Traces by Susan F. Sheehan AT THE HEART of Christ Episcopal School is the belief that each child is special, an individual, and that in giving students the tools to develop selfesteem, independence and self-motivation, they will be prepared for the continuing educational process. Seniors Sander McComiskey and Martha Rigney embody this CES ethos, one that combines an individualized and superior academic experience for each student with opportunities to pursue a wide variety of interests both in and out of the classroom. “In so many ways, I always say I’d be an entirely different person if I had not attended CES,” says Martha, who transferred to CES in seventh grade. “I was given room to grow, and the opportunities that I’ve had here gave me a voice. I have been set up for success.” Sander started his journey at CES in kindergarten and agrees with Martha. “The opportunities here shape you as a person as you grow into an adult,” he says. “It’s more than academics; you’re taught how to think—to love to think.” Both are 2022 National Merit Finalists, and academics were certainly an integral component of their time at CES. They each point to one-onone meaningful relationships with their teachers as playing a vital role in their success. “The relationships developed with teachers are really special,” says Sander. “They help you through life, not just learning.” Martha says, “I felt seen and respected by my teachers. We are given room to grow, and I feel confident and prepared to now take the next step.” The next step for Martha will be pursuing a
the ways to branch out, such as through research and designing and marketing sustainable fashion.” Branching out is something Martha did throughout her CES career. While she designed and constructed dozens of costumes for the theater department’s productions and won national recognition for this work (including two 2021 Thespy Award medals for Superior ratings in both costume construction and costume design at the International Thespian Festival), she took the opportunity to
degree in textiles, apparel and merchandising at LSU, a passion that took root as she honed design and sewing skills through dedicated courses in theatrical costume design and years of participation in theater department productions. “I will always be involved in theater—I will still sew and help in that way,” Martha says. “Costume design gave me a deeper appreciation for how humans can express themselves through what they wear, and I’m taking all I learned from that (to explore) all of
explore almost everything CES has to offer. “I’ve done sports, theater, student council, and speech and debate (where she also garnered national awards). And doing so many things at once definitely taught me time management,” she laughs. Sander, who plans to attend Princeton in the fall, will continue to be guided by several of CES’ Operating Principles for Students—including “do a good deed daily” and “reach out and help others”— >> as he prepares for a life of public service.
Seniors Sander McComiskey and Martha Rigney Christ Episcopal School
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