Katherine Donahoo Nott ’90 at the St. Mark’s Campus and Leslie Sale at the Beaches Campus, the chaplains serve as a resource and support as well as worship leaders and pastors for our Lower School campuses. While both Lower School campuses have strong and established Chapel programs, the chaplains have enjoyed a more frequent presence as preachers and pastors with the elementary students. Seeking to learn from each other and to align Christian formation curriculum across
Media production students live-stream Upper School Chapel.
campuses, The Rev. Teresa Seagle has visited several classrooms during Christian Education. Students are learning developmentally appropriate Bible stories and lessons which build a strong foundation for our youngest students who will soon continue their Biblical studies and formation in Middle School classrooms. The chaplains are identifying the ways in which the curriculum lines up well and the areas where there are opportunities to strengthen Christian formation across the three campuses.
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SPIRITUAL LIFE
Veterans Day Chapel on St. Mark’s Campus.
This year, both Lower School campuses have already shared common experiences. We began the school year with the blessing of the classrooms and campuses. Continuing a treasured tradition at St. Mark’s and starting a new tradition at Beaches, third graders received their own Bibles at the beginning of the year. Both Lower Schools still have their own identity and special Chapels and spiritual formation times which are unique to their setting. On the Beaches Campus, church seasons such as Advent are marked by special devotionals, while the Baby Chapel
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celebrates the new births in the community. On the St. Mark’s Campus, the Veterans Day Chapel honors our military men and women with a special presentation of the Color Guard, military parents sharing their experiences, and students singing “Thank You, Soldiers.” With the addition of our Lower Schools, the chaplains revised the Middle School Chapel liturgy to function as a bridge between the Lower School program and the studentplanned and led Upper School chapels. Reflecting on their experience at St. Marks
SPIRITUAL LIFE and Beaches, Middle School students will find familiarity in their Chapel experience in Deming Theatre during which they have the opportunity to read prayers and scripture as well as acolyte and participate in the music. The Middle School liturgy is also taken from the Book of Common Prayer just as it is in the Lower Schools. This grounds and unifies us in the Episcopal tradition which is rich in rite and tradition. Our common liturgy is also intentionally inclusive, welcoming all students into our worship time together. This same pattern of liturgy carries into the Upper School, where our 75-member Student Vestry plans and leads Chapel. The chaplains are working hard to provide support and training to our vestry, encouraging them to be creative while engaging their peers in programming that praises and glorifies God. Students work in teams to center each Chapel around an assigned scripture passage with a spiritual theme. While each Chapel has a similar liturgical format, the segments of the Chapel can be quite different. So far this semester, vestry teams have set up the theme with interactive quiz games such as Kahoot and thematic videos. They have created engaging responses to the sermons in which students are challenged to apply the message to their own lives.
The Rev. Adam Greene, Head of School, gives Fruit of the Spirit Awards during St. Mark’s Campus Chapel.
This year has looked different for everyone – and this is certainly true of our chaplains. From learning how to livestream Chapels in coordination with Media Production students to finding ways to deepen our relationship with God while social distancing, the chaplains continue to have a ministry of presence. We hope all students grow in their faith wherever their relationship with God may be, while we continually lift up our Baptismal covenant to “Respect the Dignity of Every Human Being.”
Beaches Campus students celebrate Chapel at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. ESJ
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SPIRITUAL LIFE
ESJ Sponsored Student Club for 2020-2021 is Dance Marathon The Dance Marathon Club was honored to
With ESJ’s support this year, club leaders
be chosen as Episcopal’s school supported
hope the 2021 fundraiser will be the most
club this year as it enters its fourth
successful yet.
fundraising season. Over the past three years, in partnership with students at Bishop
Due to the pandemic, last spring’s “Dancing
Kenny High School and The Bolles School,
on the River” event was moved to a virtual
the Children’s Miracle Network “Dancing
platform. Since students couldn’t gather in
on the River’’ Dance Marathon participants
person, student leadership from the three
have raised more than $100,000 for Wolfson
schools coordinated a Dance Marathon
Children’s Hospital and the pediatrics center
week via Instagram. They launched fun
at UF Health Jax. This money has helped
virtual challenges for dancers and honored
fund research and training, purchase life-
the students who had raised the most
saving equipment, and subsidize other
money that year. As fun as that was, Dance
aspects of patient care.
Marathon is about coming together as a community to support and raise money
Each year Student Government reviews
for local pediatric patients; ideally, that
applications, hears presentations and then
gathering is in person. Therefore, the Dance
selects a student club that will receive extra
Marathon club leaders are hoping to host
publicity and support from the school.
an outdoor, socially distanced event this
Photos from Dance Marathon 2019 78
Winter 2021
ADVANCING EPISCOPAL
Generous Donors Provide for Upgrades to Sikes Theatre The Florence M. Sikes Theatre benefited
The doors on each side of the theatre were
from a generous upgrade this summer,
replaced with silent sound-proof doors. The
thanks to an anonymous donor. The Sikes
stage was removed and the area underneath
Theatre is widely used for many campus
was completely cleaned and cleared. A new,
classes and events, but also serves a critical
sturdier stage was constructed and electrical
role to the Fine Arts program as the school’s
upgrades were made throughout the theatre.
black box theatre. “We are so thankful for the generosity of The existing chairs were removed and the
our donor who made these updates to the
floor was cleaned and painted. The school
Sikes Theatre possible,” said Katie Lebhar
was able to purchase high quality portable
Black-Bowling ’95. “This space, in the heart
theatre seating that interlocks into theatre
of the Munnerlyn Campus, is more than a
rows, but is also movable to allow for
classroom or meeting space – it allows our
different audience and performance space
students to reach their full potential as they
configurations. This seating is durable
explore performing and truly discover their
and usable during school hours without
God-given gifts.”
compromising usage of the space for theatre productions.
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END NOTES
In Memoriam ALUMNI Maude Elise Bullock Higbe ’78 was born on June 9, 1960, and passed away on August 8, 2020. She attended Sewanee: The University of the South, where she studied political science. She is survived by her husband, Jim, three sons, and two grandsons. Mitchell Rady ’78 passed away on January 11, 2020. A longtime Jacksonville Beach resident, Mitch was the owner of Cadillac Productions and Gene’s Seafood Restaurant. A service was held at 11:00 a.m. on January 16, 2020, at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Donations in his memory may be made to American Heart Association.
ALUMNI NEWS
Jeff Cobb ’78 passed away on March 4, 2020. He was born April 25, 1960. At Episcopal he played several varsity sports and was a member of Wahoo. Following Episcopal, he attended Vanderbilt University where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He then worked in the mortgage and title industry. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Dana; his children, Cory (Kennedy), Eric (Melissa), and Debbie; and five grandchildren: Mason, Neyland, Knox, Myla, and Koehen. He also will be remembered by his mother, Virginia Cobb; brother, Larry Cobb ’75 (Sharon); and sister Linda Cobb Ingham ’79 (Jim Ingham ’77); and his nieces and nephews, including Emily Ingham ‘07, Mary Catherine Ingham ‘10, John Ingham ‘12, and Nancy Ingham, who attended as a member of the Class of 2014. Harry Beard Cannon III ’80 passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2020. He is survived by his immediate family—his wife, Tina Cannon of Elizabeth City, NC, his daughter Jordan Cannon Rimarski (David) and his granddaughter, Kennedy Corrigan Rimarski of Bath, NC, and his daughter Taylor Cannon Bradbury (Lamar) of Charlotte, NC. He earned All-American accolades in swimming at Episcopal and went on to swim at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He ended his swimming career at Olympic trials in Hawaii. He earned a degree in industrial business from UNCChapel Hill and had a very successful career. The family had a private service due to COVID-19. Donations can be made on behalf of Harry to SOULS Ministry through Church of the Redeemer and sent to 207 Hwy 343 South, Camden, NC, 27921.
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James “Jimmy” William Phillips ‘84 passed away unexpectedly on October 7. Jimmy was born in Jacksonville on June 22, 1966, to Captain James W. and Wanda L Greeson. After graduating from Episcopal he attended Maine Maritime Academy. After college, he purchased and ran Arlington Aquarium for many years. He is survived by his wife, Amei; mother, Wanda; sister, Jamie; his nephew, Robbie; aunt, Dawn Gordon and cousins. A service was held Friday, October 30, with Dr. Arlinda Burke of Arlington United Methodist Church officiating.
Jacksonville Warehouse Companies, and became a partner at Scott Waterproofing Company, a commercial roofing company. John is survived by Lori, his wife of 18 years; his three children Ella, Lily and Dylan; and his parents Garnet and Foster Shepherd. He also has two sisters, Elizabeth Dean and Ashley (Zach) Elkins. Donations may be made to First Coast Women’s Services, 11215 San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville. This is an organization that is special to John and his family.
James F. Hayes III ‘86 passed away on September 2. James received his B.A. in economics and an MBA from the University of Richmond. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. James’s career included roles in sports management and financial and mortgage services. James is remembered for his soccer skills at Episcopal and the University of Richmond. He is survived by his two sisters Paula Kettell (Tom) and Lisa Ephrem (Vic); two nieces and three nephews; and his former spouse, Kirby Alexander. A service was held October 24 at Epping Forest Yacht Club. Donations may be made to his favorite organizations: Nassau County Humane Society, Safe Animal Shelter, FSU Seminole Boosters, University of Richmond Spiders Athletics Fund for football and soccer, the JT Townsend Foundation, and Disabled American Veterans.
George W. Gibbs III Former Episcopal Board of Trustees member George Williams Gibbs III died on October 10. George served as a Trustee from 2008 until 2012. He was an active member of the Finance Committee during his Board service. He and his wife, Ann, were longtime leadership supporters of Episcopal for 20 years. The Gibbses named a stained glass window in Davis Chapel, supported the Rowing program, and most recently supported professional development in differentiated learning for teachers. George and Ann are the parents of Episcopal alumna Betty Gibbs Tanzler ’09, and the grandparents of current Beaches Campus students John ’26 and Will ’28 Dodrill. Their grandson Robert attended Episcopal as a member of the Class of 2011. A celebration of George’s life was held at The Florida Yacht Club on Wednesday, October 14. Gifts in his memory may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, or the James Madison Institute.
John F. Shepherd ‘90 passed away on October 18. John was born on January 21, 1972, in Jacksonville. After graduating from Episcopal he earned a Restaurant Management degree from FSCJ Culinary School. He later worked with his dad as Vice President of 90
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TRUSTEES