The Magazine of Episcopal - Winter 2017 by Brandon Westerman

T H E

M A G A Z I N E

O F

EPISCOPAL Episcopal School of Jacksonville

F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

Meg Scheu Sacks

“ AT E P I S C O PA L … ” If you work at Episcopal – whether

We hope that our students will find

you are a teacher or staff member, in

their passion through the many

college counseling, communications

opportunities in arts and sports,

or the alumni office – you are

academics and servant leadership

fortunate to hear many stories from

and spiritual life available on

alumni about what they are doing

campus. We work to give students

and where they are

the tools to (safely)

working, additions

fail and succeed until

to their families

they find that passion.

and great personal

And we pray that when

accomplishments.

they leave us, they will use that passion to be

When you hear the

a leader and “doer of

stories alumni share,

good” in the world.

often those stories start with one common thread: “at Episcopal.”

It is amazing to us, even those of us who work here every day, the

Alumni start their stories with: “At

difference the Episcopal experience

Episcopal I learned to...,” “My coach

has made in the lives of our alumni

at Episcopal taught me…,” “The

– in what they have been taught, and

9th Grade Orientation Adventure at

how they have used that to succeed

Episcopal showed me…,” “It was

in their own individual ways. We

at Episcopal I was inspired to…,”

never tire of hearing stories from

The thread of these stories start on

our alumni, and are thankful each

campus, when the alumnus was a

time their story includes an “at

student, and continue as that person

Episcopal…”

is vaulted into the world to pursue their passion.

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

2 3 18 22 32 46 72 82

From the Head of School Alumni Features Alumni ProďŹ les Career Launcher Alumni News Campus News Advancing Episcopal End Notes 1

F R O M

T H E

H E A D

As we celebrate the Christmas season and the New Year, I want to express my gratitude to you for your enthusiastic support of Episcopal. Every day I see Episcopal’s mission – to create “doers of good” and leaders of men and women – alive in our students. This fall we’ve had exceptional accomplishments across our Four Pillars of student life and I’d like to share a few with you. Episcopal was voted The Florida Times Union’s “Best Private School – Secondary Education” this fall by the Northeast Florida community. Our outstanding and committed teachers continue to bring 21st Century classroom experiences to our students. In Anatomy and Physiology class students built prosthetic hands that were donated to those in need. Math students enjoyed “flipped classroom” style teaching, and our students have embraced and enjoyed the deeper learning that has come from our new schedule allowing for 65 minute labs, Harkness discussions, art projects and many other academic opportunities. Episcopal this semester inducted juniors and seniors into the National Honor Society and had students named as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholars program. As college acceptance notifications begin, our peer-leading college preparatory program and college counseling office have given many of our seniors the confidence to apply to the most competitive schools in the country. We wish them our best as they begin to receive their letters! Our fall athletics programs had strong placings at state competitions this year, especially varsity volleyball. The team was district and regional champion, and made it to the state final four. The boys’ golf team placed fourth in the state while swimming and cross country teams attended state competitions. Our outstanding Middle School sports programs had strong seasons as well, with the girls’ cross country team winning their conference championship. Finally, the opening of the Jangro Stadium, the new weight room, the Elizabeth Simpson Walton ’71 Aquatic Center and Randy Reese Pool were highlights of this semester. Students and coaches already are seeing the benefits from training and competing in these state of the art facilities, resulting from your generosity to the Lead the Way campaign. Over and over, I have had parents, students and alumni remark that they have never seen our school spirit so high and our student body so engaged across so many areas.

O F

S C H O O L

Our performing arts program wowed us all with a visually exciting and stunning run of The Wiz. The sold out show was a highlight of the semester. Visual arts hosted “The Change” in the Berg Gallery, featuring dozens of students’ works, and numerous guest artists have provided instruction and choreography opportunities. Always a must-see performance, the Christmas concert at St. John’s Cathedral showcased the talents of our choral and instrumental musicians in a setting perfect for the Christmas season. Student Vestry has planned and held several studentled Chapels. An Episcopal first – a community Shabbat dinner – was hosted by alumna Caila Moed ’09 and our own Matthew Levenson. Upper and Middle Schoolers experienced a powerful Eucharist Chapel at St. John’s Cathedral as we continue to honor the history of our school’s relationship with the Cathedral and our Episcopal roots. Students have strived to give back in our community through expansive hurricane relief efforts, canned food donations and volunteering for many non-profit organizations in Jacksonville. Lastly, we are excited to publish a new five-year strategic plan in mid-2018. The planning process is almost complete, thanks to the time and talents of many parents, faculty, staff and Board of Trustees volunteers. We are confident the report will result in a carefully considered and intentional guide map that will ensure Episcopal’s continued leadership in academic excellence and overall independent school education. In this season of thankfulness and celebration I am grateful for this Episcopal community, for the closeness of our alumni and the care of our parents, the time our volunteers spend enriching the student experience, and the faculty and staff that dedicate themselves so tirelessly to help our students reach their individual goals and their own great potential. Thank you for all you do for our school family. Blessings for a wonderful Christmas season as we joyfully celebrate our Savior’s birth and welcome 2018.

The Rev. Adam S. Greene Head of School

ALUMNI IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION

In this issue of The Magazine of Episcopal, we share

stories with you of alumni who are professionals in

the medical field. Each alumnus concentrates in a

different specialty in a different corner of the world.

Their stories are ones of personal triumph as well

as managing the challenges they face every day in

their careers. All are making an enduring difference

in the lives of their patients, their communities and

the medical profession.

LA URA G R E E N ’ 8 6

Pediatric Critical Care and Trauma Nurse Stanford Hospital Palo Alto, California

Becoming a pediatric critical care and trauma nurse was a second career for Laura Green ’86, who spent ten years as an accountant after graduating from Queens University of Charlotte, NC, in 1990. At the age of 33, Laura followed her heart to change careers and help the most helpless of patients – children – by earning a nursing degree from Queens.

and academic institutions in the country,” says Laura. Laura provides very complex, highly specialized tertiary care at the Transfer Center at Stanford Hospital serving both Stanford and Lucile Packard (Stanford) Children’s Hospital. The program is integrated with the Stanford Life Flight Program. Currently Stanford Life Flight is the only academic hospitalbased flight program in California and is also the oldest in the state.

“My intense passion for caring for people, for seeing each person as so deserving of care, grace, unconditional love, abundant blessings – “As a nurse, I can truly say believing that not only does there is no greater honor Laura is a nurse at Stanford everyone deserve to receive than to witness the things University Hospital - a Level 1 those things equally, we I do, the glimpses into Pediatric Trauma Center. all have the ability and the life’s fragility and into life’s obligation to the world around us to serve and tremendous victories – often against so many to give back selflessly and with love – I most odds – and to be entrusted with the care of definitely believe Episcopal greatly impacted often very vulnerable patients,” says Laura. my desire to serve those in need,” shared “Nursing has brought me to my knees in tears. Laura. It has brought me to my knees in prayer. It has lifted my heart higher than the stars in joy. Laura is a former flight nurse (helicopter All at different times. It is probably one of the ambulance) and Critical Care Transport Nurse hardest things I have ever done, but one of the for critically ill or injured children, infants and greatest I have had the privilege to do.” adults for the University of California - Davis on the Pediatric and Neonatal Transport Laura says that former Head of School Dale Team. She also spent time as a flight nurse Regan (2006-2012) has always been an for CALSTAR (California Shock Trauma Air inspiration to her. Rescue). From there she served as Critical Care Ground Transport Nurse, and then began “She was more than my role model and working in the hospital at Stanford. mentor and teacher. She was family. She was at times another mother. She was grace. She “I am immensely proud to be a nurse at was determination. She was brilliant. And she Stanford and to be immersed in one of the most was strength,” says Laura of Ms. Regan. advanced and outstanding medical centers 4

Laura moved to California almost 11 years ago, after spending time in Miami at the Jackson Memorial/University of Miami Pediatric ICU and at Children’s Hospital in Boston in the Pediatric ICU.

Laura in her former job as California Shock Trauma Air Rescue flight nurse with one of the original soldiers from “Band of Brothers.”

Laura in 2010 over Lake Tahoe in the air ambulance for CALSTAR. No patient was on board at the time. Laura is no longer a flight nurse, but her job is integrated with the Lifeflight Team at Stanford. She says, “Regardless, if one is in the aircraft, at the scene of a traumatic accident stabilizing the patient, or in our ER discerning how to best mitigate their loss of limb or life, the field has enormous avenues for specializing and helping our traumatically injured pediatric population and then preventing further trauma.”

Laura’s passion for her career is clear: “What I do and what I love most about being a nurse is that I am surrounded by nurse colleagues and mentored by nurse colleagues who give selflessly in the trenches, serving people from all walks of life, in all forms of disability. We do not ask if you can pay. We do not ask what political party you like. We do not see skin color. We barely even hear the multitude of different languages a patient might speak in our country these days. We see patients. We see need. We see fragility. We see strength. We are there when life comes into this world. We are there when life and breath transition out of this world. We are there in the middle of and behind the scenes of the bells and whistles, whirs and hums, the sirens and cacophony, and yes, even the whisper quiet of a sterile ICU seemingly running on autopilot after a frenzy of emergency activity. We are there for families: for mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, spouses, ex-spouses, crazy in-laws, siblings and the multitude of loved ones who show up to care for a person in need. We are there.” Laura lives in Los Altos with her two labradors, Lucy and Griffin. She loves to hike and ski. Her goal for 2018 is to be accepted into Duke University’s Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Masters of Science program, while remaining on staff at Stanford Hospital.

S CO T T S PA N N ’ 7 6

Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine Westlake Orthopaedics Austin, Texas

Scott Spann ’76 is a former world record holder in swimming, a two-time AllAmerican, and two-time SEC swimmer of the year. He was on campus this fall for the dedication of Episcopal’s 50M pool in honor of his former swim coach, Randy Reese (see page 32), where he posed for a picture beside the board showing that a 1976 record he set in the 100M breaststroke still stands. After Scott left swimming, he became an orthopaedic surgeon and a medical device inventor. He pioneered stem cell treatments for orthopaedic injuries and built a thriving practice in orthopaedic surgery. In what surely felt like a cruel twist of irony, he became a quadriplegic in 2005 after a biking accident. Through a grueling year of physical therapy and treatment, he was able to recover his mobility. It wasn’t easy. “The injuries I sustained were in my realm of specialization, so I clearly knew what the norms were,” he says. “But I also knew that the fitter you are when you encounter trauma, the better your chances

of recovering, and I was a fit person.” Scott also believes that attitude made a difference in how he dealt with the accident. “The loss of all control was big,” he says. “Taking responsibility for what I could control was an enabling aspect. I still can’t bike at the level I was at before the accident, but I’m still biking.” Scott lives in Austin, Texas, where he keeps a full surgical schedule in his orthopaedic practice. He says his long career in swimming laid the groundwork for the challenges and successes out of the pool. “After I retired from swimming, I did clinics in which I spoke to swimming teams,” he said. “My message was that you will catapult yourself farther than your peers and even maybe your parents if as a young person you learn to be goal oriented, delay gratification,

Episcopal teammates (L-R): Bill Forrester ’76, John Brosius ’77, Greg Anderson ’77, Nancy Hogshead-Makar ’80, Lauren Dupree Mahoney ’76 and Scott Spann ’76 in front of the team record boards where they each have records still standing today.

and have self-discipline. Those things are engendered by the sport of swimming, and it doesn’t happen only for the people at the top of the podium. Those are the benefits of competitive swimming for anyone.” Swimming is what brought Scott to Episcopal. He grew up in South Carolina, but moved to Jacksonville to train with Episcopal’s young coach, Randy Reese, and even lived with the Reese family for a time. “The hallmark of Randy’s program was that if we were going to participate, he demanded that we demand of ourselves,” he said. During Scott’s senior year, the men’s team was named number one in the nation by Swimming World magazine. After graduating from Episcopal, Scott swam for Auburn University for two years and the University of Texas for two years. He was named SEC Swimmer of the Year twice while at Auburn, and at UT, he was a two-time All-American and broke five world records. He was team captain his senior year, when UT won its first National Championship. He was working toward his dream of swimming in the Olympics when the United States boycotted the games in 1980. Scott earned his medical degree from the University of South Carolina. In his field, he has been an innovator in the use of stem cells for orthopaedic injuries, and he holds more than a dozen patents for orthopaedic products and procedures. He and his wife, Beth, whom he met in college, have three children. He was able to recruit Randy Reese to coach them when they were swimming, because he so valued the influence Randy had in his own life. “To have someone in your life who is as consistent as Randy, for a young person, that is incredibly valuable,” shared Scott. 7

REI D S H E F TA L L ’ 7 4 G eneral and Plastic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery American Medical Center Phnom Penh, Cambodia When not in the operating room, Dr. Reid Sheftall ’74 can be found on the golf course. In August, Reid was featured on the USGA website when he played in the USGA Senior Amateur Championship in Minnesota. A practicing surgeon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Reid also has earned a player’s card on the Malaysian PGA Tour and has played in the Malaysian, Thai, and Asian Tours and won two professional events. Reid’s move from the United States to Cambodia in 2000 came after he had worked as a private practice general surgeon for five years – it was the fulfillment of a dream he had had since his time as a pediatric burn reconstruction fellow in Los Angeles: to help children in a developing country needing reconstructive surgery or cardiac defect surgery. Since founding the American Medical Center and Operation Kids in Cambodia, Reid has performed more 1,500 life-enhancing operations for children. “I love helping the children who could not get their defects repaired anywhere else due to lack of funds,” said Reid. “This is how I make a real difference. They would not get their defects repaired if I was not here.” Reid provides free reconstructive surgery to any child who is the victim of a burn from any source: acid, boiling water, hot oil, open fire or any domestic accident. He also repairs congenital cardiac defects in small children. He has performed 1,328 surgeries on Vietnamese and Cambodian children during the last 18 years and has completed 8

these without donations of any kind. Through Reid’s organization, numerous young surgeons have been trained in burn reconstruction as well. Reid explains: “Plastic surgery is divided into two main branches; reconstructive surgery including burn reconstruction and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive concerns itself with repairing acquired and congenital defects. Cosmetic surgery attempts to improve someone’s appearance from an aesthetic standpoint. There is some overlap.” Artistically inclined, “I was drawn to plastic surgery,” he shared. His artistic talents, though, extend far beyond the operating

room. He’s brought his operating room experience to life on an episode of the British TV show called “Casualty.” The producers came to Cambodia to film it and Reid directed one of the scenes. In addition to TV, Reid also has written two feature length movies, and produced and directed one of them in 2012. He also has completed three books, one of which is in the early stages of development to be made into a movie.

M A RKU S G ÄB E L ’ 8 9

Transplant Surgery Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg, Sweden

A transplant surgeon, Dr. Markus Gäbel ’89 is following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a transplant surgeon. “He was always a great inspiration to me and when I grew up I saw the difference he made in the lives of his patients,” says Markus. Markus works with children and adult transplant patients for abdominal organs: kidneys, livers, pancreases and small bowels. His main focus is on small bowel transplantation and pediatric liver transplantation. At Sahlgrenska University Hospital, a third of all kidney transplants are performed with living donors and Markus manages most of the living donor kidney operations. “The patients who need these operations are often the most challenging but at the same time the most rewarding,” he says. The transplant specialty involves many other fields in medicine such as immunology and infectious disease because of post-transplant care. Patients that receive an organ must take an immunosuppressive medicine that lowers their immune system so they don’t reject their transplanted organs. The medicine means they are more susceptible to infections. Therefore transplanted patients are at a high risk of complications and need to be monitored closely. Taking care of complications and meeting transplant patients in the out-patient clinic is a big part of the work as a transplant surgeon. (continued on page 12) 10

J A KO B GÄ B E L ’ 8 9

C ardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg, Sweden

While attending Episcopal as an exchange student from Sweden, Dr. Jakob Gäbel ’89 was fortunate to have the Pietans as his host family. (Mary Pietan is a past member of the Episcopal Board of Trustees. She and Jerald, who passed away in 2015, are the parents of Kelly Pietan ’88 and Mark Pietan ’94.) “Dr. Jerald Pietan was a doctor at the Mayo Clinic. He was one the greatest role models that I have ever met and an inspiration for me to go into medicine,” says Jakob. Jakob is now a cardiovascular surgeon at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, along with his twin brother Markus, who also spent the 19881989 school year at Episcopal. Markus is also a doctor at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (see preceding page). “My year as a foreign exchange student at Episcopal was in every sense a great experience that has contributed to who I am today in my private life as well as professionally. The academic environment and the very committed teachers gave me valuable tools for the future,” shares Jakob. “In Sweden team sports are not a part of the school as they are in the U.S. Being a part of the varsity football and basketball team was something that I enjoyed thoroughly. It also taught me a lot about team effort, hard work and hard discipline.” As a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Jakob treats mostly acquired (continued on page 13)

(continued) “I love the fact that I can make a difference in the lives of my patients. Most of my patients have life-threatening conditions but most of them can return to a normal life after a successful transplant. I also feel fortunate that I get to follow a lot of my patients over the years when they come for their check-ups,” says Markus. Markus especially loves working with pediatric patients. “Working with children has its challenges but there is nothing better than to see a child with life-threatening liver failure return to normal life after a liver transplant!” Markus shares. Like his twin brother Jakob (see preceding page), Markus spent a year as an exchange student at Episcopal, living with the Galbraith family – Sylvie and Brian and their three daughters: Flamine Galbraith ’90, Saskia Galbraith Johnson ’91 and Stacey Galbraith ’91. “The academic environment at Episcopal and the great teachers helped and inspired me in a great way in my future academic career. I was also fortunate to play varsity football and basketball which was really tough but a lot of fun. It taught

Skiing is one of Markus’s great passions. Here he is ski touring in Norway.

me the meaning of hard work and discipline,” he shares of his days on campus. Markus and his wife Carolina have two children, Lisa, 11, and Gustav, 9. Markus is head coach

of Gustav’s hockey team.

(continued) cardiovascular disease such as ischemic heart disease and different valvular pathologies such as aortic stenosis and mitral insufficiencies. Treatment includes open heart surgery such as bypass procedures, valve replacements or repairs. His team also treats adults with congenital heart disease that need open heart surgery for a variety of different conditions. “At first I was very fascinated with the handicraft involved in cardiac surgery. I was hooked the first time a saw an operation performed on the heart. I am also very fascinated with the physiology of the heart and the circulation and the ways that you can affect it with surgery and different medications. It is also a field where you are able to help people who are really sick and have a poor prognosis if left untreated. Doing a heart transplant on a young person with severe heart failure and seeing them recover and return to a normal life is an incredible experience!” he says. His department handles about 30 heart transplants and about 45 lung transplants each year, making it the larger of the two Swedish centers that do thoracic transplants.

Jakob enjoys skiing and sailing in his free time.

“Treating patients with different kinds of cardiac pathologies means relieving them of symptoms and prolonging their lives. It is very obvious that it makes a difference not only for the patient but also their family,” said Jakob. Jakob, as Head of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, also has a chance to influence how the hospital department is managed. “The quality of our care is very good but to me it is very important to constantly try to improve every aspect of our

patient care. In Sweden we have one of the world’s most extensive socialized health-care system which has is pros and cons and challenges,” he shares. A growing field in cardiovascular surgery is treating patients with heart failure with different kind of mechanical heart pumps, and Jakob is very much involved in this area at the hospital. He is also very active in the hospital’s transplant program. Jakob and his wife, Maria, have three daughters: Ebba, Frida and Klara.

A LBERT C H E S TE R ’ 0 3

Pharmacology The Capstone Institute, Walgreens Jacksonville, Florida

Dr. Albert Chester ’03 perfectly balances teaching in his profession and helping his patients, improving the lives of all those he sees each day. Albert is a pharmacy manager for national drugstore company Walgreens and the owner and operator of The Capstone Institute, a post-secondary career training program that trains individuals to become Pharmacy Technicians. After completing the program graduates become state licensed Pharmacy Technicians. This synergy between his life as a pharmacist and time in the classroom means his students get the best instruction and his patients get the best care. “As a pharmacist, I hope to help patients (or customers) achieve the best therapeutic outcome possible and gain the knowledge need to live happy and healthy lives,” says Albert. “As an instructor, I hope to not just train students to be exemplary professionals but to help them unlock their potential and achieve greatness God has predestined for them.” Albert learned the importance of self-development and self-care from the best – longtime Episcopal Coach Charlie Hunt. Of Coach Hunt Albert says: “During my time at Episcopal and playing for 14

Coach Charlie Hunt, I developed a work ethic and a mentality that carries me to this day. Every morning at 5:00 a.m. I would train with him. This did not only prepare my body, but it prepared my mind. Coach Hunt would always tell me ’work when others don’t to have what others won’t’ and ’never be outworked.’ Those early morning workouts and conversations changed my life. It helped instill confidence and a belief that limits are just illusions, fear is self-created, and to always expect to win. All of which I have translated to every aspect of my life.” And to the lives of his patients and students. “As a pharmacist, I enjoy sharing my knowledge to help people maintain and improve their health. So many times, people have no idea what medications they are taking, why they are taking them, and how to take their medications,” he explains. “Aside from training students to become professional and ethical healthcare workers, I emphasize personal development. I have all students write a 10-year plan that lists goals, steps, and strategies to obtain their goals. We have weekly discussions about learning yourself, unlocking and unleashing the gift(s) God has given all of us.” Albert and his wife, Dr. Melissa Chester, have two sons, Aiden and Alex. Albert plans to open New Town Pharmacy on Moncrief Road in Jacksonville in 2018.

VALÉRIE KING ERNST ’82 P sychology Private Practice Dingsheim, France After an American high school graduation, Valérie had to graduate from high school again in France because at the time there was no equivalence between the United States education system and French one. She then chose to study psychology at the University of Strasbourg and specialized in victimology and trauma therapy, graduating in 1991. “During my studies, I volunteered in different social charities and worked at the local Planned Parenthood as well as for a young girls’ center. I started to work, part time, in a Victim Service Center (at that time, we were a handful of psychologists trained in that field so, even though I was working in Strasbourg, I was called on to help with a terrorist bombing and accidental plane crash) and part time in a home for mentally disabled adults,” shares Valérie. For the 1981-1982 school year Valérie Ernst left France and spent her senior year of high school at Episcopal. She lived – gratefully, she says – with Bobbie and Lee Mercier. Bobbie Mercier was an Episcopal French instructor at the time. “Being French, this whole year was just mindblowing, very much different from high school in France or everyday life in France!” shared Valérie. “At Episcopal, I met extraordinary teachers and great human beings, one of them was Marlo Drake, who was tutoring me and who introduced me to psychology (psychologies in fact), which was not taught in French high schools. At that time I wanted to study medicine but this encounter changed the whole picture. Talking with her, studying with her, made me discover a possible future path. It was such a rich and wonderful year, with so many great people!” 16

While spending many years in her career, Valérie has discovered new fields in her discipline and has worked as an expert for the justice system, with foster children, with elders with Alzheimers, and was able to develop new therapeutic skills. She has been in private practice for 15 years now as a family and couples therapist. “I’m very happy to see my patients getting better and finding ways toward happiness,” says Valérie. “It has always been comforting (and still provides for challenging work) to realize I’m good at “helping” others – guiding them to find their own solutions and acknowledge their resources – and I keep on learning that each patient, each human being, is a new adventure…. I love my job!” Valérie currently lives in Dingsheim, near Strasbourg, France.

K AT I E VO N H E R M A N N Y ODE R ’9 7 F amily Medicine St. Vincent’s Primary Care Jacksonville, Florida Building long term relationships with patients to help them with their medical concerns as well as coach them in preventative care provides Dr. Katie von Hermann Yoder ’97 with the opportunity to guide them to better health long term. “I feel that teaching patients about their medical problems and medications can help them understand better so that they take better care of themselves. When people understand, they care more and pay more attention to what they do and how they take care of themselves,” says Katie. “Preventive care is also important to me so I counsel patients about taking care of themselves, eating healthy and exercising regularly to prevent medical problems. Hopefully with this I can prevent some medical conditions from even starting.” Katie practices in out-patient primary care and sees patients in the office for chronic medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and depression, as well as yearly physicals and annual well appointments, in addition to sick visits and anything else that may arise.

Katie plans one day to resume medical mission trips like the ones she took in medical school. “Medical mission trips to Nicaragua and Dominican Republic are some of my best memories of medical school.” But every day she makes a difference with her patients here in Jacksonville. “I love building relationships with my patients and teaching them about their medical problems. You really get to know patients and help them through difficult times. It is a privilege to guide them to better health as they gain trust in you,” she says. Katie is married to David Yoder, a general dentist – they have two children: Ben, six, and Lilly, 19 months.

At Episcopal, Katie enjoyed AP biology with Mrs. Colby – raising ducks and dissecting animals. The overall Episcopal experience, however, is what taught her discipline and diligence – and good habits, she says. “The study habits I learned while at Episcopal served me well in undergrad and through medical school to be successful academically. I still listen to classical music when I study thanks to Mr. Iorii,” Katie shared. 17

ALUMNI PROFILE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN JACKSONVILLE BROOKS DAME ’12, The Sulzbacher Center, Development Assistant A recent graduate of Furman University with history and communications degrees, Brooks became interested in the Sulzbacher Center after a childhood trip to the facility with the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church youth group. “The youth group served over 500 meals for dinner in one night and it stuck with me. When the position opened up, I saw it as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the Jacksonville community,” said Brooks. The Sulzbacher Center provides shelter, healthcare, case management, and meals at no cost to homeless men, women and children in the city. The center works to transform the lives of those seeking help for the long term. The Development Department is responsible for funding these services, as well as developing and executing the strategic plan and expanding and creating relationships in the community with partners and donors.

“My role in Development is to aid these initiatives through donation recording, various administrative duties, coordinating with the public for in-kind donations (think twin sheets for our 380 beds or Halloween costumes for all of our children), support for the board of directors, plus event planning and a smidge of grant writing,” shares Brooks. Her time at Episcopal helped her to further understand the importance of giving back to the community. “The culture the faculty and staff at Episcopal create is one that is enriched by and focused on faith and service. The Episcopal experience was one that instilled in me the importance of philanthropy and caring about the people around you,” she says.

ALUMNI PROFILE

COMBINING A PASSION F O R S P O RT S A N D T V AT E S P N CARLIE MCCALL ’10, Content Associate at ESPN Carlie’s work at ESPN varies with the sport seasons and has included college football, the Women’s Final Four, NFL Draft, NBA Draft, NBA Summer League and the ESPY Awards. Her role as a content associate requires her to produce and write a wide range of video edits, including features, montages, biographical elements and teases for the game crew she’s assigned to that day. She also works directly with analysts to produce breakdown tapes for specific players or teams and stays in constant contact with various schools’ sports information directors and public relations departments. She travels on remote assignments to shoot and produce elements for specific events. “The best part of my job is seeing the direct impact my work can have on a televised event. I love the process of bringing an idea to the television screen and to the audience of fans at home. No two days are ever the same, which was important

to me when I was searching for a job. I like working on the fly, adapting to situations and managing roadblocks as they arise,” shares Carlie. Her choice to take the first ever Media Production class at Episcopal sparked her interest in broadcasting because of the hands-on experience she gained. “ESJ prepared me so well (especially Ms. Stevens and Mrs. Pauly!) that I was able to hold multiple production-related jobs and internships while at Auburn. Those jobs ultimately gave me the experience and networking needed to land my dream job at ESPN,” shares Carlie. “I was interested in this position because of my passion for sports and television. I always knew I wanted to work in sports, but I didn’t know in what capacity.” Carlie graduated from Auburn University with a degree focusing on radio, television and film.

ALUMNI PROFILE

C R E AT I N G D R E A M W E D D I N G S AT P L A N TAT I O N O A K S FA R M AMY MIZELL GREEN ’01 Owned by Amy Mizell Green ’01, Plantation Oaks Farm near Callahan, FL, was chosen in August to be one of the four wedding venues in the Northeast Florida area to have a bride featured on the TLC show called “Four Weddings.” The show, filmed in November, will air in the summer of 2018. “This was such an honor to be chosen as one of the top four wedding venues in the area to be featured on the show. It is an even bigger honor since we are the youngest of the venues and the only one privately owned,” shares Amy. “In 2014, we opened our rustic wedding venue at the farm. Since opening, we have had over 300 weddings and events for clients all over the world. We have even had several Episcopal alumni get married here.” Huge live oaks that are hundreds of years old and pristine white fencing add to the charm of the venue. The decision to offer the farm as a site for weddings incorporated Amy’s love of farming, animals, building design, landscaping, and hosting large events. “Each wedding and event is completely different. We custom design each floor plan to showcase the taste and ideas of each bride. I custom designed the entire building to showcase 20

Animal Science Business. She credits her Episcopal softball coach, “BG” Kenneth Gaster, with significantly influencing her path toward raising farm animals and turning that passion into a career. The summer between Amy’s sophomore and junior year her softball team played in a tournament in Chattanooga, TN. Coach BG arranged for Amy and classmate Ashley Pound ’01 to visit a thoroughbred racing farm in north Georgia after the tournament was over.

the outside beauty of the farm landscaping with large windows to give an outdoor look with an indoor experience,” she shares. “I personally meet with each bride and attend every event to ensure that each client is satisfied with every aspect of their wedding.” Amy worked on the farm, long owned by her family, when she was a student at Episcopal. “The overall education, structure, discipline, and work ethic instilled in me at Episcopal truly shaped who I have become as a person and a businesswoman. It was absolutely the best decision my parents made for my education,” says Amy, who attended Texas Tech University and Auburn University, where she studied

“That experience made me want to pursue duplicating that majestic farm look for the rest of my life. It was truly an unforgettable experience that I am so grateful to have had as a kid,” said Amy. “Coach BG taught me so much more than just how to play softball well. He taught me how to focus, get up when I failed, and learn how to read my opponents and defeat them.” Amy married her husband, Kevin in 2007 and they welcomed their son, Colt, in 2009. Plantation Oaks Farm offers horseback riding, horse training, horse shows and even temporary boarding facilities for horse travelers. Birthday parties with petting zoos, livestock sales and bridal shows in addition to weddings are all a part of everyday life at Plantation Oaks.

ALUMNI PROFILE

M A K I N G G R O C E RY S H O P P I N G S I M P L E W I T H LY S T R KARA SCANLIN ’02, Lystr email it off for help with your shopping.” The sleek device lives discreetly in your kitchen and the smartphone app makes it easy to shop. Making grocery shopping a breeze is what Kara Scanlin ’02 has done through creation of her smart IoT kitchen device with connected app that went on sale in October. Lystr was founded in 2015 when Kara was pursuing her MBA at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The team participated in the school’s New Venture Challenge in 2015 when, as Kara puts it, “Lystr was an idea on the back of a napkin.” After graduating business school and ultimately leaving her prior job, Kara committed to the startup full time in 2016. Earlier this year, Lystr was a part of 1871’s WiSTEM accelerator for tech entrepreneurs. Kara explains the product: “When you’re low on olive oil, swipe the barcode past Lystr or say, ’Hey Lystr, add olive oil’ and it’s automatically added to a grocery list on your Lystr smartphone app. Use your list to shop at the store, share it with a household member, or

“We put an insane attention to detail in designing the product.” Says Scanlin, “I’m picky about what I put in my kitchen, so we had to make it look great.” Lystr is aimed to help busy professionals, overworked moms, gadget enthusiasts and anyone who wants to be a little more efficient and productive. The Lystr team is based out of mHUB in Chicago. Scanlin mentions the need and opportunity for an independent (retailer-agnostic) platform for a household to manage their groceries and home consumables. “Consumers shop at an average of 5.4 different types of stores for groceries, and when you look at Millennials that number jumps to 5.9 - they want to get what they want, when they want it, where they want it.” Lystr aims to be that independent, retailer-agnostic platform for consumers to manage their groceries and other home consumables. 21

STUDENTS J O B S H A D O W AT THE ADECCO GROUP Episcopal’s Career Launcher program partnered with The Adecco Group, the largest staffing firm in the country, to provide job shadowing experiences for Episcopal students in Upper School over the summer. Students were able to work with Adecco employees in the areas of legal, finance, accounting, marketing, healthcare, technology, engineering, and human resources. “Episcopal is grateful to Adecco and especially Rich Thompson, Adecco’s Regional Head of HR for North America, UK and Ireland (father of Jack Thompson ’19) for providing this unique experience to our students,” said Episcopal Director of Alumni Relations Heather Johnson ’90. “This opportunity provides an authentic work experience not offered inside a regular high school classroom and gives students access to meaningful work in the corporate world, helping students prepare for college by providing insight into possible majors and career paths.” Jack Thompson ’19 believed a job shadow experience with The Adecco Group would benefit Episcopal students and approached his father and Heather Johnson ’90 with the idea in the spring of 2017.

The Adecco Group job shadow program participants (L-R). Back: Bond Magevney ’19, Annika Amlie ’17, Sara Himebauch ’18, Meri Claire West ’18. Front: Ana Timpke ’18, Liam Gorman ’18, Jessica de la Torre ’09 and Matthew Joseph ’19.

“

C A R E E R

L A U N C H E R

“My experience at The Adecco Group was one of

roles in creating the final products that are shown

the best experiences of my life. I still keep in touch

to the public. It was an interesting experience to see

with my advisor, David Ertrachter. He has become

how they worked hand in hand with one another to

my personal mentor. The relationships that I built

create new website designs that appeal to all age

with David and the Adecco team were incredible

groups. We focused on how the interaction can

and I would highly recommend this program to all

play vital roles in company dynamics and overall

students.”

company success. This was a great experience ~ Matthew Cooper ’19

and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in it.” ~ Sara Himebauch ’18

“I am grateful that The Adecco Group gave me the opportunity to shadow an individual in the medical field. I realize after my three days of shadowing

“The shadowing opportunity at Adecco gave me

the importance of finding a career that I am going

good insight into the workings of modern business.

to enjoy for years to come. Another big factor is

I benefited from being able to get a glimpse into

working with people that have a positive attitude

the many different departments of one company

and love their job.”

which is not something that many people get to ~ Sarah Allen ’18

do. I learned a lot about the professional world and I can’t wait to do more.” ~Nandini Tandon ’20

“My job shadow experience this summer was a great experience and provided me with an amazing opportunity to see what the working world is like.

“I really appreciated Episcopal giving us a

I worked in the healthcare area and saw all the

great opportunity to job shadow. I would highly

different types of jobs which go into making the

recommend this program to anyone considering

whole system work. I learned the importance of

it. I learned so much in a short period of time.

hard work and customer service. This was a great

The experience has provided me with focus and a

opportunity and I would recommend it to anyone

better plan for my future. Thank you Adecco!”

who has the chance.”

“

~ Liam Gorman ’18

~ Marco McGowan ’19

“I shadowed in the marketing department. Right

“This summer I had the opportunity to shadow in

when I walked through those two glass doors into

the marketing department of The Adecco Group. I

the marketing room I just knew that this is the

learned that within the marketing department there

type of environment that I wanted to be in. With

are many sub-groups that play equally important

entrepreneurship as my passion, I gained key skills

“

Job shadow program participants (L-R). Back: Nandini Tandon ’20, Christopher Carney ’19, Marco McGowan ’19, Ben Case ’18. Front: Trey Bell ’19, Matthew Cooper ’19 and Sarah Allen ’18. from this experience including leadership and

me valuable exposure to the business world. I feel

interpersonal skills that I am sure will serve me well

as though this experience accelerated my views on

for my future and my career moving forward. From

possible career paths for the future.”

meeting and learning from many of the mentors

~ Ana Timpke ’18

that led me through this experience, I saw what it

is truly like to be in a business environment and

these memories and the feelings I had attached to those memories will stick with me for a lifetime.” ~ Matthew Joseph ’19

“This summer I was able to experience different fields (such as financial, healthcare, technological, etc.) within the marketing department which gave 25

STUDENTS FOR A SHORT TIME ALUMNI FOR A LIFETIME Kara Bosworth (host) and Lindsey Dempsey â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16 at The Adecco Group.

Episcopal’s Career Launcher program is a resource for alumni transitioning from college to career. The goal of this program is to help young alumni by providing internship

opportunities

and

career

resources exclusively to Episcopal alumni. In addition to connecting young alumni with alumni who are already established in the workforce, Career Launcher helps our young alumni build their professional lives. The Career Launcher program is yet another way in which Episcopal’s Alumni

“

Association lives the motto: Students for a Short Time…Alumni for a Lifetime.

“This summer I had the opportunity to work for the content marketing team at The Adecco Group. I learned so much more than I ever could in a classroom and had hands on experience. It was such an amazing way to spend my summer working with professionals who were so eager to help me learn the ropes of marketing.” ~ Lindsey Dempsey ’16, The Adecco Group

If you or your company are interested in offering an internship to Episcopal alumni, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@esj.org.

“

C A R E E R

L A U N C H E R

“Interning at The Adecco Group this

to fetch coffee or file tedious papers, or any

summer was truly a wonderful experience.

other typical meaningless intern activities.

I had the pleasure of working in the Human

I was able to work with insightful mentors

Resources and Finance departments which

and managers, participate in interesting

allowed me to gain so much applicable

meetings and projects, meet with several

experience that I never could have gained

executives and CEOs, and even attend

from a classroom. From my first day I

numerous

was given so many opportunities to jump

writing and social media training. I have

into the corporate world and learn about

gained so much insight and experience,

the work that they do from my amazing

along with a network of professionals and

mentors and the numerous executives

mentors that I will keep in touch with for

and supervisors that I had the opportunity

many years to come.”

trainings

including

resume

to work with. I was given projects that strengthened the knowledge that I already

~ Gabby Corritore ’14, The Adecco Group

had and even expanded it. Never was I asked

Host Cherise Jackson, Gabby Corritore ’14, and hosts Elisha Sosa and Wendy Slayton at The Adecco Group.

Rob Rogers ’15 and David Smith ’01 at Danis Construction.

“

“My internship with Danis Construction was an enriching experience because it convinced me that I was in the right field. Although going into college I was unsure about what career path I would choose for my future, this internship showed me that I have made the right decisions for myself. Overall, it was an experience that I value greatly.” ~ Rob Rogers ’15, Danis Construction

C A R E E R

“

L A U N C H E R

Cole Wilbur ’14 and Chip Stroud, Episcopal Assistant Director of Athletics - Upper School.

“It was great to be an intern at ESJ.

as I move onto life after college. I

The opportunity to work with the

am blessed to be a part of such an

Episcopal

amazing athletic office and I thank

Athletics

Department

really showed me how much hard

them for teaching me so much.”

work they put forth day in and day out. I was able to experience so

much in my summer there and will

~ Cole Wilbur ’14,

take all the skills I learned with me

Episcopal Athletics Department

“

“Over the summer I had the opportunity to be an intern at Duval Ford. This experience was incredible and taught me a lot about the car business as well as my leadership style in the workplace. I am excited to take what I have learned over the summer and apply it going forward in the future.” ~ Thomas Magevney ’16, Duval Ford

Will Law ’08 and Thomas Magevney ’16 at Duval Ford.

SWIMMERS HONOR COACH RANDY REESE They came from as near as San Marco

an effort to name Episcopal’s 50M pool in

and as far away as Australia to honor their

honor of Randy. As Randy also coached

beloved swim coach, Randy Reese. Upon

at the University of Florida, contributions

receiving a bequest from former swimmer

came in from UF swimmers as well. The

Tom Royal ’78, fellow swimming alumni

dedication, held in September, drew more

Greg Anderson ’77, Allen Poucher ’72,

than 100 former swimmers who traveled to

Lanier Drew ’76, Dianne Morse Crane ’77

the dedication to pay tribute to Randy.

and Nancy Hogshead-Makar ’80 launched 32

1. After the dedication, Janet and Howard Hogshead hosted the group at their home. Pictured left to right: Paul Herring, Randy Reese, Tracy Caulkins Stockwell and Mark Stockwell. 2. Randy and two of his Olympic medalists: Bill Forrester ’76 and Nancy Hogshead-Makar ’80, who spoke at the dedication ceremony. 3. Olympic Bronze Medalist Bill Forrester ’76 and Cole Crane, Class of 2019. In 2016, Cole broke Bill’s record in the 100M Butterfly, which had stood since 1976.

4. Marilla Pearsall ’75, left, and Joanne Hamilton, who spent many years as a “swim team mom.” 5. Randy Reese and his brother, Eddie, who coaches the University of Texas men’s team, one of the best in the country. 4

ALUMNI S AV E T H E D AT E ! JANUARY 6

YOUNG ALUMNI OYSTER ROAST AT EPISCOPAL

Young alumni are invited to attend a festive oyster roast on the Acosta House Lawn from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. JANUARY 20

ALUMNI EVENT IN LOS ANGELES

Join fellow Los Angeles area alumni for a cocktail reception with The Rev. Adam Greene, Head of School, on Saturday, January 20 at the Jonathan Beach Club from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. FEBRUARY 1

CLASSES WITHOUT QUIZZES

Return to campus for a fun evening of enrichment classes with some of your favorite teachers and coaches! The evening will begin with “homeroom” (a.k.a. happy hour) followed by an evening of exciting enrichment options. FEBRUARY 16

ALUMNI EVENT IN TALLAHASSEE

FEBRUARY 24

BLESSING OF THE FLEET

APRIL 27 & 28

REUNION 2018

For more information, contact Heather Newman Johnson ’90, Director of Alumni Relations at alumni@esj.org.

ALUMNI ALUMNI EVENTS

W A S H I N G T O N D . C . The Rev. Adam Greene, Head of School, welcomed Washington, D.C. area Episcopal alumni at the Cosmos Club on Thursday, June 15.

J U M B O S H R I M P On Thursday, August 10, young alumni gathered for a pregame tailgate at the ballpark with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. A great time was had by all! The Alumni Board established the Young Alumni Committee in an effort to provide additional support for young alumni events and initiatives. This group focuses on engaging alumni who graduated within the past 15 years. 35

R O Y A L P A L M W I N E T A S T I N G Alumni enjoyed a wine tasting event on September 14 hosted by alumna Kori Tafoya Blacker ’99 at her popular tapas and wine shop, Royal Palm. Wine expert alumnus Joe Murray ’99 shared his vast wine knowledge with the group.

THE WIZ ALUMNI AND PARENTS OF ALUMNI WINE & CHEESE Alumni and parents of alumni returned to campus for a wine and cheese reception prior to the opening night performance of THE WIZ on November 2. Alumni cast members from the 1993 performance of THE WIZ attended as special guests and received a “shout out” during the pre-show awards ceremony from fellow 1993 cast member and current Interim Director of Fine Arts, Katie Lebhar Black ’95. 36

C L A S S O F 2 0 1 2 Members were invited to a five year reunion event at Kickbacks Gastropub in the private “Belgian Bar Basement” on November 24. Attendees enjoyed catching up with each other while many were back in Jacksonville for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Photos from Episcopal’s alumni events are on ESJ’s Flickr account (https://www.flickr.com/photos/episcopalhigh/sets/). If you have ideas and suggestions for alumni events, email alumni@esj.org. 37

H O M E C O M I N G

2 0 1 7

Alumni and their families enjoyed catching up with each other and watching the Eagles defeat Cedar Creek Christian during the Alumni BBQ at Homecoming this year.

A L U M N I

C L A S S

R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S

2 0 1 7 - 1 8

Episcopal is grateful to its team of Alumni Class Representatives who serve as a liaisons between the school and his/her class. The primary responsibility of the Alumni Class Representative is to contribute their time, thought and energy to the lasting connection between their classmates and Episcopal. If you are interested joining our team of Alumni Class Representatives, please contact Heather Newman Johnson â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90, Director of Alumni Relations at alumni@esj.org.

1971 Mary Tucker Fouraker Patty Anderson Ubbens 1972 Brad Berg Julia Sontag Daze 1973 Craig Hamilton Alan Moore Becky Vodrey 1974 Alan Almand Skip Booth

1988 Heather Rainey Moseley 1989 Jeff Bryan 1990 Jennnifer Stopiak Hayes Katherine Donahoo Nott 1991 Liza Barnett Cristi Peterson Skeels 1992 Cara Freeman Bowyer Amy Burrows Perkins

1976 Lanier Drew Wendy Dickinson LaPrade Kristy Olson Miller

1993 Carmen Sacerio Chartrand

1977 Francine Andia Walker

1994 Mary Lanier Cook Kerri Cannon Napoleon John Naugle

1980 Whatley Law

1995 Anne Marie Forbes Hulsey

1982 Rick Alexander Cris Scott Tennant

1996 Tiffany Kidd Post

1983 Jane Loop Pomar

1997 Tasha Nickodem Stevens

1986 Julie McFall Batson Laura Green

1998 Charles Chunn Kyle McClung Julie Wiggins Sorenson

1999 Jorge Oliver Kevin Vaughn Emily Humphries Wise 2000 William Milne Eddy Oliver Graham Riley 2003 Beth Anne Frost 2004 Baker Berg Hampton Graham 2005 Carley Glasser Leigh Black Israel 2006 Lesley Marchman Gittings Darren Zeigler 2007 Justin Davis Ashley Helmick Katharyn Smith Woods

2010 MacKenzie Ball David Drew Lee Haramis Deanna Thornton 2011 Francesca Mantay Mickey Simmons 2012 Keegan Ball Mary Dudley Lee Tracy Thompson 2013 Elizabeth Daw Caroline Oakley Cutler Renard Phoebe Stephens 2014 John Michael Currie Natalie Lewis Richie Mullaney Sid Yarlagadda 2015 Lawrence Sims Collin Walker

2008 Peter Blumeyer Brad McCollum

2016 Laurel Lee

2009 Corey Jackson Emily Lewis

2017 Davis Cury Caroline Still

C L A S S

N O T E S

’84

The Hartman family attending Homecoming on October 21. From left to right: Paul Hartman ’03, Faith Hartman Donnelly ’98, Elizabeth Hartman ’07 and Joel Hartman ’97.

’73 The Rt. Rev. George D. Young III recently retired as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. He and his wife, Rev. Kammy Young, now reside in Pensacola, FL.

’74 Nick Glover is relocating to the Saint Augustine area after almost 38 years in the St. Petersburg – Tampa area.

Patti Eckert Bauernfeind swam the length of the Loch Ness in August. Patti set out at just past 6:30 a.m. local time and completed the 22-mile swim at approximately 7 p.m. The water was about 54 degrees. Patti swims for the benefit of Trust in Education supporting education efforts in Afghanistan. Chris Hall ‘84 traveled from San Francisco with a team to film Patti’s swim in support of her ongoing fundraising. Fellow Episcopal alumni were on the Loch to cheer her on: Joy Eckert ‘82, Mark LaBorde ‘84, Jenna LaBorde ‘17 and Jack LaBorde ‘20.

’86 Kevin Chinoy returned to Jacksonville in October for a showing of “The Florida Project” with Willem DaFoe. Kevin produced the movie. More about Kevin’s impressive career is highlighted on IMDb.

’87

Billy Cerveny spoke at St. John’s Cathedral on October 29 as part of the Cathedral’s series Preserve and Proclaim Honoring The Right Reverend Frank Cerveny. Billy is a Pastor at Midtown Fellowship in Nashville, TN. He and his wife Charla have three children: Emmy, Wiley and Scout.

’89 Philips Dickerson is the author of The Calabria Deception and two other books. He attended Washington and Lee University and has taught at Duval County Schools as well as schools in Charlotte, NC. His website features his writing: http://www. philipsdickerson.com/

’90 Heather Wilkes Bailey and her husband, Brian, live in Jacksonville with their two children, Addison (7) and Benjamin (5). Upon graduating from the University of Florida with a bachelor of arts degree in English, Heather went on to obtain her master’s degree in education, also from the University of Florida.

C L A S S

N O T E S

’92

’01

Gordon Speed currently resides in Alexandria, VA, and works as a Federal Liason for the National Rifle Association of America in Washington, D.C.

Michael Bertozzi lives in Atlanta, GA, where he serves as Director of Culinary/ Executive Chef at Concentrics Restaurants, TWO Urban Licks and Molly Bs.

’97

William Joos lives in Los Angeles, CA, and is a professional photographer. His work is on www.photojoos.com.

’05

’02

Shelby Westerman married Casey Ratchford in Charleston, SC, on October 10, 2017. A reception for immediate family was held in Jacksonville on Thanksgiving weekend. Shelby and Casey are active in the Jacksonville community together, supporting the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, The Arc Jacksonville and Theatre Jacksonville.

Tommy Myrick and his wife Abigail welcomed a baby girl, Lydia Anne, on December 25, 2016. Tommy and his family live in Chevy Chase, MD, where Tommy serves as the pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church.

’04

Michael Krombach and his wife, Meggie, welcomed daughter Margaret Loving Krombach on November 1, 2017.

’98 Paul Bertozzi lives in Jacksonville where he serves as Managing Partner at Live Oak Contracting. Caroline Brame Flory lives in Charlotte, NC, where she works as the general manager of Itron, Inc.

Leigh Black married George Arthur Israel IV on May 6, 2017 at Epping Forest Yacht Club.

Max LaPrade married Joanna Capelin on October 14, 2017 in Durango, CO.

Dawn Johnson Thompson opened Midwest Cheer Elite Illinois/ Midwest Dance Elite Illinois in May 2017. 43

C L A S S

N O T E S

’06

’08

’11

Randal Drew received his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and in a joint program with The Lauder Institute, received his MA in International Studies.

Dr. Robert Lombardo received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida on May 19, 2017. He’s living in Jacksonville Beach and works as a dentist at Sawgrass Complete Dentistry in Ponte Vedra Beach. His best friend from Episocpal, Dr. Kane Sears ’08 was a classmate at UF College of Dentistry and they’re both practicing in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Kendall Gunter was married to Jamie Edward McCurley on October 15, 2017. The couple lives in Enterprise, AL. Kendall graduated from Auburn University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in history. She is now employed by Dothan Houston County Library System as a library assistant while she works toward her master of library science degree from Florida State University.

Tricia Krombach and Richard Kopec were married on November 11, 2017.

’07

Tess Ferguson Sturgeon lives in Jacksonville with her husband, Matt, and their daughter, Riley Elizabeth, who is two. Tess now serves as the Assistant Director of Dance at Episcopal.

’10

Brooks Dame graduated from Furman University in 2016 with a bachelor of arts degree in history and communication. Brooks is now living in Jacksonville where she works as a development assistant at The IM Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless. Brooke Ferguson currently works with the Nashville Shakespeare Festival as an actress and in costume design. She also acts with Vege Theatre Company and has been in a few short films created in Nashville. She was recently named Assistant Director with the Tony-nominated children’s theatre Theatre Bug.

Charles LaPrade married Ashley Simon on May 27, 2017 in Greenville, SC.

Kristie Saoud was admitted to the Florida Bar and sworn in by Judge Mahon, the Chief Judge of the 4th judicial circuit in Jacksonville, in September. Kristie works in the corporate department at Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball and graduated cum laude from University of Florida Levin College of Law on May 19.

’12

Tyler Rice has accepted a job offer to work for Pittsburgh Glass Works. Steven Matos-Torres graduated from Swarthmore College in 2017 with a bachelor of science degree in engineering. Steven is now living in Seminole, FL, where he works for Schneider Electric as a customer project specialist.

C L A S S

Marilyn Rowell graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a bachelor’s degree in urban environmental studies. She is now living in Virginia Beach, VA, and working for Zeta Tau Alpha as a traveling leadership consultant.

’14 Ross Clements, a junior at Vanderbilt, is the drummer for State 28, an indie rock band based in Nashville, TN. Ross has been producing the band’s music for about a year.

Emily Galant was named a Princess of the 2017 Florida State University Homecoming Court. She was also the 2014 Homecoming Queen at Episcopal.

N O T E S

’17 Dorothy Poucher plays volleyball for the Continentals at Hamilton College. Speakman Smith is currently attending Howard University, where he is a member of the men’s swim team. In the team’s home debut on October 13, Speakman was honored with the team’s Golden Goggles, which go to Howard University’s most outstanding male performer of the meet. Smith took first in two individual events: 200-yard individual medley and 200-yard breaststroke.

Robert Still was accepted into the Corps of Cadets at West Point this summer. Siblings Caroline Still and Jake Still attend the University of Virginia. Katie Underwood assisted ESJ Fine Arts instructor Rebecca Hoadley with the new Hyppo Popsicle mural in San Marco. Katie is studying at Ringling School of Art and Design.

A M Y P E R K I N S ’ 9 2 TA K E S O N N E W R O L E A S D I R E C T O R O F S T U D E N T S E RV I C E S

Amy Burrows Perkins ’92 has been a part

“I am thrilled to partner with students

of the ESJ community since her seventh

and other members of the Episcopal

grade year – and 25 years after graduating,

community,

she takes on a new role as Director of

journey toward personal growth and

Student

experience

understanding,” said Amy. “We each

as an educator spans 17 years and two

wake up with the opportunity to stretch

continents, and she brings to Episcopal

ourselves, and grow a little bit. At Episcopal

a sensitivity to culture, community, and

we offer students a chance to do that in

individual differences. Her excitement for

a safe, nurturing environment, with the

the opportunity to serve students, parents,

support of an excellent team in Student

faculty and staff is evident.

Services.”

Services.

Amy’s

meaning-making

The Student Services office delivers a broad

As an alumna, Amy believes that what was

array of services. Counselors provide short-

once her personal journey to seek excellence

term social and emotional support to students,

across the four pillars has developed into a

and Learning Specialists provide academic

passion to build community across the four

support

differences

pillars. She seeks to help individuals and

and develop skills. If additional professional

groups maximize their potential for growth

support is in the student’s best interest,

and development. That growth is already

Student Services also coordinates referrals

underway and will continue as Amy leads the

to outside providers, and the department also

community conversation and implementation

manages the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct

of programming and support related to health,

training for the community. Finally, many

safety and well-being.

address

learning

students come to know the staff members through their role as faculty who teach the

This effort is not simply an initiative for

ninth grade Life Management class.

2018-19, because Episcopal seeks to value and prioritize these issues with a renewed sense of

During Amy’s time at Episcopal, she was a

commitment that goes beyond any single year

multi-sport athlete, active in clubs and student

of programming. Prioritizing health, safety

government, and a bright, engaged student in

and well-being will result in a comprehensive,

the classroom. She earned a Bachelor of Arts

evolving array of programming for students

degree in Spanish from Davidson College and

and parents, professional development for

a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

faculty and staff, and resources for the entire

from the University of North Florida. She

community.

credits the Episcopal church community with instilling in her the importance of service, and

This spring meetings with a Health, Safety, and

that led her to work with Habitat for Humanity

Well-being Committee will begin, along with a

along the Texas-Mexico border and VISIONS

series of open events targeting individuals and

Service Adventures in Peru. She also served

stakeholders who also want to provide input

as a counselor, Dean of Student Success and

into how this effort should unfold for 2018.

Director of Student Onboarding at Florida

The group will explore topics like technology,

State College at Jacksonville.

anxiety and stress, and substance abuse. The committee will incorporate feedback

Involvement with the planning for her 25 year

from the strategic plan survey, assess the

reunion led her to think about connecting

community’s current climate, decided how

further with the Episcopal community. “This

to offer curriculum-complimenting activities,

is such a special place, and I was drawn back

and review processes and practices.

in a powerful way,” she says. Amy welcomes feedback at perkinsa@esj.org. 47

2 0 1 7 FA L L AT H L E T I C H I G H L I G H T S

FALL SEASONS INCLUDE STRONG S H O W I N G S AT S TAT E COMPETITIONS

VOLLEYBALL district champions, regional champions, state final four BOYS GOLF Web.Com tournament champions, district runners-up, regional champions – finished fourth in the state GIRLS GOLF Apryl Parker ’19 qualified for the state tournament BOYS SWIMMING district runners-up, regional runners-up – finished eighth in the state with Cole Crane ’19 state champion in the 50 freestyle G I R L S C R O S S C O U N T RY finished 10th in the state B O Y S C R O S S C O U N T RY finished 12th in the state

E P I S C O P A L C O A C H E S T A K E A D VA N T A G E O F BEST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES Through the Elizabeth Simpson Walton ’71 Fund for Coaches’ Professional Development, Athletic Department staff and coaches have been able to experience multiple professional development opportunities this year. This fund ensures that our coaches are able to seek the A T H L E T I C

S T A F F

A N D

A T T E N D I N G

CRAIG PLUTA, Director of Strength and

C O N F E R E N C E S

CHARLIE HUNT,Assistant Football Coach,

Conditioning, Wrestling Program Director:

Track Program Director: Florida State University

2017 Coaches Conference (National Strength

Football Coach Clinic – Tallahassee, FL

and Conditioning Association) - Nashville, TN DEDE ALLEN, Tennis Program Director: Women’s Tennis Coaching Association Conference – New York, NY ANDY KIDD ’99, Director of Athletics: Southern Association of Independent Schools Athletic Directors Conference - Atlanta, GA KASSE EPPLEY, Assistant Director of Athletics – Middle School, Head Middle School Volleyball Coach, Head Middle School Softball

ROBB SMITH ’99, Assistant Football Coach: Florida State University Football Coach Clinic – Tallahassee, FL BROOKS COLLIER, Assistant Football Coach: Florida State University Football Camp – Tallahassee, FL KIP COLLINS, Wrestling Program Director: National Wrestling Coaches Association, Daytona, FL EVAN KING, Assistant Wrestling Coach:

Coach: Southern Association of Independent

National Wrestling Coaches Association,

Schools Athletic Directors Conference -

Daytona, FL

Atlanta, GA CHIP STROUD, Assistant Director of Athletics – Upper School, Boys Basketball Program Director: National Association of Basketball Coaches Final Four Convention - Phoenix, AZ TRACY JESTER, Assistant Softball Coach and Assistant Volleyball Coach, Physical

DANI FREI, Cheerleading Program Director: Varsity Cheer Coaches Conference, Orange Park, FL MELISSA DURSO, Assistant Cheer Coach: Varsity Cheer Coaches Conference, Orange Park, FL DERICK WERTZ, Head Middle School

Education Instructor: American Red Cross

Boys Soccer Coach: National Strength and

Trainer Certification - Jacksonville, FL

Conditioning Association Certification Strength

MARK BRUNELL, Football Program Director: Florida State University Football Coach Clinic – Tallahassee, FL 50

best training available which in turn enriches our students’ overall athletic experience. The support from this fund helps Episcopal’s coaching staff stay on the cutting edge of the best training techniques in their field.

and Conditioning Specialist- Jacksonville, FL

EPISCOPAL ADDS FALL AND SPRING S A I L I N G C L U B T O AT H L E T I C O P T I O N S

Episcopal added Club Sailing this fall as an

our students who went out for the sport. I

option for athletics. ESJ has partnered with the

look forward to seeing this program gain

Florida Yacht Club and their staff to offer this

momentum this spring as we begin

opportunity to students. The Florida

our second season of sailing,” said

Yacht Club sailing program directors

Director of Athletics Andy Kidd ’99.

are Coach Jodi Weinbecker and Coach Dustin Domer. “We are pleased with the start of our Club Sailing program this fall. Coach Jodi Weinbecker, Coach Dustin Domer, and the Florida Yacht Club staff have done an excellent job supporting

“Dustin and I and the Florida Yacht Club are excited to help provide Club Sailing at Episcopal. This will be a great program for the novice or the expert. We hope that this will be a staple program in Jacksonville,” said Jodi Weinbecker, Waterfront Director at FYC.

K N I G H T S P O R T S C O M P L E X O N LY HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS IN JACKSONVILLE D E V O T E D T O AT H L E T I C S

also have a new monument entrance and Episcopal’s Knight Sports Complex is nearing fencing along Atlantic Boulevard. completion, with a new field house that includes locker rooms, public restrooms and a “The facility improvements at our Knight concession stand. A lit parking lot with traffic Sports Complex will give our student-athletes signals for exiting onto Atlantic Boulevard, and coaches everything they need to reach their two full sized playing fields with covered full potential. From court spectator bleachers and field space to locker and new scoreboards, rooms and training a new lacrosse wall for areas, we couldn’t be technical training, and more pleased with ten USTA tennis courts how everything turned are part of the Lead the out. We are so thankful Way campaign upgrades to everyone who to the property. supported the Lead the Additionally, the Walton Way Campaign,” said Boathouse will get a new Andy Kidd ’99, Director kitchen, which will allow Knight Sports Complex improvements include of Athletics. this beautiful facility to a new field house with restrooms and locker be used for more events. rooms, storage and a concession stand. New The Knight Campus will parking lots and a traffic light on Atlantic Boulevard improve ease of access.

Revamped playing fields Schmidt Field and CrandallGiles Field - allow for more space for ESJ’s growing lacrosse and soccer programs.

The new Himebauch Lacrosse Wall provides additional practice space for the lacrosse program.

The new Clements Tennis Center facility has 10 USTA courts, shaded stadium seating and water stations. 53

25 YEARS OF ADVENTURE AND MIRACLES By Marion Zeiner, Director of Scientific Research and Science Instructor Every year many small miracles happen in the Episcopal community. Through the Freshman Orientation Adventure, affectionately known as 9GOA (and before 2009, the 8th Grade Trip) thousands of young people over the years have had their lives changed through a trip to Unicoi State Park in Georgia. During this annual Episcopal adventure, God safely guides and protects nearly 200 students as they camp on platform tents, hike along steep and muddy trails, and whitewater raft on a wild and scenic river; and then He brings them back home safe and sound four days later. The students leave home feeling anxious and a bit fearful, and then they return exhausted, jubilant and appreciative. Even though they were separated from their friends, their families, their phones and the comfort of their own bed, they are thankful that they attend a school that gives them this life changing opportunity.

“Never in a million years would I have ever thought that knot tying, archery, whitewater rafting and mountain hiking would change my life. Not only did I get closer to my peers and people that I did not know, I learned one of the most valuable lessons in my life – to be accepting of what the future holds and to not worry,” said 2017 trip counselor Madelene Garcia ’19.

It is the framework of the trip that makes it

the younger students happily follow the lead.

special. While dedicated and experienced

Whether their assigned chore is cleaning the

teachers,

adult

pots after the evening meal or picking up trash,

volunteers provide supervision, food and

the group works together enthusiastically until

medical services, it is the older students

the job is done. When the unexpected happens,

who have the responsibility to care for and

the counselors help the campers see that it is

to guide the younger students. Ground rules

an opportunity for adventure, resourcefulness

are established and the group works, learns,

and growth. Those are the most memorable

hikes and rafts together. Each counselor sets

moments.

alumni,

paramedics

and

the positive can-do attitude in the group, and 55

“Surrounded by the natural beauty in Unicoi State

graders to an orientation trip for ninth graders

Park, I truly felt God’s presence. I simultaneously

in August. However, the students no longer get

progressed my relationship with God and found

stuck in the mud as they trek across a drained lake

myself during this trip,” Counselor Margaret

bed, tour the Oconee Nuclear Station or hike up

Commander ’19 reflected.

to Brasstown Bald. Now, the beautiful blue Unicoi Lake is filled to capacity, and the students’ days are

Graduates can vividly remember sleeping in

filled with science programs at Smithgall Woods,

the Visitor’s Center during a tornado warning,

a five mile hike along the Smithcreek Trail and

carrying a camper on a stretcher two miles on the

Bob Gudger’s wolf presentations. And students

Smithcreek Trail, camping out at the Brasstown

still camp in the Squirrel’s Nest at Unicoi State

Bald Visitor’s Center, and watching a very large

Park, raft the wild and scenic Chattooga River,

black bear eat snacks in the food shelter two nights

watch Ranger Bob start a fire with dry branches

in a row. Sleeping on raised platforms, hiking to

without matches, and settle down each evening

the restroom, eating out of the same bowl for each

to a peaceful campfire.

meal, walks along woodland trails in the dark, and white water rafting are new experiences for most

The trip has become an Episcopal tradition, and

students.

graduates often name it as their favorite memory of their Episcopal career. They laugh about the

These real-life experiences provide opportunities

late night runs to the comfort stations, the bugs

for students to develop their team building,

and bats in their tents and the karaoke in the bus.

problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Flat

They remember the food contests at the Dillard

tires, leaking tents, thunderstorms, muddy paths

House, the boats that flipped on Bull Sluice and

and plummeting temperatures have become

the massive slip’n slide in the Unicoi field when

obstacles that have required patience, team work,

it rained 14 inches in two days. Most importantly,

and personal stamina. Rather than allowing these

everyone remembers the new friends and the

situations to become merely problems to solve,

caring spirit in their groups. One, ten or twenty

they became opportunities to develop in the

years later there are students and graduates

students a strong sense of accomplishment. When

sharing stories about how they met their best

it is over, the students feel proud to have thrived

friend in their tent on the 8th Grade Trip or the

on such a demanding and primitive adventure.

Freshman Orientation Adventure. They weathered the storm together, and now they are friends for

The very first trip 25 years ago was pretty similar

life.

to the silver anniversary trip this past August, but

it was also very different in many ways. In the early

“There is no event during my lifetime that I can

years half of the grade level went at a time, but now

think of that had more impact on me that the

the entire group goes at the same time. In 2009

9GOA trip,” reflected 2017 counselor Alexander

the trip transitioned from a spring trip for eighth

Goldfield ’19.

STUDENT STORIES

CHOOSING TO BE KIND By Julia Sessions ’18 We were maybe thirty minutes into our return journey from Unicoi State Park to Episcopal. As it was my job as a junior counselor on the 9th Grade Orientation Adventure to make sure no one was sitting alone on the bus, I surveyed the rows of heads. Each one had a partner - good. It was only when I settled into my seat at the back of the bus that I noticed, in the very last row of seats, a boy sitting alone with his head down. I brought it up to my fellow counselors, who decided that I should be the one to go sit with him. I sat down with him begrudgingly, but, after those six hours spent with him, left changed. He didn’t seem enthused when I first took up the seat next to him. He glanced at me, but then went back to staring out the window. I was perplexed as to how I was going to be able to socialize with him. My window of opportunity was revealed when he pulled out a sketchbook and began to draw. He was amazing. I complimented his elaborate doodles and received a shy smile and “thanks” in return. This was progress, and from there I was able to engage him in conversation. We talked mainly about high school and his nervousness about being a freshman. I tried my best to quell his anxieties by relaying my own experiences from my ninth grade year. After that conversation he delved back into his drawing, and I took an extremely long nap. Before I knew it we were back at Episcopal. The ninth grade students, upon arrival, practically sprinted off the bus, but as 58

I stretched and gathered my things, he took the time to wait for my attention to say, “You made the trip worthwhile for me.” Those words have stuck with me ever since. My experience on the bus made me feel ashamed for the way I felt before that moment. I would never have willingly sat with that boy on the bus; I would have preferred to be comfortable and stay with my friends. I would never have willingly approached someone sitting alone at lunch or sitting alone in a courtyard. That shy, ninth grade boy’s simple expression of thanks taught me the importance of having compassion for others and the importance of looking out for those in need, regardless of what others think. Just as that boy was sitting silently and undetected on the bus, not everyone in need might be articulating their need for help; hence, we have to go out into the world boldly, being kind and welcoming to all. Because in the end, it is the most fulfilling feeling knowing you have changed someone’s day - or possibly even life - for the better. In my case, my heart too was changed for the better in the process. The lesson I learned from my experience on the bus is something I will take with me into college and beyond. Treating people with compassion is sometimes hard, especially towards those unknown to us, but a friendly smile, warm hello or even a shared seat on the bus might be just what someone needs to get through the day.

STUDENT STORIES

A CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE By Jacob Sessions â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18 Two summers ago I went to the Dominican Republic on my first ever mission trip. This was monumental because it was the first time I was away from my family for an extended period. I had no idea what to expect and was very anxious. The goal of the trip was to help an orphanage in Santo Domingo. My group lived at the orphanage and donated clothes, toys, toiletries and other miscellaneous items. We also helped rebuild the orphanage and a nearby school. However, the most important thing we did was spend time with the kids. From playing basketball, football, tag, 4 square, frisbee to UNO this consistently proved to be my favorite part of the trip. Although a language barrier existed, I had no trouble befriending the kids. What really struck me was how energetic and genuinely happy

they were. You could not tell that they were living without fresh water, reliable electricity or a home with parents. They were happier than anyone I have known and this really put into perspective how fortunate I am. I realized that since I have been given so much, I should give back to those who are not as fortunate. Hence, I now try to serve my community by counseling on school trips, helping at the YMCA and doing community projects with my church. This trip was by far one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had in my life and really opened my eyes to how blessed I am. I went on the Dominican Republic trip to be a blessing, but in the end I realized the trip had been a blessing to me.

STUDENT STORIES

A WORTHY CHALLENGE By Bailey Schram ’19 Episcopal has been a place of education and setting a solid foundation for many students and people in the Jacksonville community. Each student who walks through these halls can tell you something about what they have learned here or how it’s shaped them as a person. And every single person’s view of this school is different because we are provided with a specially curated curriculum and set of bonds. The teachers and faculty here are wonderful and through each thing I have struggled with here, I am always able to get help when it is necessary and that has been so helpful through my high school experience. This is my fifth year at Episcopal and considering I graduate next year, as weird as that is to say, I have decided to really look back into how Episcopal has shaped me as not only a student but also a person. I arrived in seventh grade and that was an extremely difficult year for me. It was such a different learning style here then what I had been used to growing up and I wasn’t aware I had a learning disorder until the end of that year. The whole time I went through struggling, thinking I was not good enough to be here or that I just was not smart enough. I got help numerous times, and it still was a major struggle for me. But by the end of the year, we had discovered what finally worked for me.

Something clicked, and I could finally focus in class. My grades went up almost immediately and it was the best feeling; I finally felt like I was good enough to be here. Even in my worst class, English, my grade went to a B after an entire year of struggling to keep a C or even below, and I just remember being so shocked and happy I was almost moved to tears before my mom had even finished talking. After that hard year, eighth grade was a game changer for me. My grades were amazing, and I had a much better understanding of the curriculum I was learning and how to properly get help when I needed it. High school was next, and of course it was and still is difficult, but I wouldn’t be able to be where I am today if it wasn’t for the amazing teachers and faculty that have helped me get where I am. Episcopal has shaped me in more ways than one, in that I have found how I learn and what works best for me not only in school but also in life. It has taught me valuable skills that I use in my everyday routine, and I know it has helped me grow and mature since I arrived here in middle school. Episcopal has given me a foundation for a great start, and I cannot wait to see where these skills take me in life.

STUDENT STORIES

FINDING MY FINAL COSTUME By Sara Himebauch ’18 We all had a dream profession when we were little: a veterinarian, a doctor, an astronaut. Whatever it was, you probably had a costume you could dress up with. What I wanted to be changed on a weekly basis, from a princess to a professional chef to even a referee in the NFL. It was not until I was ending my freshman year of high school that I unknowingly found what I would want my final costume to be. I was told to apply for the yearbook staff by a friend of my brother who had been an editorin-chief, and to be honest, I was not too sure about it all. But on a whim, I said why the heck not? and sent my application through the yearbook room’s doors. After two weeks (completely forgetting that I had even applied), I received an email with a “congratulations” note that said I had been selected to be on the staff in the coming school year. Instantly, as I sat at my desk in the small corner of our room, I knew what costume I wanted to wear: a writer. It was as simple as that. I sat in that yearbook room writing until I thought my heart was content, but the funny thing was, it never seemed to reach that idyllic state. Junior year was when I discovered exactly what I wanted to write about. I sat in my AP Environmental Science class and thought to myself, “I’m going to write about all of the issues we talk about in this class because it seems like no one really knows about them.”

So that was that and I thought everything was figured out. Then life threw some curveballs my way. None in particular that were huge, but just small things that seemed to pile up, until one day I was so buried that I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, I remember running into the yearbook room one day at the beginning of this year, seeing some of my very best friends in the room, and an overwhelming sense of relief immediately flooded over me. I was at peace and suddenly, by the sheer presence of such an encouraging and helpful atmosphere, I could see clearly again. The yearbook room and the people that I have made a connection with through this program have shaped my high school career for the better. I can honestly say that deciding to apply on a whim was one of the best decisions of my young adult life. There is no way my high school career would have been the same if I had not been in this class. I probably still would’ve been trying on different costumes to see which one fit exactly right. I can see the light now and I have my small corner of Episcopal’s big campus to thank for that. I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from my days in the yearbook room: “Yearbook. People pay to read my homework.” 61

THE WIZ This year, Episcopal students were swept up in tornadoes and away in hot air balloons. They were attacked by flying monkeys and even melted and a hurricane was even thrown in for added excitement! THE WIZ, a classic tale of Dorothy's adventures set in a soulful Oz, is based on the book by William F. Brown with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. More than 100 cast and crew members, including students and professional musicians, dance ensemble members, alumni, and even faculty and administrators,

made

this

spectacular

performance of THE WIZ in November one for Episcopal’s history books. “Students

were

given

phenomenal

opportunity to produce a high-caliber show in our beautiful Munnerlyn Theatre, while at the same time be involved in an event for the entire community. Much like Dorothy, they met new friends they might not have had the chance to know otherwise. They found their home away from home in our Fine Arts Department. They rose to the challenge and realized just how capable they really are,” said Taylor Lee Horne ’01, Performing Arts Department Chair and Upper School Theatre Director. “I am so grateful for this to have been my homecoming. The theatre program obviously had a tremendous impact on me during my time as an Episcopal student. I feel incredibly blessed to provide a similar experience for today's generation.”

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Episcopal Christmas Concert, “Light of the World,” took place on December 1 at St. John’s Cathedral. This annual event is always one of the performance highlights of the Fine Arts year and a beautiful way to usher in the Christmas season. Music faculty for the performance were Carolyn Tuttle, Director of Choral Music, Greg Hersey, Director of Instrumental Music, and Mary Helen Solomon, Assistant Director of Choral Music. “There are so many images of light over the season – between candles, the star of Bethlehem and Jesus himself – that it was easy to find beautiful music. I was so proud of the students and the way they performed!” said Ms. Tuttle. Students – 137 Middle and Upper Schoolers – performed several selections of choral and instrumental pieces, including popular pieces from holiday movies like “Home Alone” and a piece from “Frozen.” “The annual Christmas concert was a night of musical excellence and sophistication. The choral and instrumental programs performed at an incredibly high level and represented the Episcopal community through professionalism, musicianship and dedication,” said Mr. Hersey. A video of the concert is available on the St. John’s Cathedral YouTube page at https://youtu.be/CJULB-owmgo.

E P I S C O PA L H O S T S C O M M U N I T Y S H A B B AT D I N N E R Episcopal held a community Shabbat dinner on

“In addition to its world-class academics, arts and

Friday, November 10, in the school’s Buck Student

athletic offerings, Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Center. Led by Episcopal history instructor

does an excellent job fostering a welcoming faith-

Matthew Levenson, the event celebrated the

based environment. They supported me not only as a

culture and traditions of the Jewish Sabbath with

student, but as an alumna. Their Fine Arts Department

more than 70 guests. Episcopal faculty, staff,

single handedly made me into a professional dancer by

students, parents and administrators gathered

my senior year, and their college prep department did

for a meal, prayers, music and reflection.

everything in their power to help me gain admission to New York University. They teach Christianity

Mr. Levenson explained each step of a Shabbat

through modeling agape, and for me, it was a positive

dinner, including lighting the Shabbat candles,

way to experience another religion.”

prayers over the wine (grape juice) and bread, as well as the traditional hand washing ritual.

Caila graduated from New York University and

Caila Moed ’09 said the opening prayer for the

is living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while her

lighting of the candles in Hebrew. Episcopal

husband Eric earns a graduate degree at Harvard.

students read poems and said prayers in Hebrew.

She is an up and coming young professional in the

School Chaplain The Rev. Teresa Seagle read a

field of philanthropy and nonprofit development.

poem about the beauty of Shabbat written by a Sephardic Jewish girl titled “Shabbat Shalom.”

“The only aspect of my experience [at Episcopal]

The menu – cucumber salad, chicken pot pie,

that was missing was other families like mine.

corn pudding, kugel, and matzo ball soup – was

Through philanthropy, my husband and I hope

prepared from a cookbook featuring recipes from

to continue to support the cultivation of a Jewish

Holocaust survivors.

community on campus so that no student or family ever feels alone or as if they are missing

“The dinner was a gathering of our community in

out. We hope this model can be emulated at

a shared experience of finding peace at the end

schools around the country to help us all come

of a busy week,” said The Rev. Teresa Seagle.

together and support one another. The Shabbat

“We celebrated with our Jewish community

dinner served as a kick-off of these efforts. We

members and we learned about rituals of another

look forward to continuing to collaborate with

faith tradition, which is part of the goal of an

Head of School Adam Greene on programmatic

Episcopal education and the Episcopal Church

and systemic ways to welcome all communities

– that exploration of other faiths can enrich and

on the Episcopal campus.”

deepen our own personal beliefs.” The evening closed with an overview of the Caila Moed ’09, who brought the vision for the

Havdalah Service, the end of the Sabbath,

event to the school and also sponsored it, shared

traditionally held Saturday at sundown, but

her experience while a student at Episcopal:

incorporated into the event so guests could experience the full Shabbat tradition. The Friday

“IN ADDITION TO ITS WORLD-CLASS A C A D E M I C S , A RT S A N D AT H L E T I C O F F E R I N G S , ESJ DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB FOSTERING A W E L C O M I N G FA I T H - B A S E D E N V I R O N M E N T. ”

Night Live Band played Hine Ma Tov (“how good

traditional meal with those at Episcopal who

and pleasant it is that people live together in

aren’t Jewish,” said Matthew Levenson. “It also

peace” and Shavua Tov “a good week, a week of

gave those of us who are Jewish an opportunity

peace, May gladness reign and joy increase”) to

to celebrate together with family and friends in

close the evening.

our community and to share with those we live and work with what makes the Sabbath so unique

“Hosting Shabbat dinner at Episcopal was a

to our faith.”

great way to share all the special aspects of this 69

A SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL By The. Rev. Teresa Seagle, School Chaplain Through

the

Lastinger

Summer

Scholars

This experience prepared and equipped me

Fund, I traveled to the Holy Land in June 2017.

to lead a pilgrimage of Episcopal students and

While there, I nurtured and strengthened my

families to Israel in June 2018. Katie Black â&#x20AC;&#x2122;95,

relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout

Interim Director of Fine Arts, and I are excited

the journey, I reflected on my role as the Dean

to lead others on this exciting journey to the

of Spiritual Life and Chaplain

Holy Land next summer. With

spiritual

Shoresh Study Tours, we will

pilgrimage is already influencing

guide participants on The Life

my roles as priest, chaplain and

& World of Jesus from June

teacher and will continue to bear

25 to July 6, 2018. On this tour,

fruit on our campus and beyond.

we will trace the life of Jesus

Episcopal.

This

from his home in Galilee to Spending nearly two weeks in

Jerusalem. After walking in

Israel was life changing. When

the land of Jesus and learning

I arrived in Galilee, I submerged

about the first century Jewish

my feet in the River Jordan,

context,

imagining the scenes where

better be able to apply the

John

teaching of Jesus to our lives

the

Baptist

baptized

people, recalling Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own baptism,

and

reflecting

participants

will

today.

my own baptismal vows. At

We are truly blessed to have

the Sea of Galilee, I read and

these experiences to travel

reread the stories of Jesus on

abroad at Episcopal. Historical

the boat with his disciples and

events become living history,

the numerous Gospel stories

cultural awareness expands

which occurred on its shores. In

our knowledge and empathy

Jerusalem, I read and pondered

for others, and study and

so many Old Testament and

learning

New Testament stories as I

empower us.

transform

and

gazed upon the sites where the scripture first unfolded. I strolled to the Western Wall to pray for friends

The Lastinger Summer Scholars Fund, an

and family, placing my written petitions in the

endowed fund within the Episcopal School of

wall with thousands of other prayers to God. I

Jacksonville Foundation established through a

retraced the steps of Jesus on his final days. I

gift made by Delores and Allen Lastinger in 2000,

know I will never experience Holy Week in the

provides for special professional development

same way again. I will never experience the Bible

experiences for selected ESJ faculty.

in the same way again. 70

Please consider joining your ESJ friends, alumni and colleagues on our first ever Episcopal Israel trip. This trip will retrace the life of Jesus from his home in Galilee to Jerusalem, giving particular attention to the first century Jewish context in which Jesus lived. Our goal is a better understanding of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ministry and a better application of His teachings for us today.

The trip is open to students and adults alike and our sincere hope is that an inter-generational Episcopal community will embark together on this journey. We will be partnering with Shoresh Study Tours, a well renowned ministry that has been leading people on this spiritual and intellectual journey through the Holy Land for more than 30 years. Katie Lebhar Black â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;95 and The Rev. Teresa Seagle are leading the trip and have traveled to this area of the world before.

We invite you to this life changing adventure.

J U N E 2 5 - J U LY 6 , 2 0 1 8 To download the brochure with pricing and itinerary information and to register for the trip, please visit https://shoresh.mvti.net/episcopal-school-of-jacksonville 71

On Monday, December 4, Episcopal hosted the inaugural JingleBall tennis tournament on the school’s Knight Campus. Forty players of all skill levels played in a morning tournament led by Episcopal’s Tennis Program Director, Coach Dede Allen. Pamela Steitz and Julie McQuiddy chaired the event and provided Christmas themed food, favors and auction items for all of the guests. The JingleBall is a fundraiser for the school that provides funds in support the operations of the school and assist in fulfilling the school’s mission.

1. Tournament participants with ESJ Tennis Coach Dede Allen 2. Checking out scores and rankings 2

3. Shefali Vashi 4. Silent auction items 5. Winner trophies on display 6. Heather Wingard ’93 and Carson Hobby ’91 in their senior shirts 7. Lisa Peterson and Kacey Lewis Roache ’00 4

8. Coach Dede Allen and event chairs Pamela Steitz and Julie McQuiddy announce the winners 9. Cathy Munoz and Shefali Vashi 10. Dee Gober and Kathy Healey

Each year Episcopal receives support from

respected businesses in our community are

many businesses in the community as

supportive of Episcopal’s mission. This

part of the school’s Corporate Partners

special group of supporters gathered

Program. These corporations provide

at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports on

financial support for the school that

Monday, November 6 for a round of

not only allows the school to maintain

sporting clays followed by oysters and

excellence in education and operations

BBQ from The Bearded Pig, owned by

but also demonstrate that these well-

Michael Schmidt ’96.

Celebration Committee invites you to

Chef ’s Table ROOTED IN EPISCOPAL

March 3, 2018 6 PM EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE

BUCK STUDENT CENTER FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS CONTACT JENNIFER WINDLEY AT WINDLEYJ@ESJ.ORG OR 396-5751 X 1103

Conﬁrmed Chefs Include: Corner Taco

76CHRISTOPHER DICKERSON ’90

Chef ’s Garden/Candy Apple Café

JENNIFER EARNEST ’00

The Bearded Pig

MICHAEL SCHMIDT ’96

WHY GIVE? SUE & PETER SABO Parents of Alumni “ From our first campus visit in 2005, we felt strongly that Episcopal School of Jacksonville was the place we wanted to educate our children. The high standard of excellence held by the faculty and staff was the foundation we valued. Twelve years and three college graduates later, we can’t think of a better way to thank our extended ESJ family than by continuing to support The Episcopal Fund each year.”

ERIN WOLFSON ’01 Alumna “ Episcopal holds a dear place in my heart. It’s not simply for being my high school alma mater, but more importantly, for helping shape the person I am today. The support I have received over the years from this school, both as a high school student and now as an alumna, is unparalleled. I find it only fitting that with all Episcopal has given to me I continue to give back in whatever way I am able.”

MARLA & GEDDES ANDERSON Current Parents “ We give because Episcopal not only provides a great education but also trains students to have true success in life.”

DONATE NOW T H E

EPISCOPAL FUND

2017 - 2018

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Gavin Moore ’87

Jay Cummings ’75

Gavin Moore ’87 passed away on August 27,

Alvin Jay Cummings III, 60 of Winter Garden, FL, passed away on August 18, 2017. Jay was born on February 11, 1957, in Jacksonville, FL. He worked for Walt Disney World for 35 years as an artist. Jay is survived by his wife Lydia; his daughters Mary Frances and Alene Sonia Cummings; his mother, Frances Roseborough and by his brothers and sisters: Richard Cummings,

Russell

(Marcie)

Cummings,

Penny (Michael) Bell, Alison (William) Kemp and Peter (Tracy) Cummings. A service was held on August 29 at Arlington Memorial Park in Jacksonville, FL. Joy Eckert ’82 Joy Eckert passed away on November 26, 2017. Joy is survived by her sister Patti Eckert Bauernfeind ’84 and her parents, Robert and Phillippa Eckert. During her final days Joy was surrounded by family and friends, including her Episcopal classmate Nancy Atkinson Linton ’82, who was Joy’s friend since first grade. A celebration of Joy’s life was held December 1 in Orlando, where she worked in the insurance industry. During the service Nancy remembered Joy by sharing a poem written by herself and Ed Scott. A memorial service will be held in Jacksonville, FL, in 2018.

2017 in Jacksonville Beach. Gavin is survived by his parents, Suzanne McCormick Taylor (Robert), a longtime member of the Episcopal faculty and staff, and Charles Newberry Moore, grandmother Jean Haden McCormick, brothers Travis Alexander Moore ’89 (Erica), Mark

Allen

Moore

’93

(Erin),

and

Rhyan Derring Taylor ’90, nieces Alexandra Keller Moore, Taylor Julia Moore, and Ellis Jean Moore, two goddaughters, and his large loving family. Gavin earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science at Sewanee: The University of the South, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He earned his MBA at the University of Florida. Gavin owned and operated San Pablo Realty in Atlantic Beach as a licensed real estate broker. A service was held on September 8 at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, FL.

L E A D E R S H I P Board of Trustees Claudia Saenz Amlie ’87 – Secretary Beverly H. Bonaparte Clare G. Berry ’73 Patricia S. Blanchard Stephen D. Busey – Chancellor Jackie Jennings Busse Angela Corey Troy M. Davis ’93 Kelly A. Flanagan ’02 David C. Hodges, Jr. ’90 – Chairman R. Brian King Mark R. LaBorde ’84 The Honorable Don H. Lester John Magevney ’89 The Very Reverend Katherine B. Moorehead – Vice Chairman Helen C. Rowan – Treasurer John C. Schmidt ’70 Sally Haskell Singletary ’86 William N. Steitz III Carl E. Stoudemire III ’75 Kenneth D. Sweder Stephen Suddath ’73 Arnold D. Tritt ’81 Mark V. Young Theodora D. Walton Sidney Wells ’91 The Right Reverend Samuel John Howard, Bishop of Florida, Ex-Officio The Reverend Adam S. Greene, Head of School, Ex-Officio Charles Chunn ’98, Alumni Board President, Ex-Officio Foundation Board John A. Delaney Stephen D. Moore, Jr. John E. Sawyer IV Kenneth D. Sweder David C. Hodges, Jr. ’90, Chairman Board of Trustees, Ex-Officio The Reverend Adam S. Greene, Head of School, Ex-Officio

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8

Trustees Emeriti William B. Bond E. Bruce Bower Peggy P. Bryan J. F. Bryan IV John W. Donahoo, Jr. David W. Foerster Henry H. Graham, Jr. † Joan S. Haskell Preston H. Haskell III Mark Hulsey † Delores T. Lastinger Allen L. Lastinger Hugh M. Magevney III J. T. McCormick † Thad L. McNulty Walter A. McRae, Jr. † John A. Mitchell III Jane S. Munnerlyn † W. Wilson Munnerlyn † The Reverend Dr. Robert R. Parks † Gert H. W. Schmidt † The Honorable Gerald B. Tjoflat Elizabeth S. Walton † William H. Walton, Jr. † Mary B. Winston † James H. Winston Katharine K. Zambetti Head of School Emeritus Charles F. Zimmer Honorary Trustees William B. Barnett The Rt. Rev. Frank S. Cerveny Maxwell K. Dickinson Thomas M. Donahoo J. Dix Druce, Jr. Richard H. Jones Dr. Ross T. Krueger Joan W. Newton Marian B. Poitevent

Alumni Board Charles Chunn ’98 – President Heather Rainey Moseley ’88 – President-Elect Katharine Donahoo Nott ’90 – Vice President of The Episcopal Fund Kerri Cannon Napoleon ’94 – Vice President of Membership Jennifer Stopiak Hayes ’90 – Secretary William Milne ’00 – Chaplain Members at Large Baker Berg ’04 Peter Blumeyer ’08 Leigh Black Isreal ’05 Mary Lanier Cook ’94 Lee Haramis ’10 Ashley Helmick ’07 Brad McCollum ’08 Jane Loop Pomar ’83 Graham Riley ’00 Katharyn Smith Woods ’07 Julie Wiggins Sorenson ’98 Tracy Thompson ’12 Deanna Thornton ’10 Darren Zeigler ’06 Editor Meg Scheu Sacks Design and Production Katie Lawrence Contributors Glenda Feliciano Heather Newman Johnson ’90 Jennifer Windley Missy Ketchum Lisa Allen Kara Mathias Marion Zeiner The Rev. Teresa Seagle Amy Perkins ’92 Photography Brandon Westerman ’99 Laura Evans Photography († deceased)

4455 Atlantic Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207

Front Cover image: Jackson Ravis ’19, David Li ’19, Isaac Zhang ’18, Julia Downes ’19 and Adrien Zhu ’18 in Honors Science Seminar.