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THE HOLY THE INNOCENTS’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022 HOLY INNOCENTS’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ALUMNI MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
KATE STICE STEWART '04 TURNED A FAMILY TRADITION INTO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS WITH A CHARITABLE MINDSET TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
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HEAD OF SCHOOL Paul A. Barton BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. Adam T. Fuller, Chairman of the Board Mr. Pickens M. Lindsay, Vice Chairman Mr. Rakesh Chauhan, Treasurer Mrs. Kristin W. Roch, Secretary Mrs. Allison Bittel Mr. Kevin L. Brown Mr. David Calhoun Mr. Ryan Cameron Mr. Richard Courts Mrs. Helen Donahue Dr. Sarah Carr Evans Mr. James Gates Mr. Ryan Hardwick Mrs. Heather Henn Mr. David Love Mr. Peter J. Mace Mr. Ian A. Marshall Mr. Mike C. McMillen Mrs. Lorin Middelthon Mr. Mark Miles Mrs. Jennifer Mirgorod The Rev. Dr. William S. Murray IV Mrs. Keisha Noel Mrs. Kim Peterson Mr. F. Neal Sumter III The Rev. C. John Thompson-Quartey Mrs. Donna T. Toledo B
TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE
ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD John Mitchell ‘09, President Jessica Bailey ‘10 Lily Rolader Baucom ‘11 Mary-Wade Ballou Blake '13 Christine Dial Buckler ‘10 Sean Butkus ‘07 Jackson Davis '09 Missy Evans Gardner '02 Michael Griffin ‘00 Kelly Voyles Kardian ‘91 Kate Stice Stewart '04 EJ Thurmond '13 O’Neal Wanliss ‘11 Martin Williams '16
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EDITOR Andrew Payne
andrew.payne@hies.org
MANAGING EDITOR Christina Mimms
christina.mimms@hies.org
DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Michele Duncan michele.duncan@hies.org
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Kelli Moore kelli.moore@hies.org
CONTRIBUTORS Whitney Meadows design Dunn Neugebauer Frank Ricci writers
MISSION S TAT E M E N T
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.
Shanon Bell Adriana Iris Boatwright Eric Langley Jamila Lisbon photography
CONTENTS
TA B L E O F The Middle School Awards ceremony was held on May 6, 2022. Above are the award recipients for academic achievement in World Languages.
03 04 12 16 20
STATE OF THE SCHOOL
Our Head of School takes a look at the current state of the school and the many accomplishments of the past year.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Recognizing Jim Hannan, the recipient of our 2022 Distinguished Service Award
REMEMBERING RILEY
If walls could talk, the words of the Riley Building would perhaps carry on throughout eternity.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Kate Stice Stewart '04 turned a family tradition into a holiday company with a charitable mindset.
LIVING THE 'WYLD' LIFE IN SAVANNAH
Restaurant owner and head chef Tony Seichrist '01 bounces from Georgia to Italy and back.
07 Lower School Opening // 08 Farewells — Retiring Faculty // 10 Greenbaum Grant Recipients // 11 National Signing Day @805 // 14 2022 Commencement // 27 Alumni Notes // 1
A WORD FROM PAUL BARTON >
PAUL BARTON HEAD OF SCHOOL There are so many things we have taken for granted the last two years. One of those things for me was an in-person State of the School luncheon. It was so exciting and invigorating to see so many who mean so much to our community gathered, breaking bread, reconnecting and celebrating Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.
On our collective plate were the three C’s – Covid, Campaign and Construction. We have been on a roller coaster of challenges and accomplishments this past year: managing Covid protocols, going mask optional at the end of January, completing the largest capital campaign in the history of the school, and completing construction of the new Dorothy Sullivan Lower School. How were we able to navigate such proverbial rapids? Not without the fourth and most important C – a resilient and supportive Community. 2
TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Through all the ups and downs, my confidence in the strength and pliability of this community never wavered.
It’s inspiring to watch how our students have risen above the challenges and continued to thrive in all aspects of school life – academics, arts, athletics and service. The Class of 2022 is our largest graduating class ever at 147 seniors with the greatest number of Alpha-Omegas (students who have been at HI since at least Kindergarten) at 43. The quality, quantity and diversity of colleges they will be matriculating to is beyond impressive. We are incredibly proud of all that our Golden Bears have achieved in the classroom, on the athletic field, on the stage, and in giving back to the broader community. I look forward to many more luncheons and events returning to my calendar. Sitting down to break bread together is one of the best examples of true
community, of feeling like family. Sharing not just a meal but time together to connect, reconnect and discover commonalities and appreciate differences is central to building and maintaining the relationships that bind us. Family traditions, holidays, food and how we share food took on a whole new role during this pandemic. Perhaps it was a time that you resurrected an old tradition or started a new one. We have a greater appreciation for those moments than ever before. In this issue of Torchbearer, I hope you will enjoy the stories of our alumni who have crafted their family traditions, holiday celebrations and passions for food and libation into careers and created opportunities and places where we can continue to be in community.
State of the school
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eturning to an in-person event this year, the annual State of the School luncheon was held on April 14, 2022 at Cherokee Town Club. Head of School Paul Barton offered a report on the current school year.
spanning 39 states, Washington, D.C., and abroad. They are the largest senior class in the 62-year history of Holy Innocents’ at 147. This class contains the most Alpha-Omegas (students who have attended HIES since at least kindergarten) with 43.
Following an opening prayer by the Rev. Ricardo Bailey, head chaplain, Mr. Barton first thanked the Board of Trustees, faculty, administration and staff for their commitment. “The mission of Holy Innocents’ is brought to life each and every day by talented teachers, administrators and staff members joyfully dedicated to the development of our students. Despite the Herculean challenges of the last 25 months, their commitment to caring for the children and families of Holy Innocents’ has never wavered,” he said.
There are four seniors who are National Merit Finalists, nine who will play collegiate athletics and seven who will pursue visual and performing arts in college.
He recognized the parents for not only their trust in the school but their tireless service through many volunteer hours and group leadership. Many alumni attended the luncheon, some for the first time. “No one embodies our mission more than our graduates,” Mr. Barton noted. “Spend time with our alumni and you are struck by their deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities they were given during their time at HI and inspired by the many ways they are paying it forward by living lives of meaning and purpose.” Part of the state of the school report looks at the current graduating class and their college acceptances. The Class of 2022 was admitted to over 180 colleges,
“The quantity, quality, and sheer diversity of colleges seeking our graduates is beyond impressive. The opportunities that await them are impossible to quantify or describe. Each face holds limitless potential,” Mr. Barton said. Recapping the Our Time capital campaign, which is concluding this year, the school has raised nearly $32 million. The results are evident – the new 60,000-square-foot Humanities Building, the new cross country course, security enhancements and – soon – a new driveway entrance, a beautiful new quad and the eagerly anticipated 43,000-square-foot new Lower School Building and playground. The last 25 months brought forth challenges no one anticipated. “The fact that today we stand strong and proud is a testament to our community,” Mr. Barton said. “Through all the ups and downs, in a time when the only constant seemed to be change and uncertainty, the real constant was this community. Caring, compassionate, loyal, steady, and eternal – our alpha and omega.”
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James B. Hannan 2022 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Jim Hannan is a lifelong learner. With every experience, whether professional or volunteeroriented, he has demonstrated a love of learning and a desire to serve others, particularly those in the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School community. As a member of the HIES Board of Trustees, Mr. Hannan served on both the One School and Our Time Capital Campaigns. He continues to lend his expertise on the Board of Advisors. His ability to collaborate, make decisions and craft a vision for the school has advanced the school in countless ways. He and his wife Susan are the proud parents of Megan ’13, Emily ’17, Maddy ’20 and Norah ’24.
As an executive vice president for Koch Industries and CEO of Koch Enterprises, Mr. Hannan is responsible for the oversight of Georgia-Pacific, Infor, Molex, Koch Logistics, Koch Investments, Koch Engineered Solutions, Koch Communications and Koch Public Sector groups as well as driving transformational change and knowledge advancement among Koch companies. He previously led one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of tissue, packaging, pulp, paper, cellulose, nonwovens, building products and related chemicals as CEO and president of Georgia-Pacific. Mr. Hannan’s career with Koch Industries began in 1998 in the mineral services unit where he was chief financial officer prior to being named president of INVISTA Intermediates. He joined GeorgiaPacific in 2005 as chief administrative officer and was promoted to CEO and president in 2007. Jim serves on the boards of Koch Industries, Georgia-
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Pacific, Infor, Koch Business Solutions, KochPac, Koch Logistics, Molex, and recently the board of Transaction Network Services.
Originally from Connecticut, Mr. Hannan grew up in the San Francisco Bay area where he attended California State University-East Bay (formerly California State University, Hayward) and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. He is involved in numerous community organizations in the Atlanta area and business organizations nationally. He has worked closely with the Atlanta Police Foundation and actively serves on the Atlanta Committee for Progress. Jim is currently on the boards of the Georgia Research Alliance, Woodruff Arts Center, The Commerce Club, and the educational foundation board for California State East Bay University.
Mr. Hannan was introduced by Bruce Ford, former trustee and HIES parent. In accepting the Distinguished Service Award, Mr. Hannan acknowledged the hard work of his wife Susan and what the school has meant to them.
“When we moved here 17 years ago, this was the first community where we saw our children being nurtured and challenged in a way that made them into conscious-minded adults,” he said. “We are grateful for this community,”
Paul Barton announced that the Distinguished Service Award will be named in honor of the late Bart Miller, former trustee, parent, grandparent and supporter of the school community.
Welcome
Home
New Gold en Bears !
Our mascot, HIGBY, is looking forward to seeing you! ve r - we ha e m m u s u e Enjoy th excited to see yo n nds new frie t day of school o rs for the fi ugust 11 A
ew The stunning n Lower Scho o l s o ur build ing await s! 1st-5th grader
Can't wait to hang out at the new quad! Get ready to love learning and be part of an incredible community
Admissions for 2023-24 opens October 1, 2022. Learn more at www.hies.org/admissions/apply
See
you at
The
805! (That's our way of saying that our campus is the place to be -- 805 Mou nt Vernon Hwy)
For Alumni Relations, contact kelli.moore@hies.org.
Campus Shop Opens New Location In August 2021 the Campus Shop found a new home in the Upper School Humanities Building, just outside the Atrium. The shop features a “grab & go” section with bagels, muffins, Chick-fil-A chicken biscuits and Starbucks coffee, as well as other snack foods, Jeni’s ice cream and more. Visitors will also find HIES spirit wear, gift items and school supplies. The shop staff can even gift wrap an item for your favorite Golden Bear. Kristin Slinn ’02 is the new Director of Retail Operations in the Campus Shop and Café. She has more 17 years of experience in merchandising, marketing, design and retail operations. The Book 'N' Bear Campus Shop is operated by the school as a tax-exempt organization. All profits are donated to the school's general operating fund. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. during the school year.
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Holy Innocents' Parents Association hosted the Golden Bear Gala on Saturday, March 26 at the Coca-Cola Roxy. The sold-out event was a fabulous celebration of our school and community, featuring a live auction, silent auction, dinner, live music and dancing. This year's event had the largest attendance and a record amount raised – $365,000! Thank you to Gala Co-Chairs Stephanie Briles and Robin Tio and all the PA volunteers for organizing such a wonderful night!
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Save the Date
LOWER SCHOOL RIBBON CUTTING & COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Ribbon Cutting — Friday, August 19, 2022, 9:00 a.m. Community Celebration — Saturday, August 20, 2022, before kickoff
New Lower School Building Named in honor of Dorothy Sullivan “She is a fixture at the school and has been a flag-bearer for the HIES mission for 45 years (and still going),” Paul Barton, head of school, said. “Dorothy Sullivan’s name is synonymous with HIES and symbolic of what it means to be a Golden Bear. And now, with the Dorothy Sullivan Lower School building officially and permanently carrying her name, it is certain that her name will forever echo throughout these halls — just as it should.”
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RETIREMENTS >
Holy Innocents’ Bids Goodbye to a
'Great Eight' by Dunn Neugebauer WRITER
MILLIE TUCKER PRIMARY SCHOOL
Millie Tucker was on the faculty of HIES for 33 years and was here as a parent about seven years before that. She began as a PK4s assistant and the Kindergarten music teacher before she began teaching music to all of PK3s through Kindergarten. She has also taught music up through third grade. Ms. Tucker served as chair of emergency preparedness for a number of years. “We had a devastating fire in 1995; the school really stood behind our family at that time, and for that I will forever be grateful!”
The ever-active smiling Ms. Tucker has been a positive fixture on this campus. “There are a lot of parents of kids that I currently teach that I taught,” she said.
“I will miss the sense of community that I feel at HIES. It’s a special place and I will hold that in my heart. I’ve seen a lot of growth here. I used to park my car where the Fine Arts building stands and I remember when Riley was acquired. Our family used to build and shoot off rockets behind Riley. The tearing down of the old pre-school and the building of the Primary School years ago are also memories. I taught in the old lower school. There has been a lot of change happening!”
KIM ARMSTRONG LOWER SCHOOL
A parent for many years at HI, Kim Armstrong spent 12 years here as a first-grade co-teacher.
“It’s been fun but now it’s time for the next chapter.”
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PA M M U L L E N PRIMARY SCHOOL
Pam says goodbye after 22 years, where she enjoyed working with Heather Hahn in the 3-year-olds program for most of her time. She ended her HI career as the library teacher in the Primary School, while also enjoying playing the piano in chapel. “I loved working with the little ones. The Primary School has been a wonderful place to come to work to every day, and I will truly miss HI, though my family will keep my connected! Go Bears!”
GAIL COX LOWER SCHOOL
Starting as a parent in 1994, Gail Cox worked as a volunteer on Parents’ Council, the Booster Club, and was a substitute teacher for years. She later became a first-grade co-teacher, a position she held for 14 years.
“I have lots of great memories both with co-workers and students, and I’m thankful for all the close friendships my family that I have formed over the years from our association with HI. Looking forward to what’s next!”
SANDY FREEMAN LOWER SCHOOL
NANCY WADDELL LOWER SCHOOL
Nancy was with HIES for 28 years and wore many hats, some of them including fourth- and fifth-grade lab assistant at the same time, writing lab teacher, science lab teacher and science lab assistant. “When one teaches, two learn, is how the saying goes, and that has truly been my honor at HI,” she said. “As a parent of an Alpha Omega (2001) and a faculty member as well, my involvement here has given me too many memories to count. Still, I will treasure them all.”
Sandy Freeman has been with HIES for 32 years and held two positions – first-grade co-teacher and secondgrade co-teacher. She began as a long-term substitute in 1988 before being offered a half-day position by then Head of School Alice Malcolm. The following year, she moved her youngest son into the HIES family while she continued to enjoy teaching. “Many things have changed since 1989; there was no Upper School then and our population was smaller. I miss those days. I thought our school was so family oriented – everyone was extremely focused on helping each other when there was a need. This is certainly a bittersweet feeling about retiring, but I am starting a new chapter in my life by leaving Atlanta which has been my home since 1976 and moving to Lake Oconee. Y’all come visit!”
M A RY C H R I S W I L L I A M S A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
Mary Chris Williams was introduced to HI at an Open House she attended when looking for a neighborhood school for her 3-year-old daughter, Anna. In moving on, Anna (1997), Ellen (2001), and James (2004) graduated from here while Charles graduated from St. Francis in 2003. Her husband, Hal, and Mary Chris volunteered as class reps, PA Secretary, Treasurer and President, and helped with fundraisers for all the buildings that sprang up over the years. Her first real position was part-time as Development Assistant working for Steve Gende, which was 21-plus years ago. “The expansion of tasks I handled for information systems requirements for the school just kept increasing, as did my titles and responsibilities over the years,” she said. Ms. Williams reported to different people, but always in Development. “One of the joys of working here was being able to see my children (maybe more than they wished!) over the years at their events and with their friends. Also, I loved the short commute to work. My last ‘new task’ before leaving is to set up a communications network between current school activities and former faculty and staff. I had no idea when I agreed to help to do this project – being spearheaded by Dorothy Sullivan and Karen Ghertner – that it would be something I, too, will benefit from in the years to come. Thanks to all for many happy years of working in a great environment with wonderful people.”
JUDIE JACOBS UPPER SCHOOL
Judie Jacobs finished her 32nd year at HIES – she came here in 1990 to teach in the summer camp. Later, she was invited to teach in the Kindergarten art program and the following year filled in for a teacher on leave. This turned in to a fulltime position when Alice Malcolm asked her to start the art program for the new Upper School, a position she remained in until the close of this past school year. “The years I’ve spent here in the HI community have helped shape my desire to share something important to me with future generations and hopefully make a positive contribution. The creative energy that flowed from the students influenced my work as a professional artist as well. All is good – I feel I’m leaving the art program in good hands as I create a new path in the next chapter of my life.
“And finally, it’s been a whirlwind span of time watching the school grow and change, meeting tons of wonderful people along the way, shedding tears of joy and frustration at times, though most of my memories bring joy. I look forward to hearing about the many other experiences that will take place at the 805 and I hope those privileged to be a part of the HI family to continue to love and grow here and help make the world a better place.”
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2022 GREENBAUM GRANT >
2022 Greenbaum Family Grant Recipients to Undertake New Adventures Congratulations to the 2022 recipients of the Greenbaum Family Grants. Miranda Forman-Grimm, George Bevington and Sarah Townsend have been selected to receive grants to pursue unique learning opportunities in summer 2022. Miranda Forman-Grimm, Upper School Learning Resource teacher, has combined her passions and is working on a “math rock opera” to help teach students how to conceptualize and recall math information. Miranda explained in her application that math is an incredibly challenging subject because it relies on English but teaches an entirely new language – it is filled with unknown vocabulary and symbols. It demands a rigorous approach from all students, not just those with learning differences. Combining math with music gives students another way to approach the challenges of algebra, geometry and calculus. In her role as a learning resource teacher, she has sought new ways of helping students both understand and recall information. Her background is in classical music and she majored in Cognitive Neuroscience in college. This fall, she began taking music production lessons with the hope of turning her lyrics into songs that might help students. She would like to reach a wider audience at HIES and other schools. The Greenbaum Grant will help her to produce professional-quality audio for at least seven songs with accompanying illustrations so students can visualize the math concepts in each song. George Bevington, Upper School English teacher, plans to investigate the background of John Steinbeck and examine his antecedents in Salinas, the Monterey peninsula and the California valleys by visiting the towns, neighborhoods and sites that were significant to his life. He wants to discover what it was about his experiences there that gave him such a
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keen social perception. The heart of the trip will focus on Salinas, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove and the San Joaquin Valley, several locations that include the settings of Steinbeck’s novels, where he wrote much of his work, and also where he met his wives (Steinbeck was married three times). He aims to achieve a better understanding of this author by seeing up close the details of his everyday life and the daily interactions that made him who he is, such as Cannery Row and the setting for Tortilla Flat. He also aims to find parallels in Steinbeck’s writing across themes particular to his life. Sarah Townsend, Upper School Learning Resource Department Chair, will attend a workshop with children’s book publishing professionals. During the pandemic, Ms. Townsend wrote a children’s book about a little girl who is learning to go outside and be in nature as a way to deal with her emotions. She wants to share the experiences she and her daughter enjoyed and encourage parents and children to get outside. She will attend The Big Sur Workshop hosted by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. The workshop will be in either Cape Cod or in Big Sur, Calif. The weekend will offer critiques from professional literary agents and give her time to revise her book. She hopes this experience will help her to grow as a writer and eventually get her book published. Endowed by the Greenbaum Family, the Greenbaum Grants are designed to promote teaching excellence by providing teachers with resources to undertake special enrichment activities beyond what might otherwise be covered by the school’s professional development budget. Grant applications are reviewed and awards are approved by a committee consisting of the director of advancement, the associate head of school and the recipients of the award from the previous school year.
ATHLETICS COLLEGE SIGNING DAY 2022 >
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Seniors Commit to Collegiate Athletics
Nine Golden Bear athletes signed Letters of Intent to play collegiate athletics in a special ceremony in the gymnasium on Friday, April 8. All not only made significant contributions not only on the athletic fields, but in the classroom and on campus as well. The signees are listed below: Mikey Bennett (football) Yale University – Mikey was a mainstay on the line in the Bears successful football program, where he helped his teams to postseason throughout his high school career. Last season, Mikey was also named to the All-Region team and has been heavily recruited. Luca Chuecos (football) Samford University – Coming to HIES midway through his high school career, Luca wasted no time making his name known. A terrific pass rusher and lineman on both sides of the ball, Luca was also an All-Region performer and mainstay for Coach Winter. Colin Edwards (golf ) University of the South – Colin has been one of the top golfers in the varsity program throughout his days at HIES. This year, he has been consistently the low man for Coach Jason Rutledge and is a big reason why the Bears could move on in postseason.
James Gleeson (football) United States Merchant Marine Academy – James was a versatile starter – lining up at tight end and on the offensive and defensive lines. An All-Region performer, James leaves as a state champ in wrestling and a solid track and field man as well.
Art Martinez (wrestling ) Case Western Reserve University – Art leaves as a two-time individual state champion and leaves his mark as one of the top wrestlers of all time. A state-placer all four years as well, Art is expected to make noise at the next level as well.
Jakobe Harmon (football ) Washburn College – Jakobe broke into the football starting lineup early and never looked back. Named All-State after this past season, Jakobe quickly captured the eyes not only in our program, but in the state and the college coaches as well.
Antonia Martinez (lacrosse) University of Charleston – Antonia, besides starring in softball last fall, has been a four-year starter for the Lady Laxers. One of the top scorers, Antonia is a spark everywhere on the field for Coach Brittnee DeVries and remains one of the team leaders.
Drew Jabaley (baseball) Oglethorpe University – Drew persistently clawed his way to the top of the charts on the baseball field, as this year he is one of the top hitters who already has several two-plus hit games. Overcoming a bad back, he has helped in different positions as well.
Congratulations to all and Go Bears! – Dunn Neugebauer
Charlie Mallady (football) Marist College – Charlie got bigger, and Charlie got better while at HIES. Consistently on the All-Region charts, he was a hit on both sides of the line and was a big reason why the Bears moved the ball so consistently over the years.
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REMEMBERING RILEY >
Remembering riley by Dunn Neugebauer,
If walls could talk, the words of the Riley Building would perhaps carry on throughout eternity. Fortunately, or unfortunately – however you want to look at it – the walls will become rubble this summer when construction continues on our campus. Regardless, one hopes the demolition crew knows what it’s tearing down as the Riley razing begins. After all, sacred spaces exist everywhere – Paris has its Eiffel Tower, New York has its theaters, Chicago its Wrigley Field and Holy Innocents’ had the Riley Building. It’s been standing for 50-plus years, and it’s housed nearly everything a school can possibly house. This year, it has served as the Lower School – as it has before. One wing once served as the Primary School, and Riley has housed the entire Middle School and the Upper School at various times. Still, there was more, as it held the Campus Shop, the cafeteria, the orchestra room, the library, labs and blackboards and the carpets – before and after the post12
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WRITER
rain mildews set in. In opening this story to the public, it was tough not to get the words of Missy Lauren Evans Gardner – a 2002 graduate, who was once a student here and now has her kids in the building. “I remember my first time in the building when I was in Kindergarten,” she said. “That was the first year the school used Riley for students. It was only one hallway that opened up to a huge playground. I will never forget the little house we played in on the playground. I eventually went on to attend first grade, Middle School and Upper School in Riley. I had so many years and memories in between those walls. I was excited that my son Woody had the opportunity to spend first grade in Riley this year before the last of Riley came down. “ On the faculty/staff side, Dr. Chris Swann has been inside and around the building for 25 years now and has seen both its growth and decay. “I've been watching the Riley Building die a slow death for quite some time now,” he said. “My first classroom
was at the front corner of the building, which is now the eastern end of Stephens Courtyard. My second classroom got turned into the principal's office, then became a commons area, and is now in its third reincarnation as a Lower School library. The roof has leaked like a busted flowerpot for years now, and whatever mold might live beneath the carpet is a mystery to science. “And yet the Riley Building was the heart of the school for so many years. Lower, Middle and Upper School students have walked its halls and learned in its classrooms. Generations of children have come of age there, and one or two teachers and administrators as well. This year we say goodbye to that magnificent wreck of a building that has served us so well for so many years. Next year, on a sunny day, I’ll stand in the new courtyard that will take its place, and I'll close my eyes and remember every leak, every stained patch of carpet, every cluttered space. And I’ll smile, remembering.” Through its many uses, its newness and its slow decay, Riley also served in an “any port in a storm” type capacities if you will. With construction starting to build the new Humanities Building, the library was taken apart but quickly restructured into seven additional classrooms. For the fall 2021 semester, Upper School teachers moved out of Riley while crossing paths with the Lower School ones who temporarily moved in. The freshmen and sophomore commons area then became the Lower School Library. In short, Riley was useful, adaptable, even a creative stack of bricks while our staff members simply went with the flow, switched offices, and our facilities crew expertly moved, shifted and re-shifted the furniture from building to building. Judie Jacobs, Upper School art teacher, has memories not only from being a teacher and a parent, but she also saw the James L. Riley Building in a different capacity than most. “My memories of go back to the 1990s when my daughter was in public school,” she said. “The parents put on a killer Halloween event every year in Riley that included fathers fitted with ‘vampire fangs’ by a local dentist, then created the most scary haunted house including coffins, skeletons that drew families from all around. The students were taken through in a wheelchair so they would not run away! I was the art
mother for the school and coordinated moms to teach art. Actually, I taught in the same room I used for Upper School HIES art classes before moving over to our current art studios in Groesbeck. Goodbye Riley, you served us well!” Rebecca Rivera also has a unique perspective, as she graduated from HI and is now an Upper School English teacher. “When I walk through Riley, I can see memories layered on top of each other,” she said. “I see my current students walking down the halls, I see my daughter bouncing into Ms. Mees’ classroom, and I see where I used to hang out during my own middle and upper school days. I’m nostalgic for those days, but I am also so proud to see HI growing and changing, and I know that I will love watching my daughter make new memories of her own here.” Head of School Paul Barton likened Riley to “The Giving Tree,” a well-known children’s book. “She has selflessly served as our Upper School, our Middle School and now as our Lower School,” he said. “Whatever we needed her to be, she was. It seems fitting and almost like divine destiny that in her final act, she will provide a sacred space for our whole community to gather and flourish on the new campus quad.” The Riley bricks will fly this summer and will eventually turn to quiet dust. Still, it’s perhaps peaceful to know each one housed joy, tears, success, temporary failure, and the love and life of a school. With that said, let there be comfort in that chaos, as there isn’t a crane or a bulldozer in the world that can come close to removing the memories and the stories that took place within those walls – those walls that contained mostly everything. Rest in Peace, Riley.
Riley Fact >
Fulton County Schools closed James L. Riley Elementary School in 1986. The building sat empty for two years until school Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School purchased the property in 1988 with the intention of expanding the Middle School and adding an Upper School. The building served both until the new Middle School building opened in 2006. The Riley Building was renovated again in 2015.
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welcome to our newest alumni,
class of 2022 On Saturday, May 14, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School graduated 147 seniors in a commencement ceremony held on Baker Field. Brandon Sertl and George Wray were valedictorians and Abigail Jablon was salutatorian. Coach Dunn Neugebauer was the Tassel Turner. The graduates will attend 70 different colleges and universities across the U.S. and abroad. Congratulations, Class of 2022!
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ALUMNI PROFILE >
LEADING BY EXAMPLE KATE STICE STEWART ’04 TURNED A FAMILY TRADITION INTO A HOLIDAY COMPANY WITH A CHARITABLE MINDSET. >
by Christina Mimms,
S
ervice to the world community represents an important aspect of Bauble Stockings, the business owned by Kate Stice Stewart ’04. It also happens to be part of the HIES mission statement. Her idea to turn a family tradition into a holiday company with a charitable mindset translated to success, with more plans on the horizon. As a child, one of Ms. Stewart’s favorite events getting ready for Christmas was shopping for her mother’s gift with her father and two brothers. Sometimes the gift was a piece of jewelry (aka a bauble), and other times it was a fun memento. Her mom always opened the last gift in recognition for all her hard work
MANAGING EDITOR
preparing for the holidays. Leading up to the gift opening, her mom solved a clue that was left in her “bauble stocking,” a small needlepoint stocking ornament that her mom hand-stitched which hung on the tree each year. It wasn’t until Ms. Stewart married her husband, Peter, that she realized the bauble stocking tradition was unique to her family. In 2018, she decided to share the tradition with the world, but not just to sell product. She wanted to make a greater impact through her entrepreneurial dream. The path she chose came with challenges but her previous experiences prepared her for what lay ahead, starting with her time at HIES. TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
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...HIES APPRECIATED ME FOR MY TALENTS WHILE ENCOURAGING ME TO DO ANYTHING I WANTED TO TRY. -Kate Stice Stewart
“Holy Innocents’ taught me how to try. I made my fair share of mistakes but I didn’t have to be the best at everything,” she said. My teachers always had my back. It was expected that I make an effort and by making that effort, I was rewarded with teachers who reciprocated and helped me achieve my goals.” Her academic workload as well as playing lacrosse, writing for the student newspaper and competing in equestrian events filled her days and took her to college. Ms. Stewart competed on the equestrian team at Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in public relations in 2008. She studied in Switzerland for a semester, which whet her appetite for international travel. After graduating, using money she earned from equestrian coaching, she set out on a six-month adventure around the world on her own. Her stops included New Zealand, Japan and Egypt. “Studying abroad made me realize I could do it by myself,” she said. “I didn’t realize what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it was at the time, and it was amazing.” The weekend after she returned home to Atlanta, she accepted a friend’s last-minute invitation to the Georgia Tech-Miami game, where she happened to meet her future husband, Peter, a graduate of Riverwood High School and Georgia Tech. 18
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They married in September 2011 and are the proud parents of Brianna, 6, and Calder, 4. Prior to launching Bauble Stockings, Ms. Stewart served as director of investor relations for Atlantic Investors Group, as president and COO of Kalu Yala Entrepreneurial Internships in Panama and as a grant writer for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “I’ve gone into all my jobs very curious,” she said. Her international travels, work experience, motivation to try new ventures and desire to give back created the recipe that inspired her to actualize her dream. She connected with artist Sarah Watson to design the first set of stockings but needed to locate a cost-effective means of mass-producing the handstitched creations. She found that in Good Threads, a manufacturing organization that employs single moms earning fair wages in Haiti. Because the work is flexible, the women can work from home and their children can go to school. Good Threads runs a school for 126 students in the area and also feeds 600 children per day. In just three years, her company has gone from having 82 stitchers paid fair trade wages in Haiti to more than 1,000, and Bauble Stockings has donated more than $70,000 total to various charities, including Atlanta Children’s Shelter, Doctors
Without Borders, Animal Haven shelter in New York and the Aflac Cancer Center at CHOA. “So many jobs are needed in Haiti and there is so much we can do in the community,” Ms. Stewart said. But therein lie many challenges she has experienced with her business, from shipping issues to earthquakes to Covid. “But it’s worth it,” she said. “People do want to help and my company would not be successful without people believing in us and sharing our story.” She believes the mission behind her product has led to collaborations with artists and celebrities, who can select their own charity to receive 10 percent of sales from their Bauble Stockings. She has partnered with Draper James, Laura Park Designs, Love Shack Fancy and Alice + Olivia to create exclusive designs for their stores. Nicky Hilton was her first celebrity partner and she is in talks with others. Through her work on the HIES Alumni Board, Ms. Stewart is collaborating with the school to craft custom stockings for HIES which will be available later this year. “It’s so exciting to create something new,” she said. “I have six whiteboards in my office with to-do lists, guest artists and so many ideas.” Her home office/studio in Sandy Springs is where she and Kat Tate ’08, director of sales for Bauble
Stockings, put their ideas into action. This year, Ms. Stewart was recognized for her work as the recipient of the HIES Distinguished Alumni Award. Liz Young Hayes ’03, longtime friend, nominated her for the honor. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an outstanding alumna or alumnus for their personal and professional achievements and significant contributions to their community. The alumnus embodies the Mission Statement of the School – which states that HIES develops in students a love for learning, respect for self and others, faith in God, and a sense of service to the world community, something that Ms. Stewart has proven time and again. “I love Holy Innocents’ and I’ve always loved how familyoriented it is. HIES appreciated me for my talents, while encouraging me to do anything I wanted to try,” Ms. Stewart said. “As an entrepreneur, I am far from perfect, but if I'd thought I had to be perfect in the first place, I never would have started. I know no matter what mistakes I make, I can always get back on course if I put in the effort.” Dunn Neugebauer contributed to this article. TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
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ALUMNI >> THE HUMANITIES: PEDAGOGY WITHPROFILE PURPOSE
LIVING THE 'WYLD' LIFE IN SAVANNAH TONY SEICHRIST ’01 BOUNCES FROM GEORGIA TO ITALY AND BACK >
by Frank Ricci,
S
haring the flavors of life has taken Tony Seichrist ’01 on a fantastic voyage. After making numerous stops around the Peach State and a year in Italy to seriously study his craft, he found his home and a rewarding life on the serene side of Savannah. The 2001 graduate of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School lives on Tybee Island, the Hostess City’s nearby beach community, and is head chef and co-owner of The Wyld,
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CONTRIBUTING WRITER
a popular seafood restaurant and bar on the marshy banks of Country Club Creek, 10 minutes from the bustle of Savannah’s historic downtown grid. “It feels like a million miles away,” Mr. Seichrist said of both his home and business locations compared with Savannah’s Broughton Street. A theme of the journey is endless learning. At every stop along the way, he learned something that made
the next step a little easier and his decisions a lot better. Entering HIES in fifth grade was the choice that began the streak. Impactful teachers he remembers include his fifth-grade science teacher Lesley Prior, another science teacher and baseball coach Bobby Fay, and Gérard Gatoux, a Frenchman who was his Spanish teacher. During school, Mr. Seichrist was primarily occupied with baseball, soccer and fishing. Food represented
I COME FROM A FOOD FAMILY, SO IT STARTED BEFORE I REALIZED IT STARTED. -Tony Seichrist '01
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A lu m n i p r o f i l e > > >
Kramer deans
If you’re a fan of craft beer, you may already know Kramer Deans ’10 by his alter ego, “The Beerded Brotha.”
Before he launched that persona, he first was introduced to craft beers when a friend at Belmont University offered him a Shocktop Belgian Blonde. “That was the day it changed. I wanted to understand the science of it, the why, the how,” Mr. Deans said. It was a new space for him and some of his peers. “Usually I was the only Black person in a craft beer room,” he said. As he tasted more and became more of a fan, he decided to introduce craft beers to the Black community to diversify the fandom as well as to share his enjoyment. “People in the Black community are generally excited to try something new,” he said. “It’s been a positive movement.” And it’s more than just a hobby; after graduating from Belmont University with a bachelor of science in social entrepreneurship, Mr. Deans worked in marketing before taking a management role at Jackalope Brewing Company in Nashville. He has witnessed the expansion of the craft beer world as well as many changes, some influenced by the Covid pandemic. Home delivery increased as people quarantined or chose to spend more time at home. Some breweries purchased food trucks while others installed kitchens. Some new players entered the scene, including some female brewery owners. “All the changes have freshened up the scene,” Mr. Deans said. “Beer is really a community and there is a beer for everyone.” Mr. Deans has made a fan of his fiancée, Ashley Olds, as well. They are planning a September wedding at a Nashville brewery with a built-in event space. Mr. Deans gifted his groomsmen, the majority of whom are fellow HIES alumni and friends since the first grade, with a personalized beer glass and a beer “that fits their personality,” Mr. Deans said. Friends and fans can enjoy The Beerded Brotha’s musings on his blog thebeerdedbrotha.com as well as his YouTube channel “The Beerded Tastings.” He is a frequent guest on industry-related podcasts as well. 22
— Christina Mimms
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a meaningful part of his home life, but a culinary career wasn’t on his mind. His mother was an excellent cook who, when he was old enough, inspired him to make dishes of hers that he liked. “She would leave me the ingredients to make chicken soup, instead of actually making it for me,” he recalled. “I started learning before I knew it.” Another notable tradition that endures today was the entire family using an Italian uncle’s recipe to make 600 lbs. of sausage. He got closer to food in ways he didn’t realize by eating what he caught on camping trips. Still, it wasn’t on the career radar at the end of high school, and Seichrist enrolled at Wake Forest University, where he met his significant other, Meggan Wood. Feeling drawn back to a potential career in food, the couple relocated to Athens, where one night they went out to eat at chef Hugh Acheson’s acclaimed hotspot Five & Ten to see what all the fuss was about. Seichrist liked everything he saw and asked for a job there. A month later, Mr. Acheson hired him full time. Mr. Seichrist went all-in. He learned as much as he could at Five & Ten, and understood the opportunity in front of him. But he still wasn’t sure if school or food was his calling. Studying anthropology was of great interest, but he was enjoying the work he was doing. A career in food began to come into focus as he was surrounded by professionals working for a great chef who also understood how to run a business. Seichrist was learning to become a professional and realized he wanted a culinary career. His next stop was a big step up when he was hired as head chef at The Farmhouse in Serenbe, south of Atlanta. The ultra-local, highly seasonal fare at the very small restaurant was groundbreaking at the time. Like his time at Five & Ten, he learned everything he could at The Farmhouse. He also learned what he didn’t know. To elevate his skills and fill some gaps, he took off for a year in Italy. The ancient walled city of Jesi in the eastern region of Le Marche, north of Rome, is home to Italcook. The one-year master course teaches the art of regional Italian food, with an emphasis on slow cooking. This experience solidified his goals, with a memorable connection to his time at HIES. On his way to Jesi, with no Italian language skills, Mr. Seichrist was trying to get on the right train. He mangled a few Spanish words, but it was enough for a local to understand and send him in the right direction. As he sat down, he quietly thanked Sr. Gatoux.
A month from finishing at Italcook, Mr. Seichrist learned that prominent Atlanta chef-owner Linton Hopkins wanted to hire him. Mr. Seichrist went from school in Italy directly into the kitchen at the very successful Holeman & Finch, butchering two whole hogs a week for charcuterie. As before, he turned this situation into one of maximum learning. The foundation of a solid culinary career was formed with his past restaurant experience and training in Italy, making his next move all the more unusual. Working almost exclusively in charcuterie took Mr. Seichrist on an unexpected detour into the literary world. He wrote “Meat. Salt. Time.” a book paying tribute to salami artisan Cristiano Creminelli, whose skill in the craft was of constant inspiration. With no expectation of profit, the book was written to teach his fellow chefs and elevate the craft in America. Charcuterie was still relatively new here and most of the chefs making it from scratch were all reading the same recipes and using the same equipment. The results weren’t bad, but spreading the word of Mr. Creminelli’s work in
the field would only make it better and more authentic. To Mr. Seichrist’s surprise, the self-published title has sold approximately 10,000 copies. As he kept an eye out for the right opportunity to open his own place, Mr. Seichrist found a side gig outside the kitchen. When food photography started to move away from fake food using spray bottles and glycerin to make it look appetizing, he dabbled in styling so real food could be shot properly and look good. He also took a job cooking for Cirque du Soleil while the production was in Atlanta. Running away with the circus was tempting, and he was offered a full-time traveling chef position, but he ultimately decided to stay in Georgia. As a child, Mr. Seichrist and his family vacationed in coastal Georgia, so the area was close to his heart. At the same time, it was becoming clear that everything that could be done in Atlanta, already was happening. An opportunity at the historic Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island materialized. The chance to live near the water and cook at an acclaimed resort with sentimental value was irresistible. He was nearing his destination.
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WHEN I FIRST SAW IT I THOUGHT, ‘WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE,’ HOW DOES ONE JUST STUMBLE UPON THIS? -Tony Seichrist '01 An earlier consulting gig led him to Savannah and his first look at the location that would become The Wyld. It was unlike anything he had seen before. “When I first saw it I thought, ‘what an amazing place,’ How does one just stumble upon this?” he recalled. Ten years later, after his time at Greyfield ended, the owners wanted to sell. It was perfect. Small enough to be manageable in a city on the rise, and a location that absolutely could not be replicated, Mr. Seichrist knew this was the place. At the time the restaurant was known as the Bonneville Yacht Club, and the building had been perched on the edge of land since the 1930s. Mr. Seichrist and his partner Brad Syfan, former
bar manager at Iberian Pig in Buckhead, jumped at the chance. The entire place was scrubbed and reskinned, and the two went to work. Mr. Syfan covers the front of house and the books, with Mr. Seichrist running the kitchen and serving fresh, seasonal seafood dishes, farm-raised meats and vegetables to a loyal audience of mostly locals, with great success. They were fortunate to gain outdoor waterside seating, which lessened the impact of the pandemic lockdown. The Wyld also built a dedicated team committed to the success of the business. After the first six years of nonstop business-building, Mr. Seichrist has finally found time to breathe and relax. Living on Tybee Island, near water, is also a source of calm away from the pressure of work. “Every morning I wake up and I say I can’t believe I live here,” he said. “We're at the very end, the last house on the marsh, like right off the edge of the world. That's so cool." Recognizing his achievement inspired a moment of reflection on the beginning of this journey. “I was recently talking to my mom and I thanked her. With the perspective of an almost-40-yearold man, I thanked her for letting me go to Holy Innocents’ because that scholastic experience really covered a lot of bases for me. Even though I went a nontraditional path, it set me up in ways I didn’t know at the time, and I’m grateful.”
Josh Anderson '97 A lu m n i p r o f i l e > > > After a challenging 2020, the owners of Atlanta-based American Spirit Works (ASW) were hoping simply to correct its course to pre-Covid sales, events and tastings at its two facilities. A new lease at the Battery Atlanta inked in early 2021 was part of that plan. At that time, no one predicted that the Atlanta Braves would end its season with a World Series trophy or that University of Georgia would clinch a national football championship. Both sports seasons proved to be beyond fruitful for ASW, which
happens to be the only distillery in the country founded by UGA graduates. They welcomed numerous fans to the Battery during baseball season and beyond but have continued to monitor and follow COVID-safe guidelines. “It’s been wildly successful,” Josh Anderson, director of sales, said. “Teams in Georgia have often fallen short of a big win but this time they came through and we rode that wave.” That success more than made up for Covid-related losses. The company stayed afloat during 2020 by focusing
on sales to retail stores and holding online cocktail classes, knowing that many people were stuck at home and looking to try new recipes. They also converted part of their operations to manufacturing hand sanitizer to sell to consumers and to donate to hospitals.
“It’s sad being in this industry and my heart goes out to the people whose businesses couldn’t make it through 2020,” Mr. Anderson said. “A sense of community is important, and food and beverage have always been part of that.”
— Christina Mimms
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A lu m n i p r o f i l e > > >
Peter Kiley '04 Peter Kiley’s position at Monday Night Brewing, a popular Atlanta-based brewery, represents more than just a job. It’s friendship – his partners and their team are a tight-knit group. It’s science – he studied chemistry at University of Georgia, honed additional skills working at wineries in Napa Valley, Calif., and is both lab director and brewmaster at MNB. And it’s family – Mr. Kiley met his wife, Rachel, at MNB, where she serves as Chief Operating Officer. They have two children, 3-year-old son Indiana and 18-month-old daughter Charlie. How he got there starts with graduation from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. Mr. Kiley started his first semester of college at Wofford but soon realized he belonged closer to home and transferred to University of Georgia for the second semester of his freshman year. Originally planning to pursue medical school, he studied chemistry. That interest led him to Napa Valley somewhat on a whim. “I just took my car and drove out to California with a stack of resumes,” he said. From 2009 to 2011 he worked at different vineyards. He became a certified sommelier and learned all that he could from true experts in the field. “I met some amazing people who were very helpful to my craft,” he said. “There is a lot of engineering in wine and working with your hands but there is also a social aspect with tastings and working with people. I learned so much about getting people engaged and communicating,” he said. Mr. Kiley returned to Georgia and worked at both Chateau Elan and Vino Venue before a chance meeting led him to MNB. While attending an engagement party for close friend Patrick Butkus ’04, which was the first event held at an MNB facility, Mr. Kiley met the owners of MNB. “I basically talked my way into a job,” he said. “And now I have to give Patrick free beer.”
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MNB employs more than 150 staff and operates two special event facilities in Atlanta, where HIES has hosted alumni reunions on several occasions, and one in Birmingham, Ala. “HIES has found its way into my life in so many ways since I graduated, which is wonderful,” Mr. Kiley said. “One of the greatest things I learned at HIES was critical thinking, which has helped me so much in my work as I wear a lot of hats.” He counts retired teacher Niki Simpson among his most influential teachers as she helped him manage his dyslexia. “She made me tough,” he said. “She often said, ‘Don’t be sorry, Be correct.’ I say that to myself sometimes now.” Those skills came into play frequently as MNB managed loss of business during Covid. While product sales in grocery stores increased, with bars and event facilities closed, loss of revenue worried everyone. MNB furloughed a number of employees short-term while other employees worked from home, including his wife Rachel, who was pregnant with Charlie at the time. “She’s such a rock and it was tough not having her at work,” he said. “We took that time to re-evaluate our business. Our community was so supportive and really came together. People would drive up to buy beer in our parking lot.” Private events returned in 2021 and this year, to the relief of many. “This place is buzzing again and tasting rooms are full,” he said. The company supports numerous charitable organizations and partners in their neighborhoods, including local schools and child-focused nonprofits. They continue to strategize about contingencies, should the need ever arise. “Covid made us sharper and made us humble,” Mr. Kiley said. “It was an opportunity to practice gratitude.”
— Christina Mimms
ALUMNI N TES Matt Little ’97 has been named President of the Atlanta office of McGriff Insurance Services. Matt was recently ordained as a Ruling Elder at Christ Church Presbyterian. He and his wife Anna Cate live in Buckhead with their three children; Caroline (12), George (8) and Blair (6). Caroline Clear Rudolph ’00 and her husband Benjamin welcomed twins Jack Miller and Frasier Bennett in April 2021. They join their big brother Asher. The family resides in Atlanta and Caroline continues her work in clinical research project management at Emory University School of Medicine. Brad Kolowich Jr. ’01 and his business KoloFit Personal Training Studio were recognized as “Personal Training Facility of the Year” by CorporateLiveWire for their 2022 Innovation and Excellence Awards. Throughout the awards process CorporateLiveWire invited more than 90,000 businesses and corporate professionals, magazine contributors and their subscribers’ nominated companies and individuals
based on factors such as service, innovation, experience, sustainability and other key criteria. Congratulations to Brad and KoloFit Personal Training Studio! Katie Kirtland Manning ’02 and her husband Patrick welcomed Evelyn James Manning on July 18, 2021. She is practically perfect in every way and is loved so much by her whole family especially her big sister Ebbie. Tripp Miller ’03 accepted a digital strategy and analytics role with the Florida Gators in August 2021. He and his wife Megan and their three sons Brown (8), Buskie (6) and Jesse (1) moved back to Gainesville in December. David Immerman ’03 is engaged to be married to Lisa Orlando in October 2022. Ironically, David can be found on the “Love Sux” World Tour, playing guitar for Avril Lavigne. Despite the tour name, David is still excited to get married.
Laurie Segall ’04 released her memoir entitled Special Characters in March 2022.
Alex McLean ’04 recently joined the Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Buckhead office in March 2022. He is thrilled for this next chapter and excited to work with such a great group of brokers, agents and staff. Maryanne Stumb McWhirter ’07, her husband Terrell and big sister Anne Blair welcomed Paul Burton McWhirter on January 13, 2022.
Sean Butkus ’07 and his wife Katelin and big brother Liam welcomed Bowen Dennis Butkus on October 26, 2021.
WINTERFEST 2022 Holy Innocents’ Alumni and Parents of Alumni came together on January 28, 2022, to celebrate HIES Winterfest with a reception in the new Upper School Humanities Building. This is the first time that alumni and parents could gather in person for this event since 2020. Following the reception, guests were invited to the gymnasium to cheer on our HIES basketball teams. TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
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Dr. Sean Aiken ’07 and his wife Dr. Taylor Hodge welcomed their daughter Charlotte Hayes Aiken on April 10, 2022 in Louisville, KY.
ALUM N I
MARCH MANIA
Wow! What a fantastic month of alumni giving, showing that Golden Bears Give Back! We appreciate everyone’s contributions to the alumni annual fund as these resources benefit the life of each student, as they did for you. In an incredible finish, the 2022 March Mania competition ended with the Class of 2009 at 35% class participation! The Class of 2000 did a great job as well with 28% percent class participation. As of March 31, the alumni overall giving percentage increased from 5% to 12%. The Class of 2009 will be recognized on the Highest Class Participation plaque at Alumni Hall. Thank you again for your incredible support!
Jennie Hardin Nevins ’09 and her husband Patrick welcomed Rose Marie Nevins to their family on April 6, 2022. Both parents and baby girl are doing well as they enjoy life as a family of three! Hannah Kissack ’12 (Alpha Omega) got engaged to Jack Van Why in December 2021. The two met while Jack was at UGA Law School after Hannah finished her Master’s in Education, also at UGA. They currently live in the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta and have set their wedding date for June 2023. In their wedding party will be Courtney (Kissack) Hunter ('09 and Alpha Omega) as Matron of Honor and Blair Touzet (HIES '12 and Alpha Omega) as bridesmaid. Hannah currently works as a third grade teacher at St. Benedict’s Episcopal School with colleagues Marisa (Puckett) Howell, Wynter Whitley and Elle (Williams) Webster (all HIES alums), while Jack is a lawyer with Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson. Mary-Wade Ballou ’13 wed Daniel Blake on February 12, 2022, at Peachtree Church in Atlanta, where she is director of high school ministry. Daniel grew up in Griffin, Ga, attended the University of Georgia and is a senior consultant for Protiviti. The couple lives in Atlanta.
YOUR ANNUAL FUND GIFT SUPPORTS ADDITIONAL SECURITY ACROSS CAMPUS
GUEST ARTISTS, AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS
MAKING SPECIAL EVENTS MORE SPECIAL
PRINTING OF YEARBOOK AND THE C&G MAGAZINE
RECRUITING & RETAINING FACULTY AND STAFF
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ATHLETIC INITIATIVES
LIKE HOMECOMING!
GLOBAL SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
ADDITIONAL PPE ACROSS CAMPUS
Kennan Luther ’14 graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia Honors Program with a degree in finance in May 2018 and then attended the University of Virginia Law School as a Karsh-Dillard Scholar graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in May 2021. Kennan currently practices commercial real estate law for SWB in Atlanta.
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Congratulations to Michael “Kane” Chambers ’12 who was recently recognized as the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors’ “2022 Young Council Member Rookie of the Year.” Kane, who works at NAI Brannen Goddard, received this honor and was recognized an outstanding Young Council Member who produced the highest volume in the Million Dollar Club among the Young Council of REALTORS® Million Dollar members. Alexandria Cannon ’16 married Connor Nunnaley on March 25, 2022, in Washington, D.C. She is a Program Project Manager with the American Physical Society, a nonprofit organization in Maryland. Alexandria is a graduate student at Pennsylvania State University working on a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Connor, who recently became a CPA, works as a Financial Consultant with Ernst and Young in Washington, D.C. They reside in Falls Church, Va. Grace Asbury ’17 released her first country music album, Outlier, in April 2022 and had an album release party at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Ga. Grace is not only musically talented, but she is also an accomplished AA circuit equestrian rider and competes at the Grand Prix level. Ansley Earle ’17 graduated from the University of Georgia Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a bachelor’s degree in advertising. She served as the marketing and communications intern for the past year at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House and enjoyed her time greatly. She looks forward to pursing her professional career. Ansley was an Alpha Omega at Holy Innocents’ and could not be more thankful for the HIES community for shaping her into the person she is today. If you would like to submit class notes for the next issue of Torchbearer, please contact Kelli Moore at kelli.moore@hies.org.
ALUMnI ALUM N I
2022 Easter Eggstravaganza On Saturday, April 9, 2022, HIES Alumni and Faculty gathered to celebrate the Easter Eggstravaganza on campus. Along with the traditional egg hunt, families participated in children’s arts and crafts, bunny table games, bounce house, putt putt golf and much more! Everyone had a great time celebrating Easter together. Thank you to all the families who were able to attend this fun event!
Khayla Pointer ’17 was drafted in April 2022 in the WNBA’s second round by the Las Vegas Aces. Khayla, the point guard for LSU women’s basketball team, has competed as one of the top players in the Southeastern Conference. Her achievements over her career include a 2021 SEC All-Defensive Team member, a three-time All-SEC player (2020, 2021 and 2022) and a 2022 All-American (AP, and Sports Illustrated Second Team; USBWA Third Team). Congratulations Khayla! Chase Luther ’17 graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Applied Mathematics from Florida State University in May 2021. Chase currently works as a software engineer for Global Payments in Atlanta.
Congratulations to Logan Dorrill ’18 for finishing the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris (Paris half marathon) on March 6, 2022. The race course passed Île Saint-Louis, Rue de Rivoli, Paris City Hall, the Seine, the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand and the Bois de Vincennes and finished in the heart of the historic Place de la Bastille. Of the 60,000 runners, he finished 4,133, in 1 hour, 33 minutes. Logan, a Georgia Tech Presidential Scholar, studied this semester at the Georgia Tech campus in Metz, France. He attended classes four days a week and traveled on the weekends. He toured around Paris, Switzerland, Italy and Scotland.
Business DIrectory HIES Alumni, let’s support fellow alumni small businesses! If you own a small business, please scan below to add your small business to our Alumni Business Directory.
Tyler Dobson ’18 graduated Magna Cum Laude on May 13, 2022, from the University of Georgia with a B.S in Health Promotion and a minor in biology. Tyler has accepted a job at Piedmont Heart with the Early Professional Enrichment Program in Atlanta, where she will be working as a medical assistant while applying to physician assistant schools. Tyler and Travis Thurber ’17 were HIES high school and college sweethearts – Travis’ mother is Mrs. Laura Thurber Harrell in the HIES Lower School. Ashley Kate Patton ’18 graduated from Auburn University in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences, specifically with a major in Human Development and Family Sciences and a concentration in adolescent and child development. After graduation, Ashley will be starting on her Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education at the University of Georgia. Graham Collins ’19 had the honor of playing with the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2022 National Championship game in Indianapolis earlier this year.
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F A L L
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ALUMNI EVENTS
All School Eucharist Thursday, August 18 10:00 a.m. Main Gym All School Assembly Friday, August 19 10:00 a.m. Main Gym
Football Game – Golden Bears vs Pace
Lower School/Quad Opening Event
Friday, August 19
Friday, August 19
Riverwood (Shuttles available)
4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wall of Fame Induction
PS/LS Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday, October 7
Friday, November 18
4:30 p.m.
Dining Hall and Gyms *Dates and events are subject to change. Please consult the HIES online calendar.
23RD ANNUAL CRIMSON AND GOLD
GOLF TOURNAMENT
The 23rd Annual HI Crimson and Gold Golf Tournament presented by Johnny Stivers, Stivers Decatur Subaru was held on a gorgeous day following the Masters, April 11, 2022 at Capital City Club in Brookhaven. Thank you to all of our sponsors and players.
WINNERS
1st Low Net Team
Charles Rohling, David Hoey, Jonathan Moore, and Kirby Fenton
2nd Low Net Team
Chris Langford, Pat McGill, Jimbo Price, and Cameron James
3rd Low Net Team
Matt Gephardt, Paul Newell, Ricardo Gonzalo, and Sopha Roeung
1st Low Gross Team Daniel Topping, Ed Voyles, Jim Voyles, and Nick Carvalho Longest Drive:
Scott Kilburn
Closest-to-the-pin
Chris Mathis
Putting Contest:
Tom Laundon
Hole-in-One Prizes
No one won a car, but thank you to our sponsors!
Hole #11
Courtesy of Ed Voyles Automotive
Hole #17
Courtesy of Ginn Chevrolet/Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Save the date for Monday, April 17, 2023 at Capital City Club for next year’s event.
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TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE
f ind yo ur C l ass Representative >
’95
Jill Herndon Littlefield: jilllittlefield@hotmail.com Audra Mullen Thompson: audra.thompson@hies.org
’09
Jackson Davis: jacksondavis5470@gmail.com John Mitchell: johnsmitchell@gmail.com
’96
Raine Crumpler Hyde: raine.hyde@gmail.com Monique Caracola-Biddle: monique@vacationstoanywhere.com
’10
Halle Addison: haddison34@att.net Annie Hollett: anniehollett@gmail.com
’97
Matt Little: mlittle@mcgriff.com Ashton Thurmond Ragone: ashtonragone@gmail.com Kristin Wolford Tiliakos: kristin.tiliakos@gmail.com
’11
Delaney McMullen: delaneymcm@gmail.com Callan Phillips: callan.phillips@yahoo.com
’98
Aida Mahmutovic Mayhew: aida.mayhew@stemcell.com Elizabeth Dunham Thompson: elizabethdunhamthompson@yahoo.com
’12
Mitchell Davis: mitchelldavis25@gmail.com Nicole Farmer: nicolefarmer@beacham.com Greg Sullivan: gregsullivan12@gmail.com
’99
Rich Braund: braundr@gmail.com
’13
Victoria Hovancik: victoria.hovancik@gmail.com Kendall Jackson: kendallrjackson@bellsouth.net Lindsey Klopfenstein: lindsey.klopfenstein@gmail.com
’00
Stephanie Brown: brown.stephaniekay@gmail.com Caroline Clear Rudolph: cdclear@gmail.com Shelarese Ruffin: ssruffin@gmail.com
’14
Bailey Lyles: blyles14@gmail.com Anne-Claire Pittman: acpittman15@gmail.com Mary Hollis Schmidt: mhschmidt12@gmail.com Julia Wright: juliawright5@yahoo.com
’01
Allender Laflamme Durden: allenderl@gmail.com Cara Puckett Roxland: cara.roxland17@gmail.com Rebecca Brown Rivera: rebecca.rivera@hies.org Kristen Novay: KristenWNovay@gmail.com
’15
Matt Gates: mattgates95@gmail.com Rebecca Maitski: rebecca.maitski15@gmail.com Savannah Smith: smith.savannah15@gmail.com
’02
Missy Evans Gardner: missylauren@gmail.com Jennie Strassner Wilson: jennielwilson@gmail.com
’16
Peyton Hayes: pehayes@icloud.com Emma Rolader: roladerem@gmail.com
’03
Emily Weprich: emily.weprich@yahoo.com Liz Young Hayes: lizhayesuk@gmail.com
’17
Cade Anderson: cade.anderson1999@gmail.com Ansley Earle: ansleyearle99@gmail.com Amanda Gibson: amandaleesgibson99@gmail.com Kendall Jabaley: kjabaley@gmail.com
’04
John Cook: jmcook42@gmail.com Amy Fore Kane: kaneamyf@gmail.com Susan Karimiha: susan.karimiha@gmail.com Bennett Gottlieb: bennett.gottlieb@capitalre.com
’18
Bryn Foster: ebrynfoster@gmail.com Blake Morain: blake.morain@gmail.com
’05
Tyler Rathburn: tprathburn@gmail.com Rachel Shunnarah: rshunnarah@gmail.com Allyson Young Barganier: allysonbarganier@gmail.com
’19
Kent Malcolm: kent.malcolm@pop.belmont.edu Elizabeth Dickson: elizabethdickson09@gmail.com Katie Leonard: katieleonard032@gmail.com
’06
Whitney Mitchell: whitney5574@gmail.com Liz Walters: lizwaltersatl@gmail.com
’20
Lucy Brumbaugh: brumbaughlucy@gmail.com Kate Moore: kate.moore2020@gmail.com MaryCamille Quigley: mcquigley20@gmail.com
’07
Maryanne Stumb: mhstumb@gmail.com Ben Cornwell: ben.cornwell@gmail.com
’21
Sophie Corts: sophiecorts@gmail.com Eliza Gregory: elizagregory53@gmail.com
’08
Kelly Garrison Johnson: askseekknock3@gmail.com Rob Aitkens: raitkens14@gmail.com
TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
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TORCHBEARER | THE HIES ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
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t rchbearer
THE HOLY INNOCENTS’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ALUMNI MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017 THE HOLY INNOCENTS’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ALUMNI
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