Torchbearer Spring 2008 | Volume V | Issue 4 by Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, The Torchbearer

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

TORCHBEARER A PUBLICATION FOR PARENTS, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF HOLY INNOCENTS’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

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THINK GLOBALLY,

ACT GLOBALLY SERVICE WORK ON THE ROAD WITH

THE DEFENDING STATE CHAMPS

CONGRATS! CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMPLETE

SPRING 2008 | VOLUME V | ISSUE 4

Hbmb!3119! The Gala Committee out for A Night In The Orient

Qjf!Uif!Qsjodjqbm!Ebz Lower School Assistant Principal Mr. Greg Kaiser, in his best “Pie-rate” outfit, wears his Cool-Whip well, rewarding those students who completed their Accelerated Reader programs.

Left to right: Charles Schoen, Dana Ponder, Aimee Malcolm, Sana Thomas, Towns Paolucci, Anne Harris, Carrey Burgner, Anna Pfohl, Julie McNeil, Kathy Sullivan, Vanessa Birdwell, Lori Snellings, Karen Fallon, Cheryl Hix, Stacy Scott, Stephanie Ungashick.

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Past and present school leaders, Mr. Elliot Galloway, Mrs. Dorothy Sullivan and Mr. Kirk Duncan share thoughts at the State of the School reception.

A fierce storm swept through Atlanta on the morning of February 26th, bringing down trees and power lines throughout the city. Our campus did not escape unscathed.

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Mission Statement

School Philosophy

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School develops in students a love of learning, respect for self and others, faith in God, and a sense of service to the world community.

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School offers an educational program encompassing academics, arts, athletics and spiritual formation. Through opportunities to grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally, students develop their individual worth and dignity. The challenging academic program prepares students for higher education and emphasizes learning as a

Nathan Johnson is one happy hopper at Lower School Field Day

pathway toward ethical leadership and a commitment to the common good. The school provides a welcoming and supportive environment, embraces the differences inherent in a diverse community, and embodies the inclusive Episcopal tradition of respect for the beliefs of others. Holy Innocents’ is an active community of faith engaged in local, national and international service to others.

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From the Editor

F E A T U RE S

Over the course of my career, I’ve changed jobs a number of times – moving between

Advertising agencies to work on new accounts, teaching Marketing at a post-grad school, and taking a 3 ½ year “sabbatical” in Peace Corps. I’ve never worried whether I’d be able to perform the work waiting for me in my new job. I have always worried, though, whether the priorities and philosophies of my new employers might clash with my own. This was especially true for me last December when I accepted the Director of Communications position at Holy Innocents’. I had too much experience with schools whose missions seemed to be their endowments, and educators more concerned with their careers than their students. I know what a great school looks like – my wife works for one, as did my mom. But I’ve also seen some of my son’s friends graduate woefully unprepared for the next EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Nick Roberts MANAGING EDITOR/STAFF WRITER

Mary Ryan Fink CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Dunn Neugebauer Bonnie Taylor Tamika Weaver-Hightower June Arnold Michele Duncan Mimi Strassner Judie Jacobs Wendy Jackson Erin Ainor Holly Raiford Mary Chris Williams

stage of their lives – and in my opinion, it wasn’t their fault. So I took things slowly. I watched and listened and tried to gauge the effects of a Holy Innocents’ education on the students receiving it.

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Now, nearly six months later, I can honestly say that I’ve never known any school whose priorities I more admire and whose mission and philosophy I agree with so completely. I am continually impressed by how Holy Innocents’ prepares children and teens for success – and not

Baseball Diaries One man’s travels with the defending state champs

Service Work When our students see a need, they also see opportunity

Global Initiative Holy Innocents’ increases focus on international study, relationship and development

Film Festivals Young Spielbergs strut their stuff on the silver screen

just in the college classroom, but in the world, and at any endeavor they might choose to pursue. Over these few months, I have marveled at the academic insights coming from students of all grade levels, their genuine commitment to community service, their artworks and performances, their poise and confidence, and their eagerness to engage the world beyond their classrooms. There’s no great mystery why this is the case. You need only look to the cooperation between the school and its parents. Politics and personal agendas seem nonexistent on this campus.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

The Laptop Program and Accelerated Reader Program, to name two of the many remarkable

ARTICLES

Irby Heaton

ideas that foster learning here, have reaped huge dividends precisely because the motivation

PHOTOGRAPHY

behind them is to create opportunity instead of publicity. And I can’t wait to see what happens

Nick Roberts Mary Ryan Fink Alice Thompson

with the new Global Citizenship Program beginning next year.

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

commonality and exploration has simply created the ideal atmosphere for talented, young

Gemshots Photographic Bonnie Taylor Allyson Marbut Sam Hyde

minds. The Episcopal Church has a one-word slogan that you’ll find on every parish sign – “Welcome.” I can’t think of a more appropriate summation of what I’ve experienced here. I feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to join in your community.

Letters to the Editor Please send to the attention of Nick Roberts, at nick.roberts@hies.org, or mail to: Nick Roberts Director of Communications Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School 805 Mt. Vernon Highway, NW Atlanta, GA 30327

Finally, our entire community’s commitment to the Episcopal Mission of acceptance, inclusion,

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The Political Season Science Olympiad Remembering Red Smith Spring Sports Recap

COLUMNS

36 | Principal’s Corner 66 | From the Head of School DEVELOPMENT

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Capital Campaign Draws To A Close Alumni Catch-ups Volunteer Reception, Gala and more From the Development Office Class Notes

Nick Roberts

TorchBearer is published by the Offices of Admissions, Communications and Development of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. Special appreciation goes to the parents, faculty and staff whose contributions make this publication possible. Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy within this magazine. Please notify the editor of any errors or omissions and accept our sincere apologies.

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HISTORY CLASS

!Ipmz!JoopdfoutÖ!Uispvhi!Uif!Zfbst! 25 Years Ago:!July 1, 1983:

15 Years Ago: 1993: A

new church building on Mount Vernon Highway in Sandy Springs. The parish had been

Mrs. Alice Malcolm becomes the new

Middle and Upper school gymnasium is

located at Spring and 16th Streets since 1886, but was forced to move because it stood

Head of School at Holy Innocents’. Mrs.

completed.

right in the path of the government’s new interstate highway project (I-75/85). Planning

Malcolm had been Dean of Students since

begins for a parish pre-school.

1972. She had taught Art at HIES since the

50 Years Ago:!1958: Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church completes its

10 Years Ago:!1998: The

5 Years Ago: June 1, 2003:

Alan A. Lewis Pre-School building opens.

Kirk Duncan is named the 8th Head of

Janella Brand accepts the position as its

School of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal

first principal.

School.

school first opened in September, 1959.

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AROUND CAMPUS

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English teachers aren’t normally concerned with speed. They want us to communicate effectively and enjoy the world of literature – at whatever pace we’re comfortable. So take your time with the following sentence: Upper School English teacher Daniel White races Rotax-class karts, watercooled, two-stroke powerplants producing 28 horsepower and revving to 13,500 rpms., with a top-speed over 100-miles per hour. Not exactly War and Peace, but it’s pretty interesting, don’t you think? It turns out Mr. White has always loved racing – he’s a big fan of the Formula One and Indycar circuits and has gone to the Indianapolis 500 a number of times. He ran his first race last March and realized his dreams on the track. “My wife Angela has been very supportive. My first time on the track was an experience we’ll treasure.” So what draws someone to race a go-kart that can go over 100 mph? “I have plenty of opportunities to engage in my emotional, creative side as an English teacher,” says Mr. White. “Racing takes a completely different mental approach. It is a lot more than mashing the gas and turning left and right; it’s a discipline that integrates all aspects of the learning process to perform at a high level. And I love engaging my rational, technical side. It’s all about integrating classical thinking with romantic thinking.” Well, at least he still sounds like an English teacher.

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Tropical Service

The erudite grease monkey.

J.B. Meathe was off to a slow start at Bobby Jones Golf Course. The 8th grader had bogeyed the first hole and barely saved par at number two. “I didn’t feel like I was playing well,” he said. Then he stepped to the tee on the 164-yard, par 3 third. “I hit a choked down 6-iron,” remembers J.B. “It looked good in the air and nearly landed right in the cup, then bounced past the pin. But there’s a

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Upper School Spanish teacher Ken Kiser is well known around campus for his teaching, coaching and omnipresent grin. But when an email circulated inviting people to his “performance” at Eddie’s Attic, the well-known music venue in Decatur, it took many of his friends by surprise. “I’ve been playing music forever,” explains Mr. Kiser, who recorded his self-titled CD of folk songs last year (it’s available on ITunes and Amazon). When asked how he became a folk artist, Mr. Kiser replies, “Well, I was in this great jam band in college – but we graduated and went our separate ways, so it just became me and my guitar.” So much for divine inspiration. Mr. Kiser hopes to return to the studio soon. “I’m always writing,” he says. “I find that if I listen to a lot of different music – but most importantly, if I’m reading a lot, like novels and poetry – it just gets the juices flowing. I take an idea or image, or just a nice phrase from something I’ve read, and put it through my own ‘Ken Kiser’ filter and it comes out as something different. But I make no apologies – we’re all just giving our perspective on things.” Mr. Kiser – we hear you.

AROUND CAMPUS

big slope in the back of the green, and it rolled back down and dropped in the hole.” For the record, this wasn’t even J.B.’s first ace. “I’ve had two on par 3 courses, but never on a regular course,” he said. J.B. isn’t just a “one-hit” wonder. He played the next six holes at one-under and is one of the school’s top golfers as an 8th grader.

Upper School Spanish teacher Ms. Lisa Lopez joined the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) less than a year ago. So why is she slated to give a speech at their annual convention in San Jose, Costa Rica this July? “They e-mailed that the deadline for proposals for the annual conference was coming up. Since I like to write, I decided to send one in.” And just like that, Ms. Lopez learned the way to San Jose. Her proposal is titled “Revolutionizing Space in Language Classrooms,” In it, she explains that, “Classrooms haven’t evolved much since the 1800s,” despite significant changes in technology and lifestyle. Her idea includes kitchenettes and mirrored body-movement areas. “The traditional furniture is out,” she says. “The new focus would be on our five senses and the four planes of existence – physical, mental, spiritual and emotional.” Ms. Lopez is, of course, very excited to have been chosen to speak at the convention. “I have to do a 30-minute presentation to fellow Spanish and Portuguese teachers from around the world,” she says. “It’s scary, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Over Spring Break, 14 Upper School students and two faculty chaperones visited the tropics, but not to hit the beach. They spent their time in service to the people of Costa Rica, spending several days teaching math and English at Escuela Nuevo Amanecer, an elementary school in Pocora, Costa Rica. They also delivered a large quantity of classroom and playground supplies they had purchased prior to the trip. Sophomore A.P. Taylor was glowing— and it wasn’t from sunburn—about the

experience. “The kids were so nice.” she enthused, “They all wrote me thank-you notes, and the teacher even gave me a gift.” EARTH University (Escuela de Agricultura de la Región Tropical Húmeda), a private, non-profit university dedicated to education in the agricultural sciences and natural resources, helped coordinate the efforts of the HIES students, as well as their housing. EARTH University is located in Guacimo, with the foundation’s headquarters in Atlanta.

This summer, Upper School History teacher Ms. Claire Logsdon will spend a week with a day that lives in infamy. She plans to attend the conference Pearl Harbor: History, Memory, Memorial to examine one of the monumental moments in American history while that history is still alive. At the conference, she’ll hear survivors of the Japanese attack recount the events of December 7th, 1941, as well as visit Hickam Airfield and the Pearl Harbor naval museums. Ms. Logsdon knows that both she and her students will benefit from her trip. “The best teachers are the ones who experience history firsthand,” she says. “I’ll be able to share what I learn with my students and hopefully make this part of history come alive for them.”

Dbsnfo!Effez!Jouspevdft!Ifs!Jotqjsbujpo Mr. Naiyomah to come to Holy Innocents’ so he could tell his story, which he did at the April assembly. While he spoke, you’d never have known another person was in the gym, as the students sat silently enrapt by the details of Mr. Naiyomah’s life and his journeys since 9-11. As for the cattle – they have since doubled in number, so the United States is now the proud owner of 28 Zebu cattle. Our government has reciprocated by offering scholarships to seven boys and seven girls from Mr. Naiyomah’s village—one for each of the original fourteen cows.

Mr. Kimeli Naiyomah addresses the assembly

Carmen Deedy

Mr. Kimeli Naiyomah was in New York City on September 11, 2001. He visited Holy Innocents’ this past April 16th. Between these two dates, Mr. Naiyomah did something extraordinary – so much so that our school’s favorite children’s author, Carmen Deedy, decided to write a book about it. Ms. Deedy’s new book, 14 Cows For America, tells the story of Mr. Naiyomah’s returning to his Maasai homeland in Kenya and telling the people about the huge fires he’d witnessed on the day we now know simply as “9-11,” the sight of people jumping from tall buildings and the enormous clouds of debris sweeping through the city. Most of his audience did not know what a skyscraper was. They’d only seen jet airplanes trailing white lines across the sky, 30,000 feet

overhead. But through Mr. Naiyomah’s story, the Maasai understood that the American people had been wounded, were in pain, and were afraid of what lay ahead. “I know my people, I know they are merciful,” said Mr. Naiyomah. “They can be fierce and deadly when provoked - but they are also the type of people who can easily cry for the pain of other people.” So the Maasai decided to help in the only way they know. They donated a portion of their wealth to help America recover from the tragedy - 14 Zebu cattle, their most valuable possessions. Along with HIES 2nd grade teacher and Director of the Accelerated Reader program Ms. Susan Rapoport, Ms. Deedy convinced TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 11

AROUND CAMPUS

French Dijfg!Svoojoh!Cfbst Made Easy

Ms. Joanne Thomas is a presence, both in the classroom and online. The Middle School French teacher created three textbooks – then posted them on the internet – to give her students better language resources. She began the project when Upper School Principal Mr. Chris Durst asked if she could teach French without a book. “I knew I could,” said Ms. Thomas. “I write my own notes and activities, but then it hit me that not only could I teach without a textbook, I could write one.” With the Greenbaum Grant, she traveled with three of her students to France to ensure her lessons were current. After the trip, her books went public. Since its debut, the site has not only been a hit for Americans, but it’s also had visitors from over 60 countries. “I’m excited that the information is available for the students,” said Ms. Thomas. “And it’s nice to know that people from South Africa, Guatemala and Latvia are using it, too.” To see her work, go to: http://ahbon.wikispaces.com/, http://fifthgradefrench.wikispaces.com/ or http://seventhgradefrench.wikispaces.com/.

Six members of the Holy Innocents’ family belong to that elite fraternity known as People Who’ve Run Marathons. And they all have interesting outlooks on their races. Math teacher/cross country coach Mr. Mike Daly, who has run 15 marathons, says, “The big carrot is to qualify for Boston, and try I did. Finally in Huntsville, I ran a 2:58 and made it!” Administrative Assistant Mr. Dunn Neugebauer has run 14 marathons, including three Bostons. He especially remembers Jacksonville in ’93, his first. “I wasn’t a nice person those last six miles,” says Mr. Neugebauer. “Life is short until the last part of a marathon.” Assistant swim coach Ms. Haley Chura, who ran a 3:32 in her first Boston Marathon this April, remembers her first time meeting ‘The Wall.’ “It hit me right on schedule –

mile 20,” Ms. Chura says. “My legs, my arms, my brain – they all just quit. I tried counting steps, singing songs – anything to take my mind off of running.” Other HIES marathoners include Ms. Chura’s mom, Upper School teacher and swim coach Elizabeth Chura, Lower School assistant Ms. Jennifer Brown and Fine Arts Director Mr. Joshua McClymont. Mr. McClymont is the speediest Bear, turning in a 2:36 (wow!) last fall in Houston. “Training consumes me. It affects my eating, my sleeping, everything” he says. “But after four months of logging hundreds of miles, I’m ready to toe the line and get this baby going.” There are undoubtedly more marathons in store for Elizabeth and Haley Chura, Jennifer Brown and Joshua McClymont. Mr. Daly and Mr. Neugebauer, however, insist they’ve retired.

Tongren Goes Hollywood Strength and conditioning coach Mr. Peter Tongren knows Dodgeball. Not only is he a three-time national champion, but he also appeared in the 2004 movie, “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.” “I got Vince Vaughn out,” Mr. Tongren says with a smile. His experience on the Silver Screen took Mr. Tongren and some of his championship teammates to Hollywood three times. “First we helped choreograph the actual dodgeball scenes,” he said. “Then we went for some preliminary filming. The third time was live

takes in costume.” In the movie, Tongren can be seen in the semifinal round against the Average Joes, as well as a few ‘quick takes.’ So what’s it like to see yourself in a movie? “It wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be,” he says. “I’d seen the whole movie long before it was released. But the first time I saw it in a theater was still pretty neat.”

Wjtjujoh!Tqbjo!Cfgpsf!Nbui Sixth graders in Ms. Eliza Suarez’s Spanish class didn’t need a field trip to discover the wonders of Spanish culture. They simply turned their own classroom into a Spanish museum, with student-made exhibits of bull stadiums, architecture, art, and even a restaurant with authentic Spanish recipes to taste. “They really did a great job researching their exhibits and put a lot of effort into creating them,” says Ms. Suarez. “Learning a language is much easier – and a lot more fun - when you can see all your lessons in a cultural context.” Ms. Suarez’s students have also connected with students in Spain via “E-Pals” and shared photos of their museum with their 12 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

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One Good Turn Deserves Another

With three languages at his disposal, Mr. Gerard Gatoux is rarely at a loss for words. But when the senior class chose him as honorary Tassel Turner for their graduation ceremonies, he was – quite temporarily – speechless. “What a wonderful surprise,” said Mr. Gatoux afterwards, fully recovered. “I’ve always supported these students in and out of the classroom, and I’ve really enjoyed watching them grow and mature. We’ve gone on mission trips and have a lot of memories together. One of my favorites is the time we were volunteering in Reynosa, Mexico, and they all dyed their hair.” In keeping with tradition, the Tassel Turner is kept secret until its announcement at a special chapel service. Mr. Gatoux, unaware that he was this year’s honoree, listened in anticipation of the announcement. When asked if he’d had a hunch that he might be chosen, he hesitantly admitted, “Well, I had hoped.” Katie Cross, Kennan Luther, Jasmine Brooks

new amigos. Depending on who you listen to, the museum was either “awesome” or “divertido.” Ms Eliza Suarez and her class

Connor Thompson, Dalyan Kilic, Tal Kelsey, Henry Odom

This summer, rising junior A.P. Taylor will join a two-month mission trip with Teen Missions International to work with Ugandan orphans – helping to build a meeting hall for them and teaching basketball. The civil war that has raged in Uganda for over twenty years has left many displaced and orphaned children in its wake, and their plight speaks to A.P.’s spirit of service. ““People in the U.S. might be down on their luck or have difficulties, but there is usually something they can do about it,” says A.P. “That isn’t true in Uganda.” A member of the Varsity Basketball team, A.P. looks forward to sharing the game with the young children. She is also excited about visiting exotic cities like Entebbe and Kampala, as well as Jinja, site of the headwaters of the Nile. The trip is preceded by a weeklong ‘boot camp’, where the volunteers will receive cultural sensitivity and personal safety training. Their accommodations will be rugged— tents and bucket baths. And they need

multiple vaccinations and must take antimalarial medication before, during and after the trip. As daunting as the environment might seem, what makes A.P. nervous, besides the thought that snakes might slither into her tent, is the question of how all the teens will get along. “I hate drama,” she explains. “I just want to go and get some work done. A lot of people want to go to Africa, but just to go, not to work.” Her experience on the recent HIES mission to Costa Rica and this ambitious trip are part A.P.’s plans for possible Peace Corps service after college. But while her future has yet to take shape, one thing is for sure—some Ugandan children are going to play some good basketball this summer.

Up!Svttjb!Xjui!Mpwf Some children in Moscow couldn’t make it to Stacy Bubes’ bat mitzvah. But they still want to thank her for including them in her celebration. “My cousin Charlie was adopted from Russia, and I’ve seen pictures of where he lived,” Stacy said. “The building was really old and dilapidated.” So for her mitzvah project, a philanthropic option for Jewish children coming of age, she raised $7,000 and gathered loads of toys for Charlie’s old orphanage, the Ryazan Baby House in Moscow. The money helped buy much-needed new windows. “The windows were cracked and really needed to be repaired,” says Stacy. “It gets so cold there in winter, and when one child gets sick from the cold, they all get sick.” These days Charlie’s life is a lot different, but Stacy hasn’t forgotten all the other

Peter Myer, Madison Collins, Anne Claire Pittman, Madeleine Gibson

orphans in Moscow. “If you don’t have parents, you don’t have anything,” she says. “I’m lucky that I do, but there are still kids out there who don’t. I’m just glad I got the chance to help.” Katherine Correll, Samantha Glover, Ane Wanliss, Grant Wilmer

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BIG BEAR ON CAMPUS With this issue of TorchBearer, we introduce the Big Bear on Campus award. The BBOC is not intended to showcase extraordinary accomplishments or individual expertise.

THE POLITICAL SEASON

Instead, it will recognize students and staff who make our school unique – who always seem to be in the middle of things and contribute that special, intangible element

that creates Holy Innocents’. With that in mind, we proudly introduce the inaugural Big Bears on Campus:

Who:

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Who:

8th grade History teacher and advisor

Senior

Why: An outstanding educator who is involved at Holy Innocents’ to the ‘nth’ degree.

Why: A leader by example who is connected to his community and, despite numerous honors and accolades, remains grounded and genuine.

Mr. Klingman_________________________. a. Sponsors the Student Council b. Leads part of the Recycling Club c. Is Head Coach of MS Cross Country d. Is Assistant MS. Track Coach e. Sponsored the MS Film Festival f. Organized and led MS Mock Convention g. Holds technology classes for his colleagues (this wasn’t a question – all the answers are true) What you may not know about him: He lets loose on class trips. On last year’s 8th grade excursion, his students nominated him to be a featured dancer at the Polynesian Night Luau, and he accepted graciously. Something you should know about him: The balance of power in his classroom has shifted, and his students are in charge of teaching. Colleague quotes: “If Mr. Klingman were a color, it would be a loud and bold primary one.” “Many of the innovative, new, exciting and cool events in the Middle School are traceable directly back to him.” His favorite memories at Holy Innocents’ are: Working with the Student Council and traveling to the Apple conference with the Technology Department to see the iPhone unveiled. Favorite quote: “I think, therefore I am.”-René Descartes Our thanks to Mr. Klingman for thinking and being, because without him, the Middle School most assuredly wouldn’t be the same.

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IJFT!Tuvefout!Ipu!Po!Qpmjujdbm!Usbjmt Upper and Middle School students watch closely as the 2008 Presidential campaign unfolds.

Diane Bucher, Alexis Stewart, Keller Donnell, Molly Suttles, Grace Chambless, Blair Touzet, Katie Cross

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What you should know: When he was a little boy, he dreamt of being: a baseball player. These days, he dreams of being: a baseball player. Favorite classes: AP Statistics, Government and Economics Favorite book: The Horse is Dead Favorite quote: “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain There’s no doubt, however, about his remarkable character. Congratulations, Daniel, on being named our inaugural Big Bear on Campus. We look forward to hearing great things from you for years to come.

Holy Innocents’ has gone into politics. And thanks to the candidate-following and platformscrutinizing projects that the Upper and Middle Schools have done this year, students have become quite familiar with the process. In the Upper School, history teachers Mr. Quinton Walker and Ms. Claire Logsdon have been stressing the importance of staying current. They’ve kept abreast of political happenings by charting caucuses and writing letters, even voting as a class on Super Tuesday. “Not everyone could vote with us because some students are still 17,” said Ms. Logsdon. “But the ones who could, did, and even wore the ‘I voted’ sticker for the rest of the day.” Their youthful enthusiasm is a strong indication that the young voter has returned. “The students have been really excited and will ask me in the mornings if I saw the results of the last night’s debate” Ms. Logsdon said. “It’s great that they’re so into it, because at their age, I don’t think I was.” Taking an interest in politics puts students in the know and sets a great precedent for the future. “Closely watching the process is necessary because it gets students in the habit of being regular news followers,” said Mr. Walker. “They know what’s going on,

Charlie Robertson and Phillip Jones represent Illinois The candidates: Clint Dolan, Sarah Venable, Jaya McFarland

The Great State of Michigan enters the convention

who’s running and have become even more familiar with the American political landscape.” But while the Upper School students were studying the landscape, the Middle School students were living it. Led by Middle School History teacher Mr. Gary Klingman, students explored the electoral college’s role in a presidential election. Their Mock Convention project involved hands-on approach, with students serving as de facto delegates, voting electronically and creating their own platforms. During their Convention assembly, they announced their votes and listened to an actual convention delegate, Mrs. Jan Hackney, speak of her own experience vying for a congressional seat. “The students will definitely remember what we did with Mock Convention because they experienced it in so many ways,” said Mr. Klingman. “They analyzed platforms, thoughtfully selected candidates and listened to someone who will actually hold a seat at the Democratic convention in Denver. Not everyone gets to take in politics quite like that.” Regardless of what happens in November, Holy Innocents’ students have learned the excitement of being in the party.

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 15

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

LIVING OUR MISSION

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Living Our Mission Campaign Exceeds Its Goal With The Help Of Generous Friends And Donors

Diane Bucher, Alexis Stewart, Keller Donnell, Molly Suttles, Grace Chambless, Blair Touzet, Katie Cross

Amanda Turner, Payton Anderson and Carson McGorry celebrate with their team’s trophy

Akul Munjal and Doug Kruse with the Olympiad robot

In 2008, not all Olympic games will be held in Beijing. Earlier this year, another group of Olympic contenders vied for medals right here in Georgia at the Middle School Science Olympiad competition. The Holy Innocents’ team, led by Science Department Chair Ms. Janet Silvera and 8th grade Physical Science teacher Mr. James Jackson, first competed in the regional competition where the two HIES teams finished 2nd and 4th, and then to state, where they secured 4th place. With success like this, it’s no wonder that the team has earned itself a reputation. “People talk about us – and know when we’re coming to their competition,” said Mr. Jackson. “It’s a great feeling to know that your opponent considers you when he’s preparing.” 16 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Holy Innocents’ preps for the competition for the better part of the year. Coaches make themselves available during off periods, and this year, the students spent the Martin Luther King holiday and a few Saturdays hard at work. To ensure the students have the best possible training, coaches call on additional science experts for help. In-house go-to’s Mr. Dave Heidel, Upper School Chemistry teacher and Mr. Mike Poley, Upper School Science teacher, advise students in their respective areas. Parents have also been known to pull some weight, and next year’s roster will feature past Olympians who’ll share their experiences with the up-andcomers. “It says a lot that we have Upper School students who are willing to come back and coach their old events,” said Ms. Silvera. “Their commitment was great when they were on the team, and it’s very impressive that they continue to be involved.” The program benefits a student’s overall academic development, and almost all Olympiad participants will win an award at some point in their academic careers. “Science Olympiad relies on self-motivation, challenges work ethic and sharpens analytical thinking,” Ms. Silvera states.

“And those skill sets aren’t just pertinent to science competitions; they’ll help students succeed, no matter what they end up doing.” Kaki Bennett and Ian Gresov

E.J. Thurmond, Ane Wanliss

Congratulations, everyone. February marked the completion of HIES’ Living our Mission Capital Campaign. This three and a half year effort surpassed its goal of $17 million, securing over $17.6 million from a total of 1,064 gifts and pledges, making LOM the largest capital campaign in school history. “It’s amazing what we’ve done,” said Head of School Mr. Kirk Duncan. “To watch the campaign from its inception to its end has been remarkable. And to see how the school has physically changed because of our combined efforts just shows that we’re moving in the right direction.” The campaign’s outcome is quite visible around campus – it includes the 41,000 square foot Fred Rowan Family Middle School building, a 28,000 square foot gymnasium, eleven acres of athletic fields and the Mt. Vernon Highway pedestrian tunnel, the largest of its kind in the state of Georgia. Oh – and HIES added two million

Dorothy Sullivan, Chris Durst, Sarah Rowan, Bernice Rowan, Fred Rowan, Kirk Duncan

dollars to its endowment. Holy Innocents’ received its largest donation ever from the Rowan family, who led the giving with two million dollars. The Been family, the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation and two anonymous contributors followed suit with gifts of a million dollars or more. While the large contributions head the list, the entire Holy Innocents’ community was needed for the campaign to succeed. “I think a lot of people don’t realize how powerful individual giving is,” said Michele Duncan, Director of Development. “It’s the

totality of all gifts that brings you to your goal, and it really says a lot about our school that we had such a tremendous effort.” Kirk Duncan, Head of School, agrees. “Campaigns like these are so important because they start a ripple effect. Donors give contributions which directly benefit the students. Then they, with more tools and resources at their disposal, get a better education and are in better positions to help those around them. The giving spirit is infectous, and it sparks people to action, which is really what our Episcopal mission is all about.” TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 17

TOP OF MIND

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ALUMNI CATCH UPS

Catie Sweetwood ‘03

Emily Weprich ‘03

Jeff Campanella ‘03

Emily Weprich

Jeff Campanella,’03 acts out (in and around Birmingham)

Once a Bear, Always a Bear After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Sports Communication, Catie Sweetwood got an internship with the NFL’s Chicago Bears, handling marketing, publicity, special promotions and rowdy fans. But Catie was a Golden Bear long before she donned Chicago’s black and orange. A graduate of ’03, she played Lacrosse, ran Track and Field and swam for Holy Innocents’. Some of her favorite high school memories include sporting events and practices. “Sports were great because you played with everybody, and not just your grade,” Catie says. “You depended on underclassmen and upperclassmen and saw everyone as teammates.” She thanks Holy Innocents’ for preparing her for college and attributes much of her 20 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

writing success to US English Chair Ms. Niki Simpson. “She was my favorite teacher,” Catie says. “She really pushed me, but I look back and appreciate it now. I still remember that she named her dogs Scout and Boo Radley after the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird.” Catie’s stint with the Chicago Bears ended this past season, but she continues in marketing with Lisa P. Maxwell, a branding and marketing agency where she helps manage new accounts. With sports in her past, in her bones and on her resume, she’s always open to an athletic career. “It’s something I’d never rule out,” Catie acknowledges. So while one day we may hear her on TV giving play by play, for now she’s happy cheering on her team. Go Bears!

This And That For Emily Weprich, variety is the spice of life. An ’03 graduate, she began spicing it up in high school as a swimmer, lacrosse player and runner. “Sports were great because they built your confidence and were a good way to make friends,” Emily says. She also participated in Young Life and served as Class President and Homecoming Queen her Senior Year. “The Homecoming bonfire is one of my favorite memories. We actually picked up James Jackson, who was Student Body President, and carried him down to the fire.” After high school, Emily attended Auburn, where she continued to pile up extracurriculars. She trained in ROTC, competed in various pageants,

was president of the women’s lacrosse team and auditioned for reality TV. Once a college grad, she traveled to Kuala Lumpur and Bali to backpack for two and a half weeks, and this past October, she ran the Chicago Marathon. Her most recent accomplishment was on the big screen as an extra in Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys. “In the movie, I’m the girl talking to the guy wearing the pink tank top,” Emily says. “Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard pass me when they walk into the bar.” And with her hands in a number of pots, her to-do list will only get longer. But, as we now know, that’s just how Emily keeps life spicy.

In high school, Jeff Campanella was a Halloween enthusiast, an athlete and skilled ping-pong player. While these traits still hold true, Jeff has incorporated another passion that also pays his bills. He’s an actor with eight plays and a Theater Degree from Auburn under his belt. He now works at the Birmingham Children’s Theater, where he occasionally touts the alias ‘Tom Sawyer’ and performs for large crowds of energetic kids – an audience of 1,200 isn’t unusual. “Performing in general can rack your nerves, and you’d think kids would be easier,” says Jeff. “But they aren’t. Especially when they’re screaming.” His company also goes on the road to bring theater to less affluent areas of Alabama, where schools often lack simple stage equipment. “When that happens, we adapt,” says Jeff, “but I like performing in those schools because the kids have less, and they appreciate you more.” Jeff also appreciates everyone who contributed to his Holy Innocents’ experience. “I remember I had Ms. Maney for math, who was wonderful,” Jeff recalls. “Ms. Danzig introduced me to The Outsiders, which is still my favorite book. And I loved playing P-square, which is like 4-square in the Senior Commons. Everyone used to gather and watch us play.” In May, Jeff will move to New York and continue to hone his thespian skills. He’ll focus on acting, but will spend some time on ping-pong, too – so as to gain a

reputation as the city’s fiercest player from Georgia. But if not, he’ll at least act like it. Jeff Campanella and Emily Weprich

Jeff Campanella, James Jackson, Scott Seaborn, unidentified TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 21

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Jimmy Carter was in the White House – probably watching Roots with the rest of us. Because of some group named OPEC, the price of gasoline had jumped all the way to 62 cents a gallon. Disco had simply taken over the airwaves. And Janella Brand began teaching 2nd grade at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. On that first day in 1977, just as she’s done every school day since, Janella met her students at her door. They probably thought she seemed nice enough. Little did they or their parents realize, though, what sort of effect this new teacher with the soft, southern accent would ultimately have on our school. It’s not that Holy Innocents’ would never be the same. Quite the contrary. With Janella setting the example, Holy Innocents’ has had the strength to remain consistent for over 30 years – a place where children will always feel safe and welcome and confident that they can do anything worth doing. Through good times and bad, up years and down, Janella has served as a sort of philosophical navigator – keeping us moving

forward in the appropriate direction, steadily confident in our work and mission. Now, thirty-one years after she first came on board, our school’s mission is no longer in question, our philosophy no longer open to debate. Janella has pointed out the direction

to us so many times that, finally, we no longer need to ask. But that doesn’t make her leaving any easier. As Head of School Kirk Duncan says, “It will be a void, but what she’s left here will continue to affect the school in a very positive way. We’ll all carry on her legacy.”

Uif!Ofx!3oe!Hsbef!Ufbdifs Holy Innocents’ was actually Janella’s fourth job teaching school. She began her career in the Atlanta Public School system, then taught in New Orleans and Little Rock as she and her husband Lee moved around the South in the first years of their marriage. Eventually, the young couple returned home to Atlanta with their young daughter Jenny. As fate would have it, Jenny became the reason Janella came to Holy Innocents’ in the first place. “At that time, the admissions process for Pre-School was little more than lining up over in the parking lot,” remembers Janella. “If you got there first, you got a number. They took 8 girls and 8 boys. We pulled into that lot at 4 AM and were fortunate enough to get the last space for one four-year old girl. We had a wonderful beginning for her here. I really liked what I saw and knew this was where I wanted to be when I went back to teaching.”

Gspn!Ljsl!Evodbo “I haven’t even thought about not having Janella here. There have been so many times over the last five years where I’ve just gone into her office and sat with her and just gained sustenance from her presence.”

22 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 23

FEATURE

Mat Campbell

now as a principal. “It’s taken me awhile to be able to call her ‘Janella’ – I still want to call her ‘Mrs. Brand,’” says Heather. “She’s always been a mentor of mine. Even when I left here after 8th grade, I would come back and visit Mrs. Brand. She really believed in the kids that she taught. She believed that we could do anything, could accomplish anything. And she still believes that.”

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Janella’s 20th year at our school, 1996-97, was her first in a new position. “She was the first assistant principal ever at Holy Innocents’,” remembers Dorothy Sullivan. “It’s a job that involves a lot of discipline. Typically, discipline in Lower School is because of physical action – pushing or hitting or something – and it’s difficult for most people to keep emotions out of it. But

Ginny Lewis and Gracie Northcutt share time with Janella.

On young children: “They are so honest and untouched – what they are to be, they’re now becoming. And it’s such a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the becoming.”

would be successful in the classroom. “Janella and Lee were very supportive parents,” remembers Dorothy, “which kind of starts the process of what we do and how we do it. She is so calming and gracious and slow to anger or criticize. She’s very centered and stable with a great deal of sweetness and a supportive nature about her. That was very apparent from the first time I met her.” And it has been apparent to every mom, dad and colleague Janella has worked with ever since. As Associate Head of School Rick Betts says, “Everybody who comes in contact with her comes away with a good feeling, a warm feeling. Even if it was a difficult conversation about a controversial subject, she has a way of calming the waters every time.”

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Luckily, the right person was in place to make that happen. Dorothy Sullivan immediately recognized how the temperament and insight of Jenny’s mom

When speaking of Janella, many people at HIES mention the same things – her caring, calm and nurturing way; her ability to defuse tension; her levelheadedness as Principal of the Alan A. Lewis Pre-School. But Janella didn’t come to Holy Innocents’ as a principal; she was hired as a 2nd grade

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Emily Menay

teacher. And for the first 19 years of her tenure, that was her role. Dorothy Sullivan tells a story that sheds light on her friend’s teaching skills. “One of the things that can be hard on the administration of the Lower School is that parents request teachers, and of course, you can’t always accommodate. One year I had 39 parents want Janella as their child’s teacher. I thought it was a great honor for Janella that half of the whole community wanted her as their teacher – I’m sure the other half did too, but didn’t think to request it.” Ms. Heather Hahn ‘91 is one of a number of current Pre-School teachers who had Janella both as a 2nd grade teacher and

Left: Corinne Bicknese, Olivia Stockert, My Bui,Janella Brand and Left to Right: Caroline Nick, Gia Cullens, Chase Pelletieri, Henry Reams

24 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

“(Janella) always put writing – not handwriting, but composition – at the very front of the fire. She wanted every 2nd grader to start that process of learning to write and enjoy expressing themselves. She would publish their works and bring in visiting writers. It was the strongest – and, I think it was to her the most important – part of her program. And it worked beautifully. And we got a lot of good writers out of that 2nd grade program due to her work.”

she was so fair and so patient with those children, trying to teach them ways of doing things that would keep them out of trouble. She never stopped teaching.” Janella remembers her time as Assistant Principal quite fondly. “I just loved being Assistant Principal because I knew the children. Part of my responsibility was to discipline them and everyone thought, ‘oh well that’s just the world’s worst thing, you’re going to hate that.’ But it turned out to be quite a blessing, because I knew the students – I’d taught them in 2nd grade – and I could sort of tailor-make whatever we needed as far as discipline.” The role was short-lived, however, because in 1998, the new Alan A. Lewis Pre-School needed the right person to serve as Principal. “I don’t think there was even a consideration of doing a search,” says Dorothy Sullivan. “Sue Groesbeck just said ‘I want Janella to do this,’ and everyone agreed. Really, there was no reason to look for anyone else.” It almost didn’t happen, though. “When they offered me the job here in Pre-School,” says Janella, “I almost didn’t take it, because I loved what I was doing so much in the Lower School. If I had not taken this job, though, I would have missed one of life’s greatest blessings. It is just so rewarding to be around these very young children and to be a part of it and see how it all starts out.” Those blessings go both ways, though, because it’s hard to imagine the Pre-School without Janella, either. As Rick Betts says, “Janella is one of those people who comes to personify an institution – she is the Alan A. Lewis Pre-School. They’re synonymous. “ In typical fashion, however, Janella deflects all credit for the sterling reputation of the Pre-School. “The support we get from our parents is really the reason we’ve had such success here. When a student realizes that his parents and teachers are working together, it develops a sense of respect and adds importance to the lessons and school environment,” she says. “And it allows us, as teachers, to nurture in a different way – a more personal way – which results in more opportunities and more teachable moments.”

Hsbevbujpo The next school year will be the first since Gerald Ford was president without either Dorothy Sullivan or Janella Brand on campus. Some people are, of course, concerned about what that means, exactly. “On the one hand, it’s been a beautiful experience to work with both Janella and Dorothy. But for the school to lose both of them – that’s 60 years of HI experience leaving,” says Kirk Duncan. “And that’s tough for any organization – you’re never going to replace that. But what they’ve added here will always be here. They’ve created the Holy Innocents’ atmosphere and lived the philosophy. And those things – the intangibles that make our school so special – will forever bear their imprint. Long after the rest of us have moved on, Dorothy and Janella’s influence on this school will continue. And thank goodness for that.”

Gspn!Sjdl!Cfuut “A key piece of what she does is parent education. Particularly when the Pre-School student is the oldest child in the family – you know kids don’t come with instructions – and that Pre-School age, the first time the student leaves the nest, there’s some anxiety. And Janella has spent a great deal of time and effort helping parents to understand the developmental stages of children and what are proper expectations.”

Up!uif!Nfncfst!pg!uif!Ipmz!JoopdfoutÖ!Dpnnvojuz!!!! I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you and my affection for you. During my many years here I have been blessed to be a part of this fine school. I will greatly miss the connections I have made with students, parents, colleagues and friends. You have touched my life in a wonderful way. I could recount pages of examples and stories of which you are a part. I have always felt supported by this strong faith community. My fond memories will serve to bolster and sustain me as I move into the next chapter of my life. Thank you,

The soul is healed by being with children. - Fyodor Dostoevsky TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 25

BASEBALL DIARIES

BASEBALL DIARIES “You know, this is no easy trip,” Head Coach Dylan Deal says. “Last year we went 1-4 and we’re playing even better teams this year. Still, you’re going to see some good baseball and we’ve got some great kids. Oops, I might have jinxed this trip already.” As I look around, however, I see that success breeds success. The state championship of last year has attracted a fine cast of characters aboard these buses. On the coaching staff alone are some serious baseball resumes. For example:

Bentley Heyman, Sean Aiken

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General Manager Porter played professional ball for an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Though rumor has it a jammed pinkie contributed to the end of his career back in ’58, he says it was the curve ball. “Actually it was my ability,” he said.

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The obstacle is the path – Zen Proverb Friday, February 29, 2008 Atlanta to Crystal River - 3:50 p.m. - Three 15-passenger vans head out of Holy Innocents’ onto I-75 South as spring break begins. The Holy Innocents’ baseball team is off on its seven-day, five-game tour of Florida. The vans carry five coaches, twenty players, a journalist and a priest. They are sent off with a boxed lunch of a turkey sandwich, chips, a cookie and a dill pickle. Parents wish them well; players shut off their laptops, refrain from playing with their hackey sacks in the parking lot and board the buses by grade. Peer pressure, you see, still rules the day. The priest – Father John Porter – will act as General Manager of the Golden Bear team. I – the journalist – will be the bat boy. The trip is a “spring training,” if you will, for the defending state champion Golden Bear baseball team that will compete against some of Florida’s finest. The plan is to return in one week, all red-faced and with stories to tell. 26 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Gas tanks are filled to the gills, parents follow in cavalcades; and all are excited about this supposed five-hour drive. The drive is an education in nicknames, lingo and superstitions. I learn names such as B-Hey, T-Hey, Jingles, Flappy, Squirrely and Diesel. I hear terms such as pearl, deuce, roll it up and crop dusting.

And let’s not forget those superstitions. “I wear the same socks every game,” Assistant coach Marshall Gaines says. Shortstop Bentley Heyman is a bit more complicated when dealing with his pre-atbat ritual. “Two swings right, two swings left, one arm circle right, one arm circle left, one bat circle over the head, then start timing the pitcher.” There is more, but there’s time, plenty of time. And there’s a problem. You see, the last time I was in Florida, I lost my wife, my microwave and my dog, but that’s another story for another time. And as I’ve often told people - it’s hard to get back on the proverbial horse when you’re still in midair from falling. But I digress. The five hour drive takes seven. Google and/or MapQuest never seem to take into consideration this two-hour issue known as “Atlanta traffic.” Still, spirits soar as the vans start and stop down the mindless expressway known as Interstate 75.

Blaustein on being named captain

Jay Hood (a.k.a. Hoodie) played in the Anaheim Angels organization (’98-’02) and reached the Class AA level before a shattered wrist ended his up-and-coming career as a shortstop. “Best baseball mind I’ve ever known,” Coach Deal says. Marshall Gaines was actually a punter for the University of Georgia football team. His claim to fame in the 90s was taking a bunch of 65-pound runts and turning them into football stars at Morgan Falls. “Salt of the earth,” says Deal.

Austin Pound

Zach Blend ’02: Another home-grown HIES grad Played high school ball before starring on the Rollins College intramural champions a couple years later. Was prominently known as “The King.” Daniel Blaustein

The journalist played Little League and rumor has it, back in 1970 a high fly ball was hit in the Madison, Georgia sky to the second baseman. All he had to do was catch it, kiss his mom, get his free drink and celebrate the team’s championship by playing kick the can in the yard with his friends. He dropped it… and cried all the way home instead. 10:15 p.m.: Five coaches, twenty players, a journalist and a priest gather in Room 111 of the Best Western. The Honorable Dylan Deal presides. “What you do out there tomorrow will set the tone for the season. Make good

Saturday, March 1, 2008 Alachua, FL: “The last time we were standing out here on a baseball field together, great things happened.” These words kicked off the 2008 season on the Sante Fe High School field and the journalist can’t even remember which coach said them. Might have been Marshall Gaines. Regardless, good words… And great things began…

Dylan Deal ‘97 is home grown out of HIES. Starred in the 90s and was often written up in the Northside Neighbor for his heroics. Deal would later play at Davidson College in North Carolina. He also played a starring role in “The Music Man” last fall, but that’s also another story.

D.C. Aiken: was an outfielder/catcher at William & Mary and is the father of current catcher Sean Aiken.

decisions! Be sharp! Take care of each other! And we’ll let the results take care of themselves.” Twenty heads nod in unison. They are wide-eyed, young, eager, immortal, ready for anything. Seniors Daniel Blaustein and Bentley Heyman are elected captains. Applause all around. Deal dismisses the team, reminding them to be in their rooms by midnight – TV’s off, iPods off, laptops off. Spring training, after all, starts tomorrow.

Whit Woodring

Blaustein gets the first hit of the season, a screamer between short and third. He takes third on an infield error and scores on Fletcher Hawkins’ single. Bears open up a lead they won’t relinquish. Pitcher Mark Grimm fans the first six batters he faces. He goes on to strike out nine in four innings. The Canes don’t even touch the ball until the third inning when their No. 7 hitter singles between short and third just off of Bentley Heyman’s glove. “I hung a slider that did absolutely nothing,” Grimm would later say. Blaustein goes 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBI’s. Fletcher Hawkins is 3-for-4 with two RBI’s. Heyman also drives in two with two singles. The Bears pound out 16 hits; every starter gets at least one and six different players drive in a run. The team looks smooth – late season smooth – and even Deal is a bit surprised. “I’m shocked it went that well,” he says. “I’m very happy with the way we opened. We swung the bats well; we were aggressive. We manufactured runs. I like that. Still, we can’t get complacent. And remember, we have four games in four days after tomorrow so take care of yourselves!” The happy players nod, joke around, pat each other on the backs. Even Deal jumps on another coach’s back as they leave the field. Tomorrow, you see, is a day off. The TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 27

BASEBALL DIARIES plan is to sleep late, dine wherever and swim with the manatees. Red-faced parents, already baked in the Gainesville sun, greet their kids with hugs, congrats and reminders to behave, brush their teeth and mind their manners. The kids’ faces turn a bit redder, they pretend not to hear. Life goes on… 8:15 p.m. - A bunch of red-faced parents and players dine by the pool at the Best Western somewhere near Crystal River, FL. Wills Aitkens has already caught a fish. Gaines bagged two himself, while Joe Austin’s luck wasn’t as solid. “I got two bites, then nothing,” he said. Austin’s luck hasn’t started out that well. He actually tripped when getting off the bus earlier today. “Just earning your stripes,” he was told. Coach Deal was going to celebrate by mullet gigging, but an upset stomach sidelined him – (bad onion rings, I was told). He fends off the compliments for his team

BASEBALL DIARIES Sunday, March 2, 2008 Crystal River, FL - So we’re sitting under the Spanish moss, relaxing on a warm, 80 degree day. The kids are relaxed – some are fishing, others playing chess or bocce ball or hackey sack; a couple throw the football while others actually swim, hunting for manatee. Travis Stout, sophomore pitcher who got the last three outs the day before, reflects on his outing. “I was nervous – you know, being a sophomore and wanting respect and all,” he said. “But I just took a deep breath and told myself to do what I know how to do.” It worked. The Canes got nothing off him the previous day. Though the idea is to have a relaxing day, Coach Deal recalls a year earlier when this wasn’t quite the case. “I’m underwater looking at a manatee and all of a sudden I look up,” he remembers. “There’s this huge water moccasin – I mean five to seven feet long coming into the water.

9:30 p.m. until ??? - Back at the hotel, late at night, the minds of HIES baseball are spinning: “Who do we pitch in middle relief tomorrow … Is Fletcher playing too deep at third… Don’t we need Sean’s bat in the lineup?...How’s Mark’s arm?...Where do we pitch Daniel?...How good is Berkeley Prep?...How many innings do we pitch Austin?...Where’s Flappy going to play?”

ÓZpv!lopx-!zpv!mfbso b!mpu!bcpvu!qfpqmf!xifo zpv!ep!uifjs!mbvoesz/Ô Lisa Woodring – mother of pitcher Whit Woodring

Coach Deal and his staff ponder, wonder, plan, optimize. The win was nice but big days are ahead. Some early-trip observations r Baseballscoutz.com has HIES ranked No. 3 in the state. r People around me keep saying, “That was off the record!” Andrew McGonnigle

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but parents are already on to something. An idea, you see, is germinating. “What if you went undefeated this year?” one asks. Deal violently shuts down the suggestion. His arms even get into the action as he almost drops his Diet Coke in protest. “We’ll slip up somewhere,” he assures. “Maybe Monday night even.” Parents laugh. But they smell blood. Oh dear, oh dear… Fell asleep watching Columbo relentlessly tail a cold-blooded murderer.

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I’m freaking out. All of a sudden (Forrest) Stillwell starts beating him with a boat oar trying to kill him. It only made him madder. Luckily, the snake finally went away.” Fortunately on this day there are no snakes, only five or six manatee, a cookout to kill for (compliments of Stillwell and his father) and another day of soaking up the rays. 7:30 p.m. - The night is capped off with more serious competition – bowling at Manatee Lanes somewhere in town. Bowling notes: Kevin Kyle and Tyler Heyman ended with turkeys – that would be three consecutive strikes to end the game for those of you scoring at home. The players beat the coaches 591-564. Problem was, no one could remember what the bet was, so everybody just shook hands, paid their $6.42, turned in their shoes and left Manatee Lanes.

r Fried green tomatoes really aren’t all that bad. r The card games the kids play are Red Alert and Tonk. r Before this week is over, I’ll have to write my hotel room number on my hand so I can remember where it is. Until tomorrow… Monday, March 3, 2008 Crystal River to Ocala – Hanging out in the hotel room, listening to “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” on Hoodie’s stereo. Brooke Hawkins – father of Fletcher – pulls his car around and cranks up his stereo. The kids are playing cards and hackey sack in the parking lot. There’s an extra kick to their step. After all, it’s game day. “I’m excited; this is my first varsity start,” tonight’s pitcher Kevin Kyle says. “I don’t

have any pre-game routine; just try to chill and do as little as possible. Basically, I just want to go out there and have some fun.” A junior, Kyle has a four-pitch arsenal that, when working, could give opponents fits this season. So the journalist is thinking about this game – this thread that runs through so many people’s lives, these stories, these real estate agents, stockbrokers and priests who put their lives on hold for a week to go on this trip. This talk of sacred spaces such as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, this bond, the movies – “Bull Durham” and “Field of Dreams”… And me, a tennis coach for crying out loud – I’ve got a baseball uniform on and I can’t wait until some umpire yells “Play Ball.” Can’t wait to smell the grass, watch the maintenance folks line the fields, hear the parents yell for better and for worse, hear the kids pumping each other up… Cars crank, vans roll; it’s on to Ocala for more of this disease known as baseball. And later - this from the HIES website: Ocala, FL - The Golden Bear baseball squad won its second game of the season without a loss, this time in extra innings as “spring training” continues to go well for Dylan Deal’s team. The Bears knocked off Trinity Catholic in nine 8-6. “I’m proud of our guys because we battled,” Deal said. “Good teams battle to the end and we did. It wasn’t pretty but it was a win. “It shouldn’t have been that close of a game; we gave them a lot of runs, but we also showed a lot of character.” The Celtics came within an eyelash of winning it in the bottom of the eighth, when their No. 9 hitter singled to right with a runner on second and the score knotted at 5. But right fielder Rob Aitkens gunned down the runner trying to score to push the game to another extra frame. The Bears used the momentum in the ninth to score three runs. Daniel Blaustein, who went 3-for-4 and is 7-for-9 on the season, singled; Bentley Heyman walked and Fletcher Hawkins walked to load the bases. Sean Aiken then ripped a double to score two. Hawkins would later score on a wild pitch to put the Bears up 8-5. Hawkins was 2-for-4 on the night and is off to a 5-for-8 start.

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The Celtics put a run on the board in the bottom half, but reliever Travis Stout got out of trouble to get the win. Stout pitched 2

seconds before Aitkens gunned down the runner at the plate, the HIES coaching staff ordered the outfield to “take three steps in.” If not for that, our beloved Bears would have gone down in eight.

Coach Dylan Deal

innings; Blaustein pitched 2 and Kevin Kyle started and went four innings. Aiken also had an RBI single in the seventh to temporarily put the Bears up, but the Celtics tied it in the bottom half. Hawkins had two doubles and two RBI on the night while Wills Aitkens, Jack Austin, Andrew McGonnigle and Mark Grimm had singles. Blaustein had a double and a single. Another unsung hero was courtesy runner Austin Pound, who helped manufacture two runs with aggressive base running. “We’ve got a lot of good things to build on, though we didn’t come up big the way we did Saturday against Gainesville,” Dylan added. The Bears will be in action again Tuesday in Tampa against Berkeley Prep.

ÓUijt!ufbn!lopxt!ipx!up! ep!fwfszuijoh!fydfqu!mptf/Ô Assistant coach Marshall Gaines

10:30 p.m. - Dinner at Chili’s with parents and friends, then to bed. Fell asleep to Kelso and the gang on ‘That 70s Show’. Unsung fact of the day: Approximately 20

Tuesday, March 4, 2008 Ocala to Tampa -You win some, you lose some, and some get rained out… Left Ocala at 10 a.m., made the hourand-a-half drive to Tampa. Worked out at Berkeley Prep – a very casual workout with the energy level a medical flatline. A little fungo, some hitting and an impromptu football game in right field. GM Porter sat in the visiting dugout, the team working out under his watchful eye. It’s good we got the workout in; the weather channel has nothing but green over the city of Tampa. It’s supposed to get ugly. With the game called off and a doubleheader slated for tomorrow, thirty-two people (separate checks) invade Golden Corral, then it’s off for a five-star, droolinduced nap back at the hotel. 6:30 p.m. - Bowling tonight – coaches vs. the players. We made the same bets, same teams but this time neglected to add up the scores to figure out who won. Oh well, oh well. Impromptu coaches meetings are held, card games among players, hackey sack in the parking lot, but mostly sleep. As Coach Deal told his players in the parking lot, “No swimming, no sitting in the hot tub. Guys, we’ve got 14 innings to play tomorrow.” Not many grunt or protest. GM Porter took in a Yankees game at Legend’s Field. No report yet as to his observations. Fell asleep before the opening credits on ‘L.A. Law’. Good night. Wednesday, March 5, 2008 Tampa – In national news, Brett Favre is retiring and a cold front is zipping through the Northeast. As for the local stuff, if you ever feel like complaining about Atlanta traffic, try driving in Tampa; the Busch Gardens trip has been scrubbed due to the doubleheader, and tonight’s starter Austin Pound has a simple game plan when going in – “rock and fire.”

Sean Aiken Andrew McGonnigle

Other general observations: r Sean Aiken plays catcher and first and carries his own bowling ball when on the road… r Travis Stout, if he continues his good pitching, will be nicknamed “Lights Out Stout.” r Lenny’s makes the best ham & cheese subs known to man. If you’re ever in town, order the #1 and do yourself a TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 29

BASEBALL DIARIES favor and get the lemonade. r It cost us $96 to fill up the van. “And they say the economy is good,” Coach Deal said. r Everybody I room with snores. r Emily Procter, who plays Callie Duquesne on CSI-Miami, is hot. r Shortstop Bentley Heyman got off to a slow start in the first two games, but is chomping at the bit to turn things around today. Don’t try to tease him about his 2-for-9 start. He simply won’t laugh. r If Jack Austin’s single up the middle in Game 2 had been a foot higher, the pitcher would’ve been carried off on a stretcher. r Hoodie bowled a 192 last night; Kevin Kyle a 168. The journalist dipped from a 175 to a 121. Coach Deal almost

IN MEMORIAM The Bears then collected their bats and balls, remembering their parents’ advice to clean up after themselves, made the 20 minute drive to Tampa Prep, and played even better in an 8-1 effort. Mark Grimm was the offensive hero, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, Jack Austin had an RBI single and drilled a 401-foot out to deep center – a ball that would have damaged cars at Holy Innocents’ – and several others chipped in. On the hill, Whit Woodring went five innings, gave up five hits, one earned run and fanned five. Jack “Flappy” Austin threw an inning before Travis “Lights Out” Stout closed the deal in the seventh. Despite the two wins, Coach Deal wasn’t all smiles. “It’s a good job getting two wins in one Baseball team goes looking for manatees.

Originally I was sad – for the coaches, the players, the parents. For the buildup and the desire to play in this big game that wasn’t going to be played; that couldn’t be made up. Then I started thinking: About nicknames and hackey sack and late night TV and time in the batting cage. About watching these kids do everything but lose; watching them laugh, bowl, chatter, fall off buses, and even puke. About traveling from Atlanta to Gainesville to Crystal River to Tampa, back to Crystal River, back to Atlanta. About late night coaches/parents meetings in Room 111 of the Best Western, or 3106 at the Marriott. About Hoodie’s music, Deal’s giving Travis a new nickname every day, about barreling into a restaurant 30-something strong. You see, I’ve done spring training before Sean Aiken, Jack Farrell, Tyler Heyman, Bentley Heyman, Jackson Davis, Ryan Cox, Charley Henley, Fletcher Hawkins, Whit Woodring

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Tubgg!nfncfst!boe!gpsnfs!svoofst!sfnfncfs!uif!dpbdijoh!mfhfoe Bentley Heyman, Rob Aitkens, Daniel Blaustein

broke the lanes with a fastball that landed half-way down the alley, almost breaking the rack that hadn’t lifted yet from his previous shot. The manager became very nervous every time Coach Deal came up to throw. No one blamed him. r Team moms are the best invention since the remote control. r The players seem well-rested, focused and ready. Details at 11. 4:30 p.m. - Game report – In a doubleheader worth missing The Celebrity Apprentice for, the lean, mean maroon machine rolled to two more wins Wednesday night, upping its record to a perfect 4-0. Though the first game was far from perfect – an infield error, not getting bunts down and swinging at inappropriate pitches – the team picked it up from the third inning on and drilled Berkeley Prep 11-2. Pitcher Austin Pound’s pre-game plan was perfecto, as he went six innings, allowed only four hits, no earned runs and struck out four. Daniel Blaustein continued his torrid pace, going 3-for-3, while Fletcher Hawkins also kept his going with a 3-for-4 outing. Wills Aitkens (2-for-4) was another who came up big and Bentley Heyman’s bat came to life. 30 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

day and I think we played fairly well in the second game,” he said. “I can handle the mistakes, what I can’t handle is the mentality that we can just show up and win ball games. We’re going to have to learn to stay focused for seven innings, especially against the teams in our region.” 9:55 p.m. - The team loaded up (almost left behind a bucket of balls), some ordered hot chocolate to keep their hands warm, and headed to Carrabba’s for a victory dinner. The waitresses were simply appalled. Final note: Tomorrow it will be two undefeated teams going at it. The 4-0 Bears will travel to Crystal River to face the 13-0 home team. In the words of the immortal Don King, “Somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go!” Fell asleep to ‘Scrubs’ after a brief staff meeting in Deal’s room. Thursday, March 6- Friday, March 7, 2008 At first I thought the end was a bit melodramatic. I mean, we got to Crystal River at about 3 p.m. About five minutes later, lightning began; then the thunder; then the rain in droves. Within minutes, the field was two inches underwater and the game was canceled. I guess Don King was wrong; somebody’s ‘0’ didn’t have to go.

– and in the big leagues. Have covered the Marlins and Cardinals and Mets (Oh my!) Have hung out in the club house, interviewed the big names, written stories and sent them in within seconds of deadline. But once upon a time, as a joke, I told Coach Dylan Deal I wanted to accompany him and his team down to Florida. He said, “Why not?” It wasn’t a bad question. So the next thing you know I’m sitting in the dugout, dressed in Gaines’ uniform, writing down notes, staying out of the players way except to give a high-five or a pat on the back, picking up equipment, praying with the team before the game, and soaking it all in. Next thing you know I’m meeting the parents, the coaches, the players. And before I knew it I’d caught this disease – this disease known as baseball. It started in my mind and went straight into my soul. It’s still here as I type, now safe at home in Atlanta. Still with me as I do laundry and surf through the channels. It’s great…isn’t it? I fell asleep with a smile on my face. Thanks for listening. Dunn Neugebauer February 29-March 7, 2008 Notes from Spring Training

Robert “Red” Smith died February 24th, 2008. He spent nearly two decades at Holy Innocents’ lending his expertise to our cross country and track programs. Many current faculty/staff members were more than eager to share their memories of the man who coached literally thousands of HIES runners. Athletic Director Rob Weltz “I remember after our state track championship in 2004, Red rode back with me and I noticed he was getting choked up. I asked him what was wrong and he said, “I’m so glad that we won and also I’m so glad you’re going to take me to Wendy’s to get me a Frosty. Whenever we win, I have to have a Frosty. “He was a breath of fresh air; he was very passionate with the kids and was often getting them to try new things. One time I went to a cross country meet with him and I felt like we were on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. Everybody knew Red Smith.” Head cross country coach Mike Daly “He had a great sense of humor; he was always on the kids to not miss practice because of cat birthdays. We have an annual Leadership Award that goes to the

senior runner who best exemplifies Red’s leadership skills. A great idea. I learned a lot from Coach Red and I know he meant a lot to a lot of people.” Former head cross country coach Randi Aton “I had the pleasure of meeting Red in the fall of 1993 when he helped Lucie Bornholm and me with the school’s first cross country team. From the beginning, his enthusiasm for the sport affected our runners. He would tell the kids before a race to “start fast, speed up, and sprint at the end” and then he would beam that wonderful Red Smith smile! I know this: He loved the sport of running, he

loved his athletes and he loved his family. I will miss him.” Former state champion Jenna Downey ‘03 “I was set on playing soccer and he kept telling me I had to run track. He wouldn’t take no for answer! He was like a grandfather to me and was a mentor for many years. He had such a great sense of humor and a warm and caring personality; it’s hard not to love him! There aren’t that many people who have had the sort of effect on me that Coach Red did.” Jeff Campanella ‘03 – former HIES runner “He lived a wonderful life, giving back so much to others. I’ll never get the image out of my head of Jenna running down the Carrollton hill for the state title and Red just sitting in his chair weeping with joy. It was such a great moment.” Dunn Neugebauer – current HIES cross country coach “I remember in 2001, it was my first year ever of coaching cross country. I was really nervous about it – until they told me I’d be coaching with Red. I never worried again. After all, how many teams had a guy with 50-plus years of experience under his belt?” TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 31

SERVICE AND MISSION WORK

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Rawson Allen

George Gwaltney (front) Owen Brock (back)

!!!

Emily Martin

From Pre-K through 12th Grade, Holy Innocents’ students learn the power of service work. 32 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 33

SERVICE AND MISSION WORK As an Episcopal school, with weekly chapel services and four chaplains, Holy Innocents’ can’t help but approach its philosophy and methods with a nod toward the Bible. So why does Luke 12:48 receive so much attention? “From him to whom much is given, much is expected,” reads the verse. And students at Holy Innocents’ have, indeed, been given much. They attend a beautiful school in a beautiful section of a beautiful city. And they learn very early that much is, therefore, expected. What’s so refreshing, though, is how quickly and joyfully Holy Innocents’ students take Saint Luke’s words to heart. It begins in the Alan A. Lewis Pre-School, where this year our youngest students chipped in their own allowances to help secure school supplies for children their own age attending the Albert T. Mills Enrichment Center, an organization in downtown Atlanta serving at-risk children. The Holy Innocents’ Parents Association was so impressed by the work our PreSchoolers did that they dedicated the proceeds of this year’s Fun Run to purchase a bus for the center. In Lower School, service is built into the curriculum. Students study virtues such as charity and the Golden Rule in LS Chaplain Ms. Beth Lynch’s class, where she makes a concerted effort to link her lessons with community outreach. For instance, to learn patience and the art of conversation, Ms. Lynch’s students interact with elderly residents of the Dorothy Benson Adult Day Care Center, staging a tea party or giving hand massages, all while engaging the seniors in heartfelt conversation. For a lesson on homelessness, Lower Schoolers visited the Atlanta Children’s Shelter where they put on Emily Martin

34 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Kendall Gregory

puppet shows, hosted picnics and simply played with a group of young children for whom playtimes are few and far-between. “We do all of this, studying, doing the lessons and getting out into the community, to learn how to be God’s hands and feet, because this is what we’re called to do,” says Ms. Lynch. That calling doesn’t subside, but rather gains momentum in Middle School, where chaplain The Reverend Patty Roberts leads the service efforts. Her students work throughout the city on projects from assisting the disabled to food drives to working with the homeless to preserving the environment. “At chapel last year, I read the list of everything we had done for service, and it was overwhelming,” beamed Rev. Roberts. “It was over three and a half pages of different service opportunities students had taken advantage of.” And it’s in Middle School where Rev.

Casey Wilson, Amanda Bassett

Rawson Allen

Roberts helps students begin to focus their efforts. Her Great Days of Service program allows students to divide one day of service between two organizations. The idea is to let them experience different types of outreach and decide what kinds of projects and causes most interest them. “Then hopefully, when the kids are in Upper School they’ll be able to draw from the work they did here, and already have an idea of what sort of volunteer work they want to pursue,” Rev. Roberts says. And that leads us to Upper School, where the verse from Luke really takes hold. Holy Innocents’ Upper School has gained a significant reputation – not only in Atlanta but throughout the South and even overseas – for the commitment and energy of its students to community service. Many Upper Schoolers help with Horizons, a summer enrichment program located on the HIES campus. Horizons works with at-risk and disadvantaged children to prevent academic decline during the summer months through a variety of educational, social and athletic activities. Upper School volunteers help translate for the large Latino population who attends Horizons. They also serve as Teachers’ Aides, help with swim lessons and tutor young children with their academics. Not surprisingly, HIES students accounted for a full 95 percent of Horizons’ 1,200 volunteer hours last year. Of course, with age comes privilege, so Upper Schoolers also have opportunities to travel to perform service beyond their local community. For three years running, groups of Upper Schoolers have traveled to the Gulf Coast to assist with the cleanup efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This spring, students

Nick Bitzis, Bailey McBride, Evy Mitchell

Kendall Krebs

Corinne Bicknese, Olivia Stockert, My Bui

cleaned storm drains and picked up debris along the Mississippi coast. “I was just so impressed with the effort that they put into this job,” said The Reverend Sarah Wood, US Chaplain and leader of the effort. “It was thankless work, but they didn’t stop.” Another of the Upper School’s cleanup efforts is closer to home. What started as an AP Environmental Science project monitoring the water quality in Sandy Springs’ Allen Park has transformed into a full-blown park clean up. After analyzing bacteria in the creek water, students detected a problem. But instead of telling authorities and getting back to their schoolwork, the students opted to address the issue themselves, and hopefully improve the entire park. They picked up years’ worth of accumulated trash, planted indigenous trees and other plant species and wrote letters to Sandy Spring Council members. Today, thanks to the students’ hard work, local non-profits have joined the effort and are working toward the park’s restoration. And then there are those service projects that take place within our school’s walls.

Recycling is an HIES cross-grade initiative in which virtually everyone participates. Students also lead many fundraising efforts – donating money to the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, the American Diabetes Association, and schools in Haiti, Costa Rica and Tanzania, among other causes. In other words, Holy Innocents’ students tend to what they see needs tending. “As an Episcopal school, we are committed to the formation of the whole person, which is not focused on oneself,” said Rev. Wood. “We do everything we can to help students learn that offering and outpouring of self to others is what makes them whole.” So in a day and age of hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial lotions as far as the eye can see, it’s comforting to know that HIES students are comfortable getting their hands dirty. In a twist on the adage, “a little dirt never hurt anybody,” our students have learned that a little dirt can actually help out quite a bit. Luke 12:48 never rang so true.

Connor Randall

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 35

CHRIS DURST UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

I had the great privilege of addressing several of our current board members about the qualities and characteristics that make our Upper School a compelling choice for families in the Atlanta area. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much more to a quality education than grades and scores; the competitive aspect of educationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;btw, what college did you get into?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;seems to permeate most discussions about school quality. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a shame that these limited benchmarks (not necessarily of success or excellence) are dominating the airways. As Principal I feel the need to re-center the debate about what makes a quality school, not necessarily sounding defensive or masking deficiencies, but to articulate whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really importantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or should be importantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to the families at the school. The following are qualities I believe are found at great schools, and hopefully youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find them in the HI Upper School: r 4DIPPMT NVTU CF TPVMGVM &WFSZ HSFBU

school has a certain â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, that consciousness that transcends buildings and rooms and lockers. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you feel when you come onto campus. Soulful schools are about partnerships with families, students and teachers. Soulful schools care for students in extraordinary ways, for schools know that if children donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel connected, they run the risk of falling prey to societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst nightmares. Soulful schools are tearful, joyous, thoughtful, inspiringâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all of which reflect a singular purpose towards helping and educating children. r 5IFSF JT OP HSFBUFS CFOFĂ U UP TUVEFOU learning than selfless teachers. Selflessness is absolutely crucial. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always taught this way,â&#x20AC;? is a sure sign that someone has lost his way. We know more about student learning and brain function than we ever have, and it is time to demand that teachers search outside teacher-centered models to engage students. Students are savvy: they know exactly which teachers have been doing the same tired lessons for years and which ones constantly try to provide that magic moment of learning. Selfless teachers are the professionals willing to try new techniques, are not afraid to be vulnerable,

teach both skills and curriculum and go to great lengths to model the most appropriate behaviors for children. r &WFSZ TDIPPM IBT B QPSUSBJU PG FYDFMMFODF Too often school improvement discussions center on what children are not doing, or how curriculum is flawed or how parents are making a mess of things. Great schools refocus the discussion by framing the picture in the community of what the school looks like when it is outstanding. Inevitably, that picture becomes a beautiful portrait of what the children can make of their lives if we just will allow ourselves to see it. r 5IF NPSF XF HJWF PG PVSTFMWFT UIF NPSF we will love what is left. Independent schools, and HI in particular, have a greater obligation and responsibility to the community to produce individuals who appreciate service and recognize the value of diversity. Students who share in these values and are competent and comfortable engaging in a fluid and diverse society will ultimately be the leaders of the next generation.

One of my greatest joys and biggest responsibilities as principal of the Alan A. Lewis Pre-School has been guiding the young children in my care toward the development of a spiritual foundation upon which to build as they grow older. The process here at Holy Innocentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is greatly enhanced through the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opportunity to participate in weekly chapel services. During these services the children learn about Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world through stories, song, and prayers. Basic concepts and understandings are taught in the classroom. First we learn that God loves us all and that we are to love each other. There is an emphasis here given to family, friends, and community and the parts

they play in our lives. A daily reminder of the Golden Rule sets the tone during morning devotions that are heard by way of the school intercom. Teachable moments, which present themselves during the day, are used to emphasize these principles. Through the use of age-appropriate Bible stories, the students learn that God cares for each of us in a special way. Building upon His love for us, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care, guidance, and protection are highlighted as a part of this study. Tolerance and respect along with lessons of diversity and acceptance support the theme as well. Regular service projects are introduced and implemented in an effort to help the students develop an understanding of the importance of sharing and reaching out to others. We also learn that God is dependable. There is evidence of His dependability as we witness the predictability of the changing seasons as well as other visible reminders in the world around us. Children can relate to the rising and ebbing of the tides when they visit the beach and they

experience light and darkness through the day and night routinely. We further emphasize the fact that we can talk to God by praying to Him. Prayer is a part of each day. Children learn to recite chapel prayers including the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer and they are taught blessings that are used before snack time and at Kindergarten lunch. During the year each class is given the opportunity to write a joint prayer, which is learned and shared during morning devotional time. We know that we can pray anytime and anywhere. Recently, a Pre-K student reflected, â&#x20AC;&#x153;God must have really big ears!â&#x20AC;? As our students mature, they are given an opportunity to build on these basic understandings and to learn about their individual familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s religious traditions and beliefs. Hopefully, we are laying a foundation that our students will use to build a spiritual reservoir from which they can draw strength for the rest of their lives.

much smoother. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re adding a few courses for next year. In Fine Arts, we are offering an Advanced Art class for eighth graders who are serious about pursuing art in Upper School. It will allow the students to spend more time developing their skills using clay, drawing, painting, and making photographs. Recent economic events have shown us all that we need to make sure our kids understand the value of a dollar and have the wherewithal to spend it wisely. All of our eighth grade students will take a Personal Finance course where they will â&#x20AC;&#x153;get jobs,â&#x20AC;? and learn how to survive on an hourly wage. They will learn how to use a checking account and a credit card, fill out a tax return, and, hopefully, understand the importance of maintaining good credit. This year we marked the transition from first to second semester by having a Focus Week of experiential learning. Rather than jump right into the new semester, we took the first five days after Christmas break and spent the week engaging in new and different adventures, and, for the younger grades, performing some community service. The kids had fun, they learned a little about themselves and their schoolmates, and they enjoyed

the transition back into hardcore academics. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep this experience as a tradition, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make changes from year to year. We also had our first-ever Middle School Film Festival this year. Students in grades six through eight were invited to form teams and make two-minute films about Making the World a Better Place. The movies dealt with serious issues such as drunk driving, global warming, and the seamy underside of the fast food industry along with an exposition of the first-response lifesavers in the police and fire departments. We have already started planning for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event and have even brought the current fifth graders over to find out about what awaits them when they cross the mystic traffic circle and come to the Middle School. As I said, this is a terrific time to be in the Middle School. This year has been terrific, and next year looks even better.

On July 1, 2007, I began my first year as the Principal of the Lower School following Rick Betts who was named our Associate Head. Rick had done a remarkable job as Dorothy Sullivanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successor as principal. Upon her retirement in 2007, Holy Innocentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; honored Dorothy for her thirty years of distinguished service by naming the Lower School the Dorothy Sullivan Lower School. So you see, all of this was a bit intimidating. How does one follow in these footsteps? The foundation of the Lower School is built on determining what is best for our students and ensuring that they receive what is needed. The faculty and staff treat the students with respect and set boundaries. Children as learners need to be aware of the academic and behavioral expectations. Each day, I see students holding doors open for one other, smiling and laughing, and being active participants in their studies and activities. Service projects are an important part of our studies. Students in all grades are

involved with activities that serve others. From helping with dogs that have been neglected to entertaining folks at the Benson Center, our students plan and participate in these events which benefit the community beyond Holy Innocentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Our Fine Arts Department affords the students an opportunity to explore and discover their abilities in the visual and performing arts. Through our programs, students develop a love for painting or printmaking or a deep appreciation for acting, singing, or playing an instrument. Many programs stress the concept of studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wellness. The physical education classes, health classes, and guidance services from our counselor place great emphasis on being a healthy person in both mind and body. It is imperative that we prepare our students for the 21st century and the demands of technology. The fifth grade laptop program has provided our teachers with the ability to reach each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning style and increase their

comprehension and understanding of the material. It is amazing to witness the teachers and students learning from one another and exhibiting a true authentic learning environment. All of these areas are integrated with our strong academics to give our students a solid foundation that will support them as they enter the Middle School years. So what have I learned this year in regards to following in footsteps? I am following the footsteps of those who have seen future needs and implemented a vision. The route forward may not be plotted in details, but with this clear vision, the direction will always be known.

PRINCIPALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORNER

JANELLA BRAND

36 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

PRE-SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

THERESA JESPERSEN

Middle School is an awesome time in a young personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. They are beginning to feel their power a little, to be a little more independent and self-reliant. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to discover where they fit in, to start figuring out where - and who - they want to be. Middle School at Holy Innocentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a place where kids learn to make things happen, and not just allow things to happen to them. Our kids feel empowered and supported, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to make a movie about changing the world or simply learning to avoid the belligerent geese on the ball fields. I want them to try, so that they learn they can do. Our faculty and staff are enthusiastic supporters of the kids and have worked very hard this year to make this, the Best Middle School in the World. In math, the department chair and faculty have coordinated their efforts to make their teaching more effective, the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; efforts more directed, and the results more positive. The process began by identifying objectives for each level of math, and examining the rationales for inclusion in the curriculum. They have examined the time allotments for each section, and have created new timelines. This should make the transition from arithmetic to mathematics and Upper School courses

LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

TERRI POTTER

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 37

GLOBAL INITIATIVE

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JAPAN HOLY INNOCENTS

COSTA RICA

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Kelly Moore

HAITI

Ipmz!JoopdfoutÖ! jt!hpjoh!hmpcbm/ That doesn’t mean we’ll open a PreSchool in Beijing or field varsity cricket and sumo teams. It does mean, though, that our school’s focus has extended well-beyond Mt. Vernon Highway. We’ve come a long way since Ms. Anne Jackson taught our very first French class to Middle Schoolers in 1975. Today, Holy Innocents’ has formal, sister-school relationships in both Japan and France. Our administration’s stated goal is to have at least one sister-school on every continent within five years. Our foreign language programs are receiving all kinds of accolades – for both teachers and students. We’ve expanded the scope of our school’s service projects – a key component of both the Balanced Excellence program and our Episcopal Mission – virtually around the world, with visits to and service projects in Haiti, Costa Rica and Tanzania. On top of all that, the HIES Upper School begins a new Global Citizenship Program next fall, a three-year curricular option for rising sophomores with increased language study and an experiential, cross-cultural focus – including semesters abroad and extensive international service options. So perhaps we should say that Holy

TANZANIA

Lauren Seiple, Kendall Gregory, Mackenzie Sawicki,

Innocents’ has already gone global. Or maybe we should just point out that everyone involved with these programs is very excited about the work they’re doing.

same Georgia Department of Education ceremony at The Holy Innocents’ Foreign Language program has which Ms. Jackson received her award. received some pretty impressive kudos this year. Both “Alex is a remarkably gifted student of languages.” says teachers and students collected awards for academic and Ms. Christine Stafford, Foreign Language Department pedagogic excellence. Chair. “He not only loves studying and communicating Ms. Anne Jackson (in what can only be described as a in Spanish, but he understands that he can use his skills long-overdue honor) received the American Association to improve his community – he of Teachers of French Alex Wallace translates at an elementary “Outstanding Teacher Award” school where less than half the for the 2007-08 school year. parents speak English, and he Ms. Jackson introduced is increasingly involved with the foreign language study to Holy growing Hispanic community in Innocents’ back in 1975. Atlanta. That’s the whole reason “This is an enormous we do what we do – to see honor for someone who really our students enjoy and excel deserves it,” her departmental in communicating in a foreign colleague Mr. Gerard Gatoux language. Not only has Alex says, giving voice to our entire excelled in his foreign language community. “Anne Jackson Ms. Anne Jackson this year, he has also received a really got French going here. number of honors and awards She laid the foundation for for his writing in English. Alex everything our department has makes all of us very proud.” accomplished.” And then there are junior Kate Head of School Kirk Duncan Newman and sophomore Sarah concurs. “Anne Jackson is one Hamill, who received prizes in a of the reasons we can extend composition contest sponsored our Global Initiative beyond the by the French Consulate in classroom. We can go to Haiti Atlanta. They were honored and Costa Rica because the at a reception at the Consul’s most basic element of cultural residence. Ms. Stafford adds exchange – language study – some perspective on what is so well established here. And these two young women have you’ve got to thank Anne for accomplished: “What makes that. As for the award, all I can Kate’s and Sarah’s prizes so say is ‘it’s about time.’” remarkable is that we have two A number of HIES students high school students winning a have also been recognized Dr. Madeline Hamill, Sarah Hamill, Mr. Gerard Gatoux, contest that was open not only for their accomplishments Kate Newman, Mrs. Elizabeth Newman to high school students, but also with foreign language. Junior to university students, in seven states! This is an amazing Alex Wallace was named “Student of the Year”, by honor for two very talented students.” the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and So congratulations, félicitations, and felicitaciones Portuguese. Alex is the second HIES student in five years to all! to receive this prestigious award and was honored at the

From Pre-K through high school, Holy Innocents’ students learn the power of service work.

38 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 39

GLOBAL INITIATIVE

Jouspevdjoh!Hmpcbm!Djuj{fotijq Beginning next year, Holy Innocents’ Upper School will add a new Program for Global Citizenship. A three year curricular option for rising sophomores, Global Citizenship features electives in world literature, comparative religion and environmental science, as well as increased foreign

language study. Outside the classroom, the program includes semesters and summers abroad and extensive service work (both international and domestic). The program attempts to nurture cross-cultural understanding and an appreciation of diversity and inclusion issues. While it won’t

affect the actual diploma students receive from HIES, it will undoubtedly affect their lives and options after receiving it. So while the world’s not technically getting smaller, at Holy Innocents’, it certainly seems to be getting a lot closer.

Language and Culture Studies:

Their Effects on One Student

Gspn!uif!Ejsfdups When I was 18, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with two of my younger brothers, Matthew and Brandon, and several of my classmates (one whom happens to be my new sisterin-law). This 10-day enrichment trip was my first foray into international travel. How we managed to survive loving, yet overzealous parents who packed (for us, mind you) 80 pounds into a medium-sized suitcase and accompanied us on the first leg of our trip to Dallas to see us off eludes me still. What I am certain of, however, is that the trip sparked my passion for thinking about our ever-evolving world. Eight years later, our world is certainly just that – ever evolving. We need not turn further than the evening news or our own wallets to appreciate the fast-paced changes our world is currently experiencing. “Globalization,” the word du jour popularized by Thomas Friedman in his works The Lexus and the Olive Tree and The World is Flat, refers to the phenomenon of people, ideas, and events of the world unifying into

a single, functioning society. The question today that merits consideration, both globally and at Holy Innocents’, is just how effectively this society “functions.” Picture for a moment a serene arctic image. I would imagine a steel-colored sea littered with large pieces of ice scattered throughout. Many of you pictured icebergs. The interesting thing about icebergs, however, is that we only see a portion of the iceberg above the waterline. About 10% of the iceberg, in fact. And this is akin to our knowledge of our expanding world -- we know what we know. Beneath the surface of the water, a significant majority of the ice can be found, and this ice certainly intertwines itself with neighboring pieces of ice. This, too, is like our worldview, in that we do not know what we do not know—the unknown. Enter Holy Innocents’ and the new Program for Global Citizenship (PGC). This program is a prime example of the institution’s efforts to expand what it knows about our changing world; to expose more of the iceberg. An excerpt from the school mission statement reads “Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School develops in students…a sense of service to the world

community.” The PGC fully embraces the notion of serving the world community. A guiding question of the program focuses on the quality of the society in which we find ourselves; in other words, how well does our emerging global society “function” and can we dare suggest that the concept of a “good global society” exists? Admittedly, there is some anxiety within this question, as we only know what we know, and like our iceberg, there is much unknown. The program embraces the pillars of servant leadership, diversity and inclusion, and citizenship as we begin our inquiry into the good global society. From the Bahá’í faith we find the philosophical approach that suggests we “Let our vision be world embracing.” The PGC uses that notion as a compass for guiding itself in its endeavors to expose more of the iceberg. And as much as we might want to, we promise not to take any of our global citizens to icebergs. At least in the first year.

Quinton Walker Upper School History Teacher Director, Program for Global Citizenship

ÕUsbwfm!jt!gbubm!up!qsfkvejdfcjhpusz!boe!obsspx.njoefeofttÖ “This is one of my favorite quotes, from Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. There’s a spirit in those words that we’re trying to capture at HI, to open people’s minds. If we can send out 25 or 50 kids a year to Haiti, Africa, Costa Rica, Japan… if we can send 50 kids a year… and you

multiply that over 10 or 20 years. You’re sending out quite a few people who are going to have the means to make a difference in the world. You’re sending them out to do good things and to bring back perspective and understanding they can then share with others here

in America. So I think it’s a wonderful program. Plus, just the Christian aspect of it – to go into these areas of poverty and make a difference. I can’t think of a better example of our mission.” Kirk Duncan, Head of School

By Tyler Marquardt, HIES ‘06, Boston College ‘10

I am an Economics major here at BC, with what I call a History and Japanese concentration. Unfortunately, I don’t have time for a double major or a minor, and even with limited graduation requirements, I need to take about nineteen credits per semester, including my Senior year when I’ll also be writing my thesis. Some of you may think this is a huge mess, but I’ve made these schedule choices for one reason – they’ll allow me to study in Tokyo for my entire Junior year. But before I share that with you, let me start at the beginning. I want to take you back to when I was in Seventh grade. I was on the Science

Olympiad team (which I see has had great success in recent years), played soccer and ran track. I also took my first Spanish classes that year. This wasn’t my first exposure to other languages; in fourth and fifth grade I took French in public school and before that I lived in Albuquerque where my first and second grade teacher taught us basic Spanish. However, this was my first formal class setting with homework, vocabulary, quizzes and tests. With Mrs. Stafford’s instruction, I did well, and continued through high school with more great teachers: Ms. Tyrrell, Mr. Gatoux, and Dr. Palmer. For me, Spanish was much more than just a class. As some of you may know, I was one of 32 students from all of Georgia selected to participate in the Governor’s Honors Spanish Program in 2005. For four hours a day, six days a week, we took Spanish class, conducted research in Spanish and were forbidden to speak English. At the end of the six-week program we gave an hour-long presentation in Spanish. I spoke about the Panama Canal and tried to give both sides of the issue (from its controversial construction to the handover that President Carter signed off on). At the end of GHP, I was not only comfortable speaking in Spanish, but found myself thinking and dreaming in the language, as well. This experience, with help

from Mr. Gatoux and other teachers, allowed me to receive the Georgia Spanish Student of the Year for 2006. In addition to my Spanish studies, I was a part of Holy Innocents’ first exchange program with Asahigaoka (札幌旭丘高校) High School in Sapporo, Japan. By the time I graduated, I had twice hosted students from Sapporo and had traveled there once. My brief, eye-opening time in Japan encouraged me to learn Japanese and try to find a job with a Japanese company in an American market. I’ll complete my studies in Tokyo in September and hope to be as fluent as possible when I return next August. While in Japan, I’ll begin research for my thesis. Although my topic is not set in stone, I plan to study U.S. foreign policies to Japan either in opening the country up to international economics in the 19th century or the 1945-1960 post-war period. As cliché as it sounds, I feel compelled to say ‘The road ahead is shrouded in unknowns.’ But in my years at Holy Innocents’, I was able to discover not only what I was good at, but also what I love doing. My experiences with both Spanish and Japanese studies have opened a whole world to me and given me a goal to strive for. Now I only have to find a way to get paid for what I love doing!

From Pre-K through high school, Holy Innocents’ students learn the power of service work.

40 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 41

Laurie and Roland Pritchett

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Jim Scott , Spot

The bidding heats up

Raffle winner Bland Deshong

Stephanie and Rick Betts

Karen Barney, Rick Fishman, Jackie Fishman

Surveying the silent auction items

Lizzie and Kirk Duncan

Stacy Scott and friend

Towns and Rocco Paolucci

Cindy and Mark Stroman

Cheryl Hix, Sana Thomas, Stacy Scott

Carmen and Joe Kissack

Jess Brown, Molly Eustis, Erica Barbakow Angie Aiken and Anne Jackson

Rick Betts and Theresa Jespersen

Vicki and Chris Durst, Heather and Michael Hingson

Bernadine Richards, Georgia Watts, Anna Pfohl

Kathy Sullivan, Lori Snellings, Carrey Burgner, Julie McNeil

42 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 43

A HEART FOR THE ARTS

VOLUNTEER RECEPTION

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Holy Innocents’ is blessed to have an amazing group of energetic and talented volunteers who make countless things – such as the Gala, Heart for the Arts, Booster Club activities and a successful Annual Fund, to name just a few – happen for our school. On May 1st, top volunteers were saluted at a party at the home of Head of School, Kirk Duncan and his wife, Lizzie. With a nod to Cinco de Mayo, Mexican food was featured and more than 100 people fiesta’d the night away. Kirk Duncan

Susan Mehre, Ann Taylor, Carter Taylor

Karen Martin, Twyla Fendler, Michele Duncan

David Aldridge, Gail and John Jokerst

Merrell and Butch Woodyard and Lever Stewart

Karen Barney

Joshua McClymont

Sana Thomas and Jane Thomson

The Reverend Patty Roberts

Susan Sapronov

Michele Nelson, Stephanie Ungashick, Rocco and Towns Paolucci, Lori Ainsworth

Debbie and Matt Reams

Cheryl Hix and Stacy Scott

Twyla and Jeff Fendler

Kristen and Kelly Williams

Cathy Bennett, Karen and David Calhoun

Janet Silvera

Merrell Woodyard and Kirk Duncan

Mary McKenzie

Angie Barry and Wes Green

Event Co-Chairs Leah Henry and Alexis Veer

Dana and Dave Patton

44 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Claire Mills and Dana Ponder

Joanie Ehlers and June Arnold

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 45

FINE ARTS

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FINE ARTS Cory Wright Nine Faces Of Cami

Keaton Anderson Landscape

Ethan Bower Glass Mosaic

Upper School Art teachers Ms. Judie Jacobs and Ms. Wendy Jackson are both accomplished artists in their own right. As is obvious from their students’ work on these pages, they’ve helped lay a solid foundation for the next generation of artistic talent.

Anastasia Courvaras Rockstar

Kishauna Callwood Untitled

Katherine Tate Untitled

Meagan Miller Sunset

Courtney Armstrong Lighthouse

Kevin Brenninkmeijer Whole Milk

Collin Rhea Red picket fence

Sarah Bissell Recycled Bottles

Haley Pope Landscape

46 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Lilly Landskroener Golf Course

Caitlin Corsetti Nightscape

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 47

FINE ARTS

Art And Technology Partner Up A grieving teen stares silently out the window of his bedroom. Smokestacks belch pollution into a lead-colored sky. A fireman talks about his goal of being of service to others. The depth and eloquence of student films submitted to the Upper and Middle School Film Festivals this year show that our students have a lot to say, and the medium of video is an expressive vehicle with which to say it. “Digital video is the future of communications,” declared Middle School English and Film teacher Mr. David Gale, addressing the crowd that came to view the videos submitted at the 1st Annual Middle School Film Festival. Middle School filmmakers certainly appear to be catching on to the art. Today’s desktop editing software is within the reach of all computer users with access to a video camera—a far different scenario from the specialized, expensive post-production houses of the recent past. This allows Internet users all over the world to contribute constantly, coherently and usefully to what’s on the Web, and these skills will be highly effective in the marketplace, as well. It became clear to teachers and administrators at the Rowan Family Middle School that HIES students should have a voice in this media revolution, and the skills to express it. The theme for the MS Film Festival was modeled after the work of Dr. Tim Tyson, principal of Mabry Middle School. Mabry students have gained world recognition for their short films. Their digital media content is shared with viewers all over the 48 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

world on MabryOnline.org, as well as via the iTunes store. During Tyson’s visit to HIES in June 2007, MS History teacher Gary Klingman, and David Gale quizzed him extensively on how to orchestrate a film festival. They decided to adopt the theme, “Making Our World a Better Place”. Sixteen teams of student filmmakers came forward when the Film Festival was announced. “Sixth and seventh graders were at a major disadvantage,” says Klingman. “They didn’t have enough computer access. They could research, script and shoot their projects, but they couldn’t get them edited. This should not be an issue next year, when everyone has a laptop.” In the end, though, all three grades were represented. The videos that made it to the final judging were Drunk Driving, by Nick Andrist, Mitchel Bassett, Trent Martin, Harrison McCrorrie and Ben Rousseau; Global Warming, by Blake Barber, Warner Ray and Edward Vear; Think About What You Eat, by George Dobbs, Carter Holland and William Mavity; and H.O.P.E., by Katie Keith, Carolina Saca, Katie Tiller and Mary Weaver. H.O.P.E. won 1st place in the 1st Annual MS Film Festival. The eighth grade, all-girl team of filmmakers observed that, “…

this opportunity has allowed us to appreciate the great Americans who serve our community. We are sending out the message that a person can never give up on hope.” The film’s interesting camera angles, quick cuts and effects, and footage from many different locations made it a standout. Sending out the message is the whole point of film festivals like this, Klingman points out. “When you are heard by one person, that makes a difference. When you are heard by ten people, it makes even more of a difference. But imagine if you are heard by 100 million people—what a difference that would make!” The submissions to the Upper School Film Festival, held in late April, showed clearly that students are absorbing powerful aesthetic messages from their widespread exposure to media--whether it be television, movies or video games— and that they know how to apply this knowledge to their own creations. They are also mastering the complex software required to turn out a finished video production. The Upper School films tackled topics ranging from athletic shoes to the absurdity of war. First Place winner, A Loss, by William Ward, Neil Kimball and Alex Herzog, depicted a teen struggling to overcome the death of his girlfriend. Ward’s directing skills were showcased in this piece, as were Kimball’s considerable acting skills. Second Place winner was X-treme Walking, by John

I/P/Q/F/

by Katie Keith, Carolina Saca, Katie Tiller and Mary Weaver.

Mitchell, Jackson Davis and Ryan Cox. The video was actually a commercial depicting the marvelous acrobatic feats possible for wearers of this athletic shoe. The film made liberal use of clever special effects and used a “man-on-the-street” interview style that featured multiple Upper School students and faculty. Rachel and the Emo Boy, by Neil Kimball, required Kimball to serve as both director and actor—a task he found to be quite difficult. The film was a theater of the absurd story about a girl who thinks she is having a bad day, until she meets a young man whose day is infinitely worse. The intense, well-written script was supported by tight editing and interesting camera angles. Alex Fujimoto and John Aldridge’s submission to the Festival, The Squid and the Tsunami, employed the technique of exporting sequences from the video game Halo, editing them together and recording a sound track. There was a profound and poignant message buried in the endless animated battles—that trivial matters can result in huge, meaningless wars. Considering the massive appeal that video games hold in today’s market, any animation or virtual set design skills are going to be a meal ticket for these students. Filmmaker Spiros Stathoulopoulos, guest speaker at the Festival, is the director of PVC-1, a Cannes 2007 Festival winner. PVC-1 has the distinction of being shot entirely in one continuous take, a fact of great interest to the HIES filmmakers. Technology and art aside, the underlying purpose of the Upper School Film Festival was to raise funds for our sister schools in Haiti. Student organizer, rising senior Lara Sullivan, is satisfied that the Festival gave voice to the significant skills held by these HIES students, in addition to raising $600.

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by George Dobbs, Carter Holland and William Mavity

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by Nick Andrist, Mitchel Bassett, Trent Martin, Harrison McCrorrie and Ben Rousseau

To view these films, visit the News and Events section of the HIES website and click on MultiMedia Gallery.

!Hmpcbm!Xbsnjoh! by Blake Barber, Warner Ray and Edward Vear

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 49

SPORTS

SPRING SPORTS RECAP

John McGoogan

Tennis team advances to Final 8; Liz Link places at state in track Bentley Heyman

[ TE NN I S ] Broken bones, broken hearts. Injuries finally caught up to the boy’s tennis team in the playoffs, as a broken bone in Zach Reece’s playing hand left the Bears a bit short handed in its effort against Wesleyan in the Final 8 of the state.

[ TRACK & FIE LD ] Leaping Link. Sophomore Liz Link more than outdid her expectations in the triple jump this year for Coach Ron Liz Link

Reece made a gallant effort playing lefthanded, and the team took it to the final set, but a 6-4 in the third loss at No. 1 doubles ended their season at 18-5. Tyler Mills, the team’s MVP, had only one loss on the year; ditto for Owen Brock at No. 3. Reece played No. 2 and had a successful season. The team endured a broken thumb from Keaton Anderson and a sprained ankle from Brock to reach their Final 8 status. They emerged as 6AA region champs with a win over state-champion GAC as well as Pace Academy. Ad-in! Lauren Seiple and Morgan Grate led the girl’s tennis team to the region quarterfinals before bowing out to state contender, Wesleyan. Seiple and Grate occupied the No. 1 and 2 singles slots, and look for the team to get even stronger when Mary Elizabeth Shutley rises to the varsity level next year. Elizabeth went undefeated in JV play, normally winning easily on her way to an 8-0 record. Sure, Coach Cindy Harder will lose her share to graduation, but Seiple and Grate return, as well as some key doubles players to give the Bears a lot of hope.

[ LA CROS S E ] LAX facts. And what a year for boy’s lacrosse! A milestone was its first win over Westminster in school’s history – a 10-8 victory back in April. “That was arguably the best win in the history of this program,” Coach Mike Thornton said. They advanced to state as the No. 2 seed; though they were dropped 13-10 by topseeded Milton, Thornton and his gang left the field with heads up high.

Green. Getting second in the region, the sophomore sensation finished ninth at the state meet in Albany in early May.

Ashley Tucker, Kelly Scott

[ SO C C ER ] Oh so close. It ended in the opening round of the state boy’s soccer playoffs – a 3-2 win in penalty kicks to Paideia. Regardless, Coach Adam Janiak said it best: “By far that was the most selfless, passionate game I’ve seen a group of young men play in my 10 years as a coach.”

[ BASE BALL ] Still playing. They won it all in Class AA in 2007 and Coach Dylan Deal and his baseball squad are making another run as of this writing. Winning 13 games in a row at one point during the regular season, the Bears – second in region – began their postseason drive against Banks County Friday, May 9th in a best two-of-three.

Sam Johnson and John van Beuningen were the leading scorers, though Janiak could mention his entire roster when asked who some of his key players were.

The team has enjoyed leadership by committee – as Coach Deal has enjoyed watching his entire team step up.

“She jumped the second best distance of her career in the preliminaries,” Coach Green said. Link was the lone girl who qualified for state, though almost the entire team set personal records at the region meet at GAC. Most in school history! That’s right, three boys going to state in track is a record at HIES and Coach Green enjoyed the road to Jefferson with Trevor Gillum (pole vault), Darrin McElroy (high jump) and O’Neal Wanliss (400-meter) in tow.

The state took note of the team’s success – Davis Lukens was named All-American for the second straight year as well as AllState. Phil Georgakakos was First Team All-State and Kit York and Brian Garber All-State Honorable Mention.

Gillum and McElroy were second in region; Wanliss won the 6AA meet in the 400, becoming only the second individual boy’s region track champion in school history. Attendance was up among the track unit this year, leaving Green and his assistant happy when thinking of the future.

Brett Bennett

Sam Johnson

Mark Grimm is the pitching ace; Bentley Heyman – a Wake Forest signee – is one of the top hitters and solid at shortstop. Daniel Blaustein – co-captain – has been a stellar performer at second base and, when needed, on the mound. Fletcher Hawkins’ bat has been solid as has his glove at third base. Sean Aiken – off to William & Mary next year – is the team’s rock at catcher. The list could go on. State finals are Friday, May 30th.

[ GOLF ] Fore! Good news is, the boy’s golf team captured third at the 6AA tournament. “The bad news is, only the top two get to go to state,” Coach Jim Griffin said. Regardless, what a season his young squad had! John McGoogan and Ryan Cox were primarily the low medalists for the squad. The team has good news looking forward – eighth grader J.B. Meathe will join the varsity next year after drilling a hole-in-one this season for the JV Bears. “I’m playing every day this summer,” Meathe said. Griffin for one, is glad to hear it. As for the girls, Coach Randi Aton had only four out a few years ago, hardly enough to even compete in a meet. She now has 14 and a contending squad in 6AA. Though they didn’t advance, Casey Farrell led a Bear squad to a contending year. Aton had several others step up as well.

Natalie Decker Sean Aiken

“I’m proud of our kids,” Aton said. “Things are looking up!” Tyler Mills

C.J. James, Adam Wypyski

Ending strong. No, they didn’t earn a postseason trip, but the girl’s lacrosse team ended with consecutive wins over GAC and North Forsyth.

Will Byrd, Bill Whitaker, John McGoogan, Joe Byrd, Ryan Cox, Blake Snellings, Coach Jim Griffin

John Beuningen Whit Woodring

Chandler Hartley, Caroline Lee, Kat Conway and Kyle Keenan were among the leading scorers for the season; Coach Forrest Stillwell commented time and again on the squad’s improvement.

Bringing the heat

Until next time… 50 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Christina Touzet and Virginia West

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 51

COLLEGES OF MATRICULATION

Taylor P. Adams, University of Georgia Sean A. Aiken, College of William and Mary Robert K. Aitkens, University of Georgia Sarah C. Allen, American University Sydney Allen, The University of Alabama Caroline V. Anderson, Berry College Courtney L. Armstrong, Auburn University John B. Austin, University of Georgia Virginia R. Baldwin, The University of Montana, Missoula Sylvia B. Barrows, Sewanee: The University of the South Brett L. Bennett, Elon University Michael A. Bird, Mercer University Sarah L. Bissell, University of Georgia Daniel I. Blaustein, Georgia State University Kirsten K. Boe, University of Kentucky Ethan R. Bower, Georgia State University Kaitlyn R. Bradshaw, Wofford College Kevin David Brenninkmeijer, University of Colorado at Boulder Chelsea B. Brogdon, Southern Methodist University Meredith E. Broudy, University of Georgia Phillip M. Brunson, Kennesaw State University Mary L. Byrd, University of South Carolina James L. Caldwell, Georgia State University Kishauna R. Callwood, St. John’s University Loren R. Canby, Miami University, Oxford John M. Carpenter, Louisiana State University Amy C. Casey, Furman University Caitlin L. Corsetti, The University of Alabama Anastasia Couvaras, University of Georgia Katherine P. Decker, Louisiana State University Glenn P. DeMarcus, Vanderbilt University Justin L. DeNicola, Clemson University Arsalan Derakhshan, Emory University Garrett Easom, University of South Carolina Alexander H. Erdemir, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Alice E. Eustis, Presbyterian College Katherine B. Evans, The University of Montana, Missoula Anne C. Galloway, University of Georgia Mary Glen Galloway, Undecided Brian M. Garber, Georgia Institute of Technology Jasmine A. Garrett, University of Richmond Kelly L. Garrison, Sweet Briar College Philip B. Georgakakos, Georgia Institute of Technology Trevor J. Gillum, University of Georgia Samuel A. Gonzalez, Montana State University, Bozeman Julia A. Grimm, Clemson University Mark E. Grimm, Brown University William F. Hawkins, The University of Alabama Christopher C. Herbert, University of Florida Bentley Heyman, Wake Forest University Caitlin S. Hogan, Georgia Institute of Technology

52 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

CLASS OF 2008 SCHOLARSHIPS

Sara C. Hollett, Auburn University Andrew G. Hovancik, University of Georgia Emily E. Hovis, University of Georgia Ashleigh C. Hutchings, The University of Alabama Helena Johnson, Georgia Perimeter College David H. Kamerschen, University of Georgia Timothy B. Kovacs, Appalachian State University Lilly C. Landskroener, University of Georgia Erik A. Larsen, Georgia College and State University Caroline E. Loux, University of Georgia Davis L. Lukens, Denison University Martin H. Macintyre, Clemson University Sarah F. Margeson, University of South Carolina Emily E. Martin, University of Georgia Kerry A. Martin, University of Georgia Arden C. McClain, Miami University, Oxford Darrin W. McElroy, United States Naval Academy Ian Andrew McGonnigle, Undecided John C. McGoogan, Southern Methodist University Matthew O. McMillan, Clemson University Margaret A. McWhirter, University of Georgia Colin Meier, Undecided Meagan M. Miller, The University of Alabama Tyler R. Mills, Kennesaw State University John O. Mohammadioun, University of Colorado at Boulder Norma V. Nyhoff, Carleton College Lauren Danielle Ouellette, Rollins College Haley R. Pope, Rhodes College Austin L. Pound, Appalachian State University Erica L. Price, DePaul University Wayne Alan Quigley, Undecided Katherine E. Quirk, University of Georgia Ellen R. Reece, Auburn University Clara H. Reed, Berry College Emily W. Richter, University of Georgia Amanda T. Saca, Wofford College Raquel L. Scharyj, Wake Forest University James Kyle Strait, Georgia Institute of Technology Harrison A. Stroman, University of Georgia Rachel E. Sullivan, University of Virginia Katherine M. Tate, University of Colorado at Boulder Carlee A. Terrell, Georgia Institute of Technology Christopher W. Thomas, Duke University Michael G. Vaughan, Georgia Institute of Technology Colleen C. Weaver, Winthrop University Matthew A. Webb, Oglethorpe University Virginia A. West, Miami University, Oxford Megan D. Wilkins, University of South Carolina Rachael E. Windler, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Cory J. Wright, Berry College Christopher A. York, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Taylor Adams

Ali Eustis

Emily Martin

University of Alabama, Alumni Scholarship

Ohio Wesleyan University, Diversity Award

University of South Carolina, McKissick

Sarah Allen

Annie Galloway

American University, Dean’s Scholarship

Auburn University, Academic Scholarship

George Washington University, Presidential Scholarship Caroline Anderson Berry College, Academic Scholarship and Equestrian Scholarship

Brian Garber University of South Carolina, Woodrow Scholars Award Jasmine Garrett Elon University, Presidential Scholarship

Scholars Award and In State Tuition Award Kerry Martin University of Georgia, Charter Scholarship University of South Carolina, Woodrow Scholars Award and Merit Award Darrin McElroy New Mexico Military Institute, U.S. Naval

Jack Austin

Randolph-Macon University, Presidential

University of Georgia Honors Program,

Scholarship

Charter Scholarship

Sam Gonzalez

Michael Bird

Montana State University, Achievement

Mercer University, University Academic

Award

Scholarship

Julia Grimm

Sarah Bissell

BellSouth Corporation, BellSouth

Miami University, Oxford, Oxford Scholarship

Scholarship

Southern Methodist University, Rotunda &

Christopher Herbert

Distinguished Scholar

University of Florida, Atlanta Gator Club

Kaitlyn Bradshaw

Scholarship

Birmingham-Southern College, Academic

Caitlin Hogan

Award

Auburn University, Talent Scholars Award

Kevin Brenninkmeijer

Sara Hollett

Montana State University, Bozeman,

DePauw University, Alumni Legacy Award

Achievement Award

Kam Kamerschen

Meredith Broudy

Louisiana State University, Tiger Scholarship

University of Maryland, College Park,

Timothy Kovacs

Presidential Scholarship

University of Mississippi, Academic

Western State College of Colorado, National

Excellence Award and Children of

Kishauna Callwood

Student Scholarship

Alumni Award

St. John’s University, Academic

Erik Larsen

University of South Carolina: Woodrow

Achievement Award

Berry College, Opportunity Grant

Scholars Award

Loren Canby

Carly Loux

Cory Wright

Simmons College, Activity History Award

University of Alabama, J.C. Moore

Berry College, Academic Scholarship

Scholarship

Lycoming College, Academic Scholarship

Auburn University, Academic Charter

Kit York

Scholarship

University of California at Los Angeles,

University of Georgia, Charter Scholarship

Scholarship Recognition

Davis Lukens

Total Awarded: $1, 781, 900.00

Jack Carpenter Louisiana State University, Bengal Legacy and Star Student Scholarship Glenn DeMarcus American Express Award

Denison University, Denison Alumni Award

Academy Foundation Scholarship Tyler Mills Kennesaw State University, Tennis Scholarship Norma Nyhoff Carleton College, Academic Scholarship and National Merit Award Danielle Ouellette Rollins College, Florida Access Grant Emily Richter Auburn University, Academic Charter Scholarship Christopher Thomas Rice University, Trustee Distinguished Scholarship IBM Watson Scholarship Megan Wilkins

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 53

2008 MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS

2008 UPPER SCHOOL HONORS

Group Awards

Sixth Grade

Eighth Grade

Duke TIP—State

Art – Leanne Money

Accelerated Algebra – James Best

Payton Anderson

Band – Percussion - Clayton DeHaven

Algebra – Allison Rhea

James Best

Band – Woodwinds - Stewart Brumbeloe

Pre-Algebra – Amanda Graham

Kendall Krebs

Chorus – Kennan Luther

Art – Kate Hollett

William Mavity

Computer - Alina Brenninkmeijer

Band – Percussion – Jake Decker

William Rasmussen

Drama – Drew Anderson

Band – Woodwinds - Brittany Ketchup

Evy Mitchell

English – (Girls) – Ashlyn Masters

Chorus – Rachael Walker

Creighton Aldridge

English – (Boys) – Patrick Shelton

Drama – Emma Borne

French – Mary Catherine Thomson

English – (Girls) – Darby Cook

Grand Concours National Winner

Handbells I – Adair Chambers

Englsih – (Boys) – Harrison Andros

Bailey Wilkie

Handbells II – Dalyan Kilic

Ethics – Allison Rogg

Health – Ansley Carter

Film – Shamoya Bailey

Grand Concours State Winners

Geography – Natalie Kessler

French – Bailey Wilkie

Bailey Wilkie

Math – Mary Catherine Thomson

Handbells I – Rachel Garber

Evy Mitchell

Orchestra – Madison Collins

Handbells II – Tay Rivers

Michael Money

Beginning Orchestra – Elizabeth Callaway

Health – Anne Yanda

Charisse Hughes

Physical Education –

History – Shannon O’Hanlon

Kendall Konenkamp Mary Catherine Thompson Certificat d’honneur Rachel Garber Carolina Saca Sarah Widener Bailey Wilkie Science Olympiad—Regional First Place John Galloway Jack Watts Jake Decker Derby Sutter Carson McGorry

Jamey O’Shaughnessey

Latin – Thomas Menk

Science – Marielle Williams

Orchestra – Michelle Nelson

Spanish – Grant Wilmer

Physical Education – Clint Dolan

Strategies – Trent Martin

Rhetoric – Hannah Kissack

Research Skills – Harrison Young

Accelerated Science – Natalie Sterrett

Seventh Grade Art – Stephen Williams Band – Percussion – Thomas Coleman

Science – Shannon O’Hanlon Spanish – Darby Cook Strategies – Anna Griffin

Algebra II Honors – Corinne Bicknese

Life Wellness – Halle Addison

World History Honors – Natalie Decker

Algebra III – Drew Steinmetz

Physical Education –

US History – John Mitchell

Pre Calculus – Haley Pope

US History Honors – Mackenzie Sawicki

Pre Calculus Honors – Caroline Lee

AP US History – Kate Newman

Discrete Math – Emily Martin

Topics in Modern History – Garrett Easom

AP Statistics – Caitlin Hogan

Phi Beta Kappa Award – Kate Newman

European History – Clara Reed

AP Calculus AB – Kerry Martin

Scholar Athlete Award –

AP European History – Norma Nyhoff

AP Calculus BC – Rachel Sullivan

Government/Economics – Brett Bennett

Spanish I – Rekeyia Sherrell

AP Government – Katherine Quirk

Spanish II – Meghan Barrett

World Geography – William Ward

Spanish II Honors – Megan Ernst

Ancient History & Religion – Carter Ehlers

Spanish III – Ashleigh Luttery

Ethics – Neil Kimball

Spanish III Honors – Rebecca Hamm

New Testament – Sarah Hamill

Spanish IV – Matt McCloskey

Comparative Religions –

Spanish IV Honors – Jennie Hardin

Christine Georgakakos Governor’s Honors Program – Kate Newman

Daniel Blaustein Katherine Quirk Quill and Scroll – Channing Jones, Katelyn Dramis, Josie Rahn, Lara Sullivan Student Council Scholarship – Alex Wallace University of Georgia Cert. of Merit –

Spanish V – Caroline Anderson

Jennie Hardin, Caroline Lee,

Mythology – Caitlin Hogan

AP Spanish – Alex Wallace

John Mitchell, Kate Newman,

Spirituality – Alan Quigley

French I – Kate Decker

Journalism – Melissa Reeder

French II – Bailey McDearis

English 9 – Kathryn Maloy

French II Honors – Kaki Bennett

English 9 Honors – Kate Borden

French III – Kartee Johnson

Kit York and Christine Stafford Frank L. Butler/Marilyn Butler Blane

English 10 – Millen Kebede

French III Honors – Kate Newman

Memorial Scholarship – Andrew Parrish

English 10 Honors – Sophia Sapronov

French IV – Holly Spalding

National Honor Society Scholarship –

English 11 – Sakia DeLaney

French IV Honors – Lara Sullivan AP French – Helena Johnson

Citizenship Award – Alan Quigley

Arsalan Derakhshan

Lauren Seiple S.T.A.R. Student and Faculty Award –

Corinne Bicknese

Band – Woodwinds - Christin Grulke

Special Awards

English 11 Honors – Lauren Seiple AP English Language – Lara Sullivan

Latin I – Jackie Menk

Atlanta Journal Cup – Arsalan Derakhshan

Bible – Wright Griffith

Athlete of the Year

English 12 – Sarah Bissell

Latin II – Casey Farrell

Excellence in Moral Courage Award –

Chorus – Michael Money

Skye Bolt

English 12 Honors – Rachel Sullivan

Latin III – Rachel Bottoms

Drama – Payton Anderson

Sarah Venable

AP English Literature – Norma Nyhoff

Latin IV – Emily Richter

Biology – Carter Ehlers

Yearbook – Megan Wilkins

Biology Honors – Kaki Bennett

Foundations of Art – Callen Phillips

Tenth Grade General Excellence Award –

AP Biology – Alex Herzog

Drawing II – Chandler Wood

Chemistry – Price Barnett

3D Design I – Bill Whittaker

My Bui, Rebecca Hamm Eleventh Grade General Excellence

Chemistry Honors – Corinne Bicknese

2D Design II – Wood Alter

Anatomy & Physiology – Carlee Terrell

Drawing 1/2D Design I – Olivia Stockert

Physics – Arden McClain

AP 2D Design – Haley Pope

Physics Honors – Courtney Kissack

AP 3D Design – Sarah Bissell

AP Physics – Katherine Quirk

AP Drawing – Kishauna Callwood

Environmental Science – Sam Johnson

Chorus – Chris Mann

AP Environmental Science – Blair Barrows

Theatre Arts – Phillip Brunson

Algebra I-B – Bobby Fine

Band – K.C. Crewdson

Spanish – Bailey McBride

Geometry – Meghan Barrett

Orchestra – Rebecca Hamm

Strategies – John Gordon Hiles

Geometry Honors – K.C. Crewdson

Photography – Alex Erdemir

Algebra II – Christina Callaway

Informational Technologies – Ryan Cox

English – (Girls) - Hannah Weiss English - (Boys) - Devon Asbury

Chaplain’s Award

American Mathematics Competition

French – Evy Mitchell

Katie Keith

James Best (1st Place)

Handbells I – Addie Ponder Handbells II – Alexandra Juneau

Dean’s Award for Citizenship

Student Council Executive Board

Health – Brantley Taylor

Sixth — James Moon & Katie Jacobs

President – Katie Keith

History – Emma van Beuningen

Seventh — Wright Griffith &

Vice President – Natalie Scott

Accelerated Math – Creighton Aldridge

Secretary – Anne Yanda

Transitional Math – Thomas Coleman

Treasurer – Allison Rogg

Orchestra – Wick Simmons Physical Education – Chandler Cook Science – William Rasmussen

54 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

World History – Channing Jones

Brantley Taylor Eighth — Harrison Andros & Allison Rogg Middle School Faculty Award Clint Dolan & Katie Keith

Helena Johnson Ninth Grade General Excellence Award – Sarah Merkel, Peyton Warley

Award – Kartee Johnson, Chandler Wood Twelfth Grade General Excellence Award – Katherine Quirk, Megan Wilkins Faculty Award – Arsalan Derakhshan The Principal’s Award – Sean Aiken Alice L. Malcolm Headmaster’s Award – Jennie Hardin Salutatorian – Norma Nyhoff Valedictorian – Rachel Sullivan

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 55

PROM â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 Juniors and Seniors danced the night away at Callanwolde

Prom Queen: Rachel Sullivan Prom King: Philip Georgakakos

56 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 57

FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Jo!Ipops!pg!Qbo!Qijmmjqt In honor of Pan Phillips, beloved 1st grade assistant teacher in the Lower School, a series of benches were installed in front of the Dorothy Sullivan Lower School. The Lower School faculty felt this was an appropriate way to honor her memory as she cared so much for the children. These benches will help to keep the Lower School children and faculty comfortable and safe while waiting in the carpool line (a duty Pan enjoyed and took seriously). Pan passed away suddenly in 2007 and is missed by all who worked with her. She worked at HIES for 27 years.

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Qmfbtf!epoÖu!tju!pvu!uif Dpmmfhf!Gbjs!Hfut!Bmm!BÖt! Boovbm!Gvoe!uijt!zfbs" With the June 30th deadline looming, Annual Fund volunteers have been working to get in every possible gift to reach our goal of $1,100,000 and to have as high a percentage of participating families as possible. Every child at Holy Innocents’ receives a form of financial aid from the Fund each year, so we ask each family to consider a gift at the level that is right for their circumstances. Dollars raised this year will be used towards things like faculty training and benefits, educational programs, basic repairs to facilities and expansion of the laptop program. The Holy Innocents’ 15th annual College Fair took place April 8 in the school gymnasium complex. It was once again a great success with over 140 colleges participating and 450 students from 30 high schools attending. The college reps always compliment our spacious venue where the college tables were spread out over the two gyms. We offered a hospitality area on the upper hall of the main gym where we served the college reps a boxed lunch and desserts prepared by parent volunteers. The area was decorated with art loaned by Mrs. Jackson’s and Mrs. Jacob’s Upper School art classes. Parent volunteers from the 10th grade class, ably assisted by 9th grade class parents, hosted the Fair. Over 50 students also volunteered their time in the student and rep registration areas, in the parking lots to assist the reps with their materials, in the Hospitality area and on the gym floor. We were pleased to receive such positive feedback from the college reps, with several commenting that it was the best fair yet.

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In May, Holy Innocents’ received a generous donation from a 7th grade Janet Silvera, David Turner, Amanda Turner, Kathy Turner, student, Amanda Turner, and her family. This gift will be used to support the James Jackson Science Olympiad Program and the Middle School Science Department over the next two years. The HIES Science Olympiad team competed in 23 categories at the State Science Olympiad in March and won fourth place statewide against 28 other top schools in Georgia. Amanda credits Mrs. Janet Silvera with her increased interest and achievement in science, and she came up with the idea to support the program. Students are chosen for the team in the early fall and spend many hours over the course of several months preparing for the regional and state competitions, practicing after school, on Saturdays, and over vacations. It takes a great deal of dedication and hard work to comprise a winning team: Amanda’s gift will ensure that our Science Bears have what they need to stay on top of their game.

Dana Halberg, Barbara Cartmill, David Haddow, Susan Bishop, Bruce Mitchell, Joe Reynolds, Anne Bachman, John Almeter, Denise Ivey

In 2007, an anonymous donor made a generous $100,000 gift to endow a financial aid fund in honor of former Trustee and Scholarship Foundation Chairman, Bruce E. Mitchell. This gift was issued with a challenge to the community, and those whom Bruce has touched over the years, to match the support dollar for dollar and significantly increase the level of aid available for talented minority students with demonstrated financial needs. The fund has grown to $175,000 and we hope to continue to grow it in hopes it will provide a

full scholarship one day. On April 17, an event was held at the Cherokee Town Club in honor of Bruce Mitchell. This event was a wonderful tribute to Bruce and all he has done for HIES over the years. Many members of the Scholarship Foundation attended the event, as did other members of the HIES community. Bruce E. Mitchell has been an active member of the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Community for more than thirteen years, having served in numerous capacities including service as Vice Chair and Member

Anne and Carter Bachman and Libby Lindsay

of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Scholarship Foundation. He contributed countless hours and personal resources to the life and growth of the school and is admired by many members of the Holy Innocents’ school family. Please contact Michele Duncan (404-303-2150 x193 or michele.duncan@ hies.org) in the Development Office if you wish to receive more information on supporting this Fund.

Bruce Mitchell Wilson Salisbury

58 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 59

OUTREACH

CLASS NOTES

Gvo!Svo!Tdpsft!Qfstpobm!Cftu Six hundred people walked the morning away for a good cause during the Parents’ Association Fun Run on April 26th. Seventy-five Upper School and 8th grade students counted laps and kept records, aided by a dozen parent volunteers. All funds raised will go toward the purchase of a new school bus for the Albert T. Mills Enrichment Center. It is a credit to the HIES spirit of outreach that the event surpassed its goal of $15,000 by nearly 50%, earning over $22,000.

CLASS OF 1995

CLASS OF 1996

CLASS OF 1998

Class representative:

Class representatives:

Nicole (Thomas) Thibo: nicthm@yahoo.com

Jenny (Graham) Beeson: jagraham1978@yahoo.com

John Morgan: Jfmua2@aol.com

Tom Anderson, ’95, and his wife, Megan had a little girl, Isabelle Anderson, on October 22, 2007.

CLASS OF 1997

Effie (Swartwood) Thompson: effies21@hotmail.com

Class representative: Emilie (Collins) Murphy: emiliecmurphy@gmail.com

George Bennett Cierny, ’97, and Jill Rachel Tanenbaum were married in Atlanta on April 5, 2008. They are both third year medical students at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA.

Jeremy Stacy, ’98, is a computer project engineer with Crothall Industries. He and his wife, Susan (his Yale sweetheart) married last summer and live in Chicago. Jeremy also composes DNB music and performs solo as Aamano and with a partner as Section Nine. Susan is a vintage designer clothing dealer. James Yancey, ’98, and Tray Butler, his partner of five years, were joined in a Commitment Ceremony on May 17, 2008 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

Alex Johnson, ’95, and his wife, Liza, have a beautiful little girl Amelia Isis Johnson who will be turning one on May 10. Her big brother, Kellen Woods Johnson, just turned six and is the kindest big brother they could have dreamed of having to help Amelia along the road of life. Liza and Alex continue to cherish their time together and look forward to an excellent summer in Colorado.

Holly McClure, ’97, is still living in New York and is an Associate Producer for NBC Sports. She is going to Beijing from August 1-22 for the Olympic games, which should be pretty exciting. She also ran the NYC Marathon this past November and reached her goal of finishing under 5 hours.

Mary Anna Wearing

Andrew Savula and family

Alexandra Henderson, ‘98, is working as a marketing assistant at Linens USA in Doraville, GA. The company makes polyester industrial garments and sells them wholesale to uniform companies around the country. She is still living in Norcross with her boyfriend, Chuck and cat, Molly.

William Morgan, ’95, passed his comprehensive exams to partially satisfy the Ph.D requirement for the History Department at the University of Texas. He will be spending next year in Cuba doing research for his dissertation. Joseph Minotto, Austin Minotto, Sam Baskin 60 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Walker Noland, Connor Jensen

Sam Cravey and John Gibson TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 61

CLASS NOTES

CLASS OF 1999

CLASS OF 2000

CLASS OF 2002

Class representatives:

Class Representatives:

Jennifer (Cavanaugh) Brown: Jennifer.Cavanaugh@hies.org

James Capo: jhcapo@gmail.com

Katie Kirtland: kirtlkr@bellsouth.net

Samia Hanafi: samhanafi@gmail.com

Nitara Carswell: nitaracarswell@hotmail.com

Alley Pickren: alleypic@uga.edu

Drew McDonald: drew.mcdonald@pfsfhq.com

Sarah Oddsen: sarahodd@hotmail.com

Chris Denittis, ’99, recently accepted to the UGA School of Law and will begin in August 2008. Chris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Georgia also.

Courtney Dutson, ’00, attended Bikram Yoga Teacher Training last fall, which is a very intensive 9-week program for Bikram Yoga, the original hot yoga. Teacher Training is similar in intensity to Army Boot Camp--18 hour days, 2 intensive 90-minute+ yoga classes every day in 105 degree F heat, lectures, teacher dialogue memorization and presentation for evaluation, etc. She graduated and now teaches Bikram Yoga full-time at several studios in the Central Florida area. Courtney lives in Cocoa Beach, FL and surfs every day possible.

Brian Hall, ’99, is currently shooting the 21st season of FOX’s COPS. His first venue has him riding with Broward County Sheriffs Department in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Other recent projects include “The Real World Hollywood” now airing on MTV. Brian has teamed up with SneakySunday.com, an Atlanta-based website that features recommendations for bars and clubs, restaurants, hotels, shopping and live entertainment. Brian is helping launch SneakySunday.tv in the coming weeks, which will feature original programming and insider access to the cities’ hottest spots in a short-form, documentary-style videoreview site.

Sarah Foy Moreland, ‘99, will marry Hans Marcus Sherman in Atlanta, Georgia on June 14th, 2008 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. The couple will continue to reside in Boston, Massachusetts. David Peterson, ’99, and Melissa Clapp Peterson, ’99, would like to announce their wedding on November 3, 2007. David says “It’s funny because they didn’t really hang out at all much in high school, but met back up a couple of years ago, and the rest is history.” 62 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Zach Blend, ’02, was hired by Holy Innocents’ as an assistant baseball coach. Zach led the Holy Innocents’ Middle School Baseball Team to a 2nd place finish in the Dunwoody Senior League this spring. He works full time as a Development Officer for the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch in Waleska, Georgia, a home for young men who have found themselves within the state foster care system due to years of abuse and neglect and are in need of a higher level of care and support due to past traumatic experiences.

it energizes the mind to learn. “We seized an opportunity and made many sacrifices in order to follow our hearts and dreams. This adventure would not have been possible without the love, support and knowledge of our friends and families. You have enlightened, inspired and instilled the qualities and values that have and will continue to shape us for the rest of our lives. Words cannot express our gratitude for the many things you have bestowed upon us. Although this may be an unconventional way to learn, the potential to learn is endless. We love you and will continue to share our insights, experiences, recommendations and appreciation. The web address is www. goneroaming.wordpress.com.”

CLASS OF 2001 Class Representatives: Matt Freeman: msfreeman@gmail.com Ellen Williams: ellenwilliams@mindspring.com

Ashley Crowley Jones, ’01, has been married for four years to Erik Jones, and they have a 1 1/2 year old little boy named Joshua Jones. They live in Fort Rucker, AL. Her husband is in flight school for the US Army. He is training to be an Apache pilot. The Jones’ will soon be moving wherever the Army sends them by the end of the year which is very exciting.

Alex Crumpler, ’02, “One year ago, Sonia Barbalho and I entertained one another about the possibility of traveling together. Having the passion to see the world, challenging ourselves in foreign situations and a desire to widen our global perspective, we began planning an extended trip that would include much of South America, Australia and Southeast Asia. The dream became a reality! We felt that there will be few times afforded to us in our lives to go on a similar journey. Budget in mind, we agreed that the purpose of our trip will be to immerse ourselves in a menagerie of cultures, languages and life lessons. “Thus far we have survived a week in Rio de Janeiro celebrating Carnival, witnessed the creation of a perfect Argentinean Malbec, explored the ruins of Machu Picchu, walked across floating islands made of reeds in Lake Titicaca and biked through the Patagonian Lake District. “The adventure will have an exponential impact on who we are as people and positively enrich our international awareness. Traveling increases one’s appreciation for life, evokes curiosity and passion, sharpens one’s ability to adapt and, most importantly,

Missy Evans, ’02, is graduating from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work in the clinical Families track, on June 6 with a Masters in social work. She will receive her school social worker license and social work license. Missy will be moving to Jackson, WY for a job as a therapist.

CLASS OF 2003 Class Representatives: James Jackson: JJDAWG84@UGA.EDU Emily Weprich: wepriep@auburn.edu

FL. He received departmental honors in Philosophy. James was accepted at Georgetown University for the Conflict Resolution M.A. Program. He currently works at Knuckle Up Fitness Sandy Springs, where he has recently begun training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

CLASS OF 2004 Class Representatives: Amy Fore: amyfore@uga.edu Collins Marshall: HCM04@fsu.edu Gordon Silvera: Gordon.M.Silvera@dartmouth.edu

Angelique Constantaras, ’04, has been accepted to study abroad through the UGA en España Sevilla Maymester program. The program extends from May, 7 2008 to June 2, 2008, and she will be taking Business Spanish as the final Spanish class of her Spanish major at UGA. After the program, Angelique will remain in Spain with relatives in Benidorm, Spain and continue to improve her fluency in the Spanish language by working in the area. She will return in the fall of this year to complete her Advertising degree through the Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UGA. Most recently, Angelique was awarded the position of VP of Educational Programming on the Advertising club’s executive board for Fall 08 and she was accepted into Alpha Delta Sigma, a national honorary society sponsored by the AAF (American Advertising Federation).

President of the 2008 Senior Board, Vice President of the Rho Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Chair of the Board of Elections Committee, and a member of the Leadership Committee and Gospel Choir. Jordan also interned as a student athletic trainer this year for the Xavier Musketeers Men’s Basketball team who made it to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. During the past four years, Jordan has been recognized for her academics and leadership abilities by receiving the Outstanding Sophomore award in 2006 and just recently was the recipient of the Xavier University President’s Award. Jordan has also been on Xavier University Dean’s List consecutively and National Dean’s List. Succeeding graduation, Jordan received the opportunity to participate in an Alternative Breaks Trip in the Dominican Republic assisting and living at an outreach orphanage. Jordan has truly enjoyed her experiences at Xavier and is excited to move to Nashville, TN where she will be attending Physician Assistant School concentrating in pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Eric Huff, ’04, is graduating from Florida State University where he majored in Finance. He will be moving to San Diego upon graduation.

Caroline Wimberly: caroline.wimberly@duke.edu

Robert Fowler, ’03, is graduating from the University of North Carolina with a Masters degree, and will be working in Charlotte for PricewaterhouseCoopers in the fall. Adam Jones, ’03, graduated from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business with a degree in Management Information Systems in December 2007. He now works for Ernst & Young in the Technology and Security Risk Services Department full time and recently moved into a new place in Buckhead. James Milner, ’03, graduated cum laude last May from the University of Miami,

Susan Little, ’04, is currently an intern with Mass Mutual Financial Group. She started in January and currently works both in the Athens and the Atlanta, Georgia offices and will continue through the summer and fall. Jordan Olinger, ‘04, will be graduating from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH this May with a B.S. in Athletic Training and Natural Sciences. Through her tenure at Xavier University, she has been involved in several organizations such as the Student Government Association, University Admissions Committee, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Black Student Association and the Xavier Cheerleading Team. During her senior year, she was

Kate Stice, ’04, is graduating from Florida State University. She majored in Public Relations. She is headed around the world solo for four months visiting 17 countries. Amy Stivarius, ’04, is graduating from UGA in May with a BS in Psychology. She is very excited!

TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 63

CLASS NOTES

CLASS OF 2005 Class Representatives: Tyler Rathburn: tratt@comcast.net Rachel Shunnarah: rach521@uga.edu Kate Sternstein: kasternstein@davidson.edu

CLASS NOTES

Andy Rast, ’05, deployed to Iraq with 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment on March 13. He is spending seven months monitoring convoys moving throughout Iraq.

Allyson Young: youngan@auburn.edu

Katherine Cochrane, ’05, began her senior year at the University of Georgia in the fall while completing double majors in both Real Estate and Spanish. She is currently planning on attending law school in the fall of 2009 and hopes to pursue a career in property law. Presently, Katherine is studying abroad in Valencia, Spain. The trip started on January 20th and she returned on April 26th. Katherine is in Spain with the “UGA en España” program(http://www.spain.uga. edu/vcia/index.htm) to fulfill credits for her Spanish major. She is taking four classes in Spanish at the University of Valencia. She also has a blog detailing some of her experiences if you’d like to read it at: http:// katcochrane.blogspot.com/ and picasa web album of pictures at http://picasaweb. google.com/katcochrane.

CLASS OF 2006 Class Representatives: Kaitlin Duffy: duffykc@auburn.edu Miller Edwards: edwardm@auburn.edu Anna Pickren: annapic@uga.edu Amy Schwartz: amy8700@hotmail.com

Justin Bower, ’06, is attending Field Training with the US Air Force this summer at Maxwell AFB, AL. He is currently enrolled in AFROTC at the University of Georgia with plans to commission in Spring 2010. He also received the H. Randolph Holder POW/MIA Scholarship Award. The award is in memory of Major Holder who was imprisoned in a Nazi German camp during WWII. The award, presented at the Annual Dining Out /Awards Ceremony for the Air Force ROTC program at UGA. He was given to a cadet who, according to his commander, exemplifies good leadership, academic excellence, outstanding integrity and a high sense of responsibility. Major Holder’s widow was present at the dinner to hand Justin the award personally. Justin also received the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award during the ceremony in recognition of his leadership abilities. He will be participating in the Air Force Field Training program this summer in Alabama and will return to Athens in the fall for his junior year where he is studying Psychology and is an active member of the ATO fraternity.

64 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Amir Kabiri, ’06, has been working as an Apple Campus Rep at USC in L.A. Courtney McClain, ’06, pledged Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Wake Forest. Claire Sellers, ’06, is currently entering her junior year at Marymount Manhattan College with a double concentration in directing and producing and management with a minor in theatre performance. Claire is a Resident Advisor at one of the college’s residence halls and she was also the assistant director to Lisa Rothe for her Marymount’s mainstage production of “A Month in The Country”. In Summer 2007, Claire traveled to Paris to study the Jacques Lecoq acting method under Sarah Harper and Pascal Laurent. In Paris, Claire performed in “En Attendant de la Loco”, a performance commissioned by the city to depict the coming of the first railroad in Paris. This summer, Claire will be teaching theatre, English, and French, at TASIS (The American School In Switzerland), in Lugano, Switzerland

CLASS OF 2007

LOST ALUMNI

Charlotte Bissell: cmb123@comcast.net Sarah-Elizabeth Kirtland: kkirtla@clemson.edu Taylor Pack: pack_t@bellsouth.net Emily Phillips: goldengirl188@aol.com

Rebecca Barrow, ‘07, joined Kappa Delta sorority at the University of Georgia. Rebecca is also involved in the Greek InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, is a member of the UGA Deck Dawgs (an organization of students who work with the Athletic Association to promote swim meets), and is a member of the UGA Heros (a UGA philanthropy that supports programs for children with AIDS). In March 2008, Rebecca traveled with the Greek InterVarsity group to Neply, Haiti for a mission trip. Peter Grimm, ’07, has been named to the Wake Forest University’s Dean’s List for fall semester 2007. M.J. Jansky, ’07, was recently inducted into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society of the two-year college. He was inducted at Seminole Community College in Orlando, Florida. Clover Street, ’07, will be interning in Minnesota working with reptiles at Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo this summer. Reptiles are Clover’s passion for a career in herpetoculture. He is a member of the Maine Herpetological Society. Over the past year, he became the Wildlife Care and Education Club vice president and the club went with research biologists to tag bear cubs. Overall, he is enjoying Unity College!

We are missing contact information for the above alumni. If you are in contact with any of the above graduates, please encourage them to get in touch with the HIES alumni office by emailing tamika@hies.org.

Carter L. Hatcher Holly P. Bond Christopher L. Lardner Kimberly A. Munro Katherine L. Schultz Stephanie M. (Spottswood) Scurlock Benjamin J. Gaudreault Andrew B. Hess Peter M. Nagle Kimberly A. Perisino Keith A. Cooper George M. McCord Laura H. Bond Elizabeth M. Fowler John P. Gallagher Kyoko F. Sadoshima Robert A. Schiess Emily F. Tonge Alexandra J. Allen Katharine M. Duke Jasmine Nadja M. Smiri Slade J. Hill Andrew J. Maxfield Shannon F. Vaughn Patrick M. Anderson Sean P. Coughlin Matthew A. Nickerson Ashley D. Chandler Bryan A. Jones Shaquita N. McWilliams Hailey M. Appling Alexandra B. Lunday

1995 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1997 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 2000 2000 2000 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2004 2004 2004 2005 2005

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

B!Gpoe!Gbsxfmm!up!Kbofmmb!Csboe One of the joys of my first five years at Holy Innocents’ has been my occasional visits to the Pre-School morning carpool. It is a wonderful way to connect with our young families, many of whom will be with us for years to come. Each carpool brings with it a parade of pets, all styles of pajamas on younger siblings, mostly smiling student faces (with a few future “night owls” having a difficult time getting an early start), and a lot of laughs. On the first day of school after a long summer, one Kindergartener jumped out of his car, looked up at me with his head cocked quizzically to one side and asked, “Are you still the Head of the school?” There are always surprises on the Pre-School carpool line. As much as I love seeing the children, I must admit that just as great a pleasure is the carpool time I spend with Janella Brand. I haven’t yet allowed myself to think about next year’s carpool without her loving, comforting presence. Janella will be retiring this June after 31 years at HIES, first as a 2nd grade teacher, then Lower School Assistant Principal, and for the past ten as Principal of the Pre-School. Many of our faculty and parents were students of Janella’s. Her imprint is everywhere on campus. When I first came to HIES in 2003, Janella was in her sixth year as Pre-School Principal. She had been instrumental in attracting funding for the new Alan A. Lewis Pre-School building, and her input was crucial in finalizing the plans that led to its wonderfully child-centered design. Janella was also the school’s unofficial “Guardian of the Philosophy” (as Dorothy Sullivan fondly referred to her). Janella chaired a committee that met several times each year to discuss the ways we upheld the tenets of our 66 | TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008

Statement of Philosophy (a document that has since been revised with extensive input from Janella). The school’s mission, at that point, was assuredly in her capable hands. With Janella, all seems serenely secure. Janella Brand is also a passionate public servant. She has been deeply involved at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church for years and has inspired many with her grace in meeting the needs of others. About two years ago, Janella and her husband Lee returned from a vacation in Costa Rica. When most people return from such a trip they tell tales of surf lessons and rain forest treks. Janella, however, spoke enthusiastically about a school she had encountered. She and Lee had gotten to know a man named Harry Bodaan, the owner of their hotel, who told them about a school in the nearby village of Quepos that needed lots of help. Janella spoke earnestly of the beautiful students in Escuela de Estadio, studying hard day after day in abject conditions. She was determined to help. And when Janella puts her mind to something… A year later, because of Janella’s determined leadership, the Pre-School

had gathered over 600 pounds of supplies for Escuela de Estadio. The children wrote letters to the students and Janella even contacted administrators at UPS to facilitate the process of shipping this enormous bundle of school supplies to Costa Rica. All in all it was a monumental task pulled off with the unique blend of patience and efficiency we’ve all come to expect of Janella. She was fueled by her passion for children and her faith that God wants all of us to serve those in need. Janella’s passion inspired us to reach out to the people of Costa Rica and led to our contact with EARTH University near the capital of San Jose. Recently, a dozen Upper School students spent their spring break teaching elementary school students from some of the poorest schools near EARTH University. Janella will fill her retirement by spending time with her husband, her grown daughter Jenny and her dog, Delilah. She will also devote more time to her volunteer pursuits as she explores new and varied ways to impact the lives of children - whether in Sandy Springs or Costa Rica. In short, she will continue being her altruistic, loving self. Her world will continue to be filled with the many blessings that come from a generous spirit. Above all else, Janella will be remembered for her absolute love for her students. She begins each day at the Pre-School by signing on over the intercom, broadcasting her daily prayer into each classroom, “Good morning, boys and girls. This is your Principal, Mrs. Brand.” Those words will forever echo through the hallways of the Pre-School, as will Janella’s loving care for all who entered there. She will be greatly missed. We wish her a fond farewell.

ALPHA OMEGA - CLASS OF ’08 Thursday, April 24 was Alpha Omega Day at Holy Innocents’ sponsored by The Office of Alumni Relations and Development. The 36 Alpha Omegas (listed below) were first celebrated with their faculty members at the Ice Cream Social in Porter Dining Hall.

The students were welcomed to the event with photo buttons featuring their first grade pictures. The next event was dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Perimeter with parents, faculty, staff, and friends. The Director

of Alumni Relations and Special Events, Tamika Weaver-Hightower, presented each student with a lapel pin to be worn on their graduation gowns. The program ended with a slideshow of the students’ Holy Innocents’ memories.

Sarah Allen Caroline Anderson Jack Austin Michael Bird Sarah Bissell Kirsten Boe Chelsea Brogdon Kate Decker Bailey Evans Kelly Garrison Philip Georgakakos Trevor Gillum

Fletcher Hawkins Christopher Herbert Bentley Heyman Caitlin Hogan Emily Hovis Tim Kovacs Lilly Landskroener Carly Loux Kerry Martin Arden McClain John McGoogan Matthew McMillan

Ali McWhirter Norma Nyhoff Lauren Danielle Ouellette Kyle Strait Rachel Sullivan Katherine Tate Carlee Terrell Christopher Thomas Michael Vaughan Colleen Weaver Virginia West Rachael Windler TORCHBEARER SPRING 2008 | 67

Lower School students discover the joy of teamwork during Field Day races on May 6th.

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