The Window (2018) by Presbyterian School

SUMMER 2018

what does my future hold?

what if . . . we make room for the future?

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Grow the Mission Ten years ago, Presbyterian School was “the best kept secret in Houston” with nearly 500 students enrolled. Today, the School is approaching over 600 students and is bursting at the seams. This growth is rooted in a simple desire to make our essential mission available to a wider and more diverse array of students and families. The founding purpose of PS, established in 1989, was and remains to provide families with a “Christ-centered learning environment in which the total family will experience support and growth.” For almost 30 years, we have provided the highest quality learning environment along with programs designed to help each individual discover that unique mixture of intellect, emotion, talent, and spirit while seeking to become caring, compassionate citizens of the school, family, community, and world. We’re making room for a future where more people will benefit from this journey of personal discovery—and where they will make a difference along the way.

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The School is currently working in close partnership with Gensler, Venturi Outcomes, and Bellows Construction on a 46,000 square-foot, multilevel, state-of-the-art Early Childhood and Lower School building on the corner of Oakdale and Barkdull streets. Following construction of the new building, the Middle School will undergo renovations focusing on new and expanded STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiatives. Renderings of the new Early Childhood and Lower School building include entry way, learning commons, outdoor areas, and a cross section of the new building.

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Baltodanos’ Advice to Panthers: “Soak in the moments and enjoy what is happening around you right now ...the storytelling, the Dinosaur Museum, and all the special events. These fun, playful years help build character and are essential to our children’s growth.”

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“

meet the Baltodanos Many occasions have caused us to stop and think about how grateful we are to work and send our children to Presbyterian School. Witnessing our work and school community come together in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey was really moving and quite amazing. Students, families, and faculty came together to help those affected by the hurricane. While it was a difficult time for many, it was an experience we won’t forget. PS has become family, and that experience exemplified what the School stands for. Simply put, investing in Presbyterian School is investing in your family. We have witnessed our children show perseverance in hard situations. They have shown courage countless times when they weren’t too confident they could. They have shown compassion and respect toward others—and even acknowledged when they could have done things differently. Learning

the importance of integrity and gratitude are not always easy when you’re a child, but having a support system that acknowledges the importance of these core values has been not only comforting, but essential in the upbringing of our children. We believe that along with a great education, it is important to instill a strong spiritual foundation in children. By being at a place that recognizes the importance of educating children through the three dimensions of family, church, and school, we hope that our own children will grow up as strong, caring individuals. Being able to work for a school that embodies everything we believe in is such a blessing, and we wanted to give our children the same privilege. Presbyterian School has been the perfect place for our family.

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Al • va • ro

Nan • cy

Alvaro’s days with Presbyterian School date back over a dozen years ago to when the very first game was played at the School’s Outdoor Education Campus. While he was part of the inaugural event, he served as a coach for “the other team.” However, soon thereafter, he was recruited to join the PS faculty.

Nancy keeps herself busy 24/7. Although she has many responsibilities as a mom of three kids, her professional aspirations don’t seem to take a back seat. While working full time as a Beta teacher, Nancy went back to school in 2016 and recently completed her master’s in digital learning and leading. In addition to school and work, Nancy has a photography business.

/ɑlˈvɑ rɔ/ noun: PE teacher, coach

Following the words of his mother, “If you are going to do something, do it 100%; otherwise, don’t do it,” Alvaro has bled true-blue colors to improve his own and his students’ game. As a coach, he’s impacted lives on and off the court and field in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. He considers himself a “fixer and builder,” an appropo adaptation of “mover and shaker” in his line of business. Outside school, Alvaro channels his energy toward furniture building. He loves woodworking and creating furniture, cabinets, and other items for the home.

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/ˈnænsi/ noun: Beta teacher, photographer

Nancy loves art–both seeing it and creating it. Teaching Betas and creating art with them to strengthen fine motor development has been rewarding. Building on her background in photography, she turned her passion into a business, Noah’s Ark Photography, eight years ago and has been photographing weddings, babies, and families ever since. She has found a new passion for sports photography through the opportunities she’s had to photograph the Presbyterian School sports teams.

No • ah

Na • ta • li • a

Noah is a natural-born athlete. Since the training wheels came off his bike as a Beta student, he hasn’t slowed down. Noah has done three triathlons and wants to keep up his participation with the Houston Texans Kids Triathlon every year in addition to trying other out-of-town kids triathlons. Noah enjoys playing sports, including soccer, basketball, and baseball, and swimming for his neighborhood swim team. Art and music are two other favorites.

Around campus, Natalia is known as Nancy and Alvaro’s daughter or Noah’s sister. However, once you get to know her, you soon forget everyone but Natalia! Her bigger-thanlife personality takes center stage and will keep you entertained. She cares deeply about animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. She takes care of the family’s labradoodle, JJ, who is referred to on Instagram as #jjthedood. Natalia and the “dood” are two peas in a pod and virtually inseperable.

Noah brings positivity wherever he goes and embraces life with a smile. His great attitude and passion for people help to build community in the classroom. He is always looking forward to what he gets to do at the next grade level, and he pictures himself at PS all the way through the eighth grade. This Panther is a born Lifer and is ready to roar!

Natalia holds her own in the athletic department as well. She spent the early years of her life watching Noah, but now it’s game on in the Baltodano family as Natalia dances, swims, and plays soccer and T-ball, too! If Noah is doing something, Natalia wants to do it! Watch out for this little Panther!

/ˈnoʊ ə/ noun: Class of 2024 Panther

/nəˈtæl yə/ noun: Class of 2027 Panther

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what if . . . learning happens everywhere? 11 | The Window

Find Respect “As children of God at Presbyterian School, we respect ourselves, each other, and the environment.” -Presbyterian School Motto At the heart of our school’s motto are two critical ideas: First, a community like ours affords amazing and diverse opportunities for learning in relationship with others, and, second, those relationships must be rooted in respect. Their acquisition of knowledge affords our children some measure of power over their futures, but we believe that the character development they receive during that learning process teaches them to respect others. The best learning does happen anywhere and everywhere ...and it’s characterized by respect.

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Presbyterian School teachers regularly take students on a journey, because learning can happen everywhere. Learning is about our social, physical, and emotional interactions with the world that involve all the senses, getting our hands dirty, and experiencing life firsthand. (top left) The third grade Think.Make.Talk class finds inspiration at the Sculpture Garden. (top right) Fourth grade students learn from the MFAH Glasssell School of Art how to install an art exhibit. (bottom left) Seventh grade students enhance their European medieval studies with a visit to see medieval artifacts at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. (bottom right) The Pre-K classroom is transformed into India as students immerse themselves in the culture and life of that country.

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“

meet the Waters We had always talked about doing a distinct family adventure, and it became a case of now or never due to the ages of the children and their schooling commitments. We tried many iterations of an around-the-world itinerary, and ended up having to cut many places out, as our aim was to spend a minimum of three weeks in each country. So, in August of 2014, we– Gerry, Lou, and Sacha, then 12; Thalie, who was then 10; and Luke, who was 9–hit the road to 12 countries: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, England, India, New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey. We had a lot of scary moments. Our car broke down on the Interamericano, and Gerry nearly overturned our tiny car in Costa Rica. Rappelling off a sheer cliff face with a crazy rushing waterfall roaring down at breakneck speed and the children getting sick in India were, frankly, terrifying. But then we camped out with camels in the Indian desert, scuba dived the Great Barrier Reef, did the four-day Inca Trail

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trek, and hot air ballooned over mystical cave dwellings and rock formations in Turkey. So, the positive experiences definitely outweighed the negative! The best overall experiences were living and working at a leprosy school in India and living in Cambodia with Ponheary Ly, who has won many global awards for her work in getting children off the streets and into schools. Both places gave us a great sense of community and purpose, which is an important counterbalance to the rootless life of traveling. When you stay in one place for some time, you can start to connect with the city and community to understand the culture and living like local people. We learned many lessons from our year abroad. You can work anywhere; you can sleep anywhere! Don’t sweat the formal learning too much. Many of the lessons we learned through our travel are still emerging in history and geography classes

Waters Advice to Panthers: “Traveling just before or after college will equip you with invaluable interpersonal skills, the ability to think on your feet, and independence. Take time to think about who you are, what you want from life, and learn about the wider world.”

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today. We learned through walking in the places where huge seismic or historical events happened, through listening to locals who really understood it. Have faith in the goodness of people. When Lou was absent, some people looked on Gerry as a bit of a curiosity traveling alone with three children. But she was never threatened or felt in danger. People around the world looked out for us and wanted to make sure we were OK. You don’t need a lot to be happy; a place to sleep and a full stomach are pretty good! We lived on five T-shirts each, and that was much more than most people we met had. Having many possessions can be as much of a hindrance as a blessing. Traveling to see things gets stale pretty fast. The joy and fun comes in meeting and spending time with other people and having experiences. When we were in New Zealand, we did far too much traveling around to look at things, and as a result it was everyone’s least favorite country. Three years later, our kids are pretty fearless and adventurous–always up for a new challenge. They have a strong sense of self. They are kind and respectful and have good circles of friends, but don’t waste much time worrying about fitting in or pretending to be someone they are not. They are all quietly confident and care a lot about others. We spend lots of time volunteering with Houston’s homeless, which came directly from seeing the desperate circumstances that many people around the world live in. We remain a close family and still do crazy projects together like the huge art car we built for Houston’s Art Car parade. It’s our hope for future generations to develop a great respect for the many different forms of belief and culture while understanding the interconnectedness of the world. Most importantly, may we all experience the kindness and humanity of every culture.

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Sa • cha

/ˈsɑ ʃə/ noun: Class of 2016 Alum The place where I learned the most about the lives that other people lead was in India. There I saw houses held together by string and a sheer will to survive. There I saw people with stumps for fingers painting beautiful works of art. There I saw poverty. And it was terrifying. India is hot and dry and dusty, and its people are poor. And they are wonderfully happy. Because joy is free. So I will always remember a mix of things. I will remember that homeless man covered in fleas I saw sleeping on the sidewalk. I will remember the children I saw begging. I will remember thinking I would die a number of times. I will remember the stoneworkers who are slaves. But I will also remember the joy I saw in people’s faces. And I will remember flying. Because nothing can compete with flying.

Tha • lie

Luke

The trip around the world was wonderful, interesting, and exciting, but also quite challenging and, at some points, scary. We tried new things and met many different people. I hope the memories will stay with me all my life. This world is changing fast, and we are lucky we saw it when we did.

It was really unexpected when I sliced my toe open on a barnacle in Thailand, and also loads of people said that it was super bad, and I could die. It was unexpected when people were super friendly everywhere. It was unexpected when the people kept touching my hair and wanting to hug me and take pictures and calling me “Boy.”

/θəˈlaɪ ə/ noun: former Panther

The first day of our trip was not too great. We arrived, and at night it was really dark; it was raining, and we had no idea where we were. I thought the trip was going to be miserable, and I was really upset, but then the sun came out the next day. The town grew on me, and then it ended up with none of us wanting to leave and us actually having a dog. It was like a dream community. Costa Rica was one of the best parts of our trip because it’s a welcoming community, and everybody is friends with everybody.

/luk/ noun: Class of 2020 Panther

It was much easier to do the Inca trail than I expected, because I guess we were pretty fit, and I didn’t have altitude sickness. Also, Australia and New Zealand were more English than I expected. It was hard when I was sick in India and Thailand, because I couldn’t do anything at all. It was hard in India when we couldn’t have hamburgers or meat, because the cows are sacred in India.

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what if . . . it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mattter who is watching? 19 | The Window

Show Integrity One popular definition of integrity is choosing our thoughts and actions based on values rather than on personal gain. In other words, if it doesn’t matter who’s watching, we will excel because of an intrinsic desire to push ourselves to get better instead of the extrinsic adulation of a crowd, shine of a trophy, or pat on the back. At Presbyterian School we want to cultivate this attitude of seeking the reward in being the best possible me—every day, every class, every moment. If the goal is a daily personal best in everything we do, we follow Nelson Mandela’s mantra: “I never lose. I either win or learn.”

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Whether it’s in visual, choral, or performing arts or in one of our 30 sport teams, students are progressing from a “first ever ...” experience to a personal best in a Presbyterian School art class or team sport. (top left) The Panther golf team takes advantage of the School’s proximity to Hermann Park for team practice. (top middle) Seventh grader Christian Fridge enjoys a fine arts elective every day, which includes a favorite chapel band class. (top right) The importance of teamwork, mentoring, and encouragement is always at the forefront of our sports. Over 90% of eligible students play a sport at school and many of these students have never played the sport in which they are participating. (bottom left) For the first time, seventh grader Hutch Coward played goalie in lacrosse and scored as goalie. (bottom right) Eighth grader Leah Teagarden leads the Class of 2018 in a beautiful production of The Sound of Music.

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Presbyterian School ’09 St. John’s School ’13 Princeton University ’17

“

meet Amanda Leavell I grew up playing so many sports—soccer, tennis, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, softball, swimming, field hockey—name it, and I’ve likely dabbled in it. Although I loved and was involved in many sports, I never wanted my identity to be linked to any of them. In college, I never told people I played lacrosse because in the classroom I wanted to be seen as a student rather than a student-athlete. It wasn’t until I started interviewing for jobs recently that I realized the profound impact athletics have had on my life. Not only have I become used to the physical demands of athletics—waking up at four in the morning for grueling workouts, two-a-days, constant conditioning and lifts—but sports have played a crucial role in developing my character, my ability to work with a team, and my inclination toward self-sacrifice. The first time I picked up a lacrosse stick, I was in fifth grade at Presbyterian School. I had never heard of the sport before, but my science teacher suggested I come learn (she was also the lacrosse coach). I couldn’t afford a stick, so the athletic director allowed me to borrow one from the School. We began practices at the playground on Presbyterian’s campus, but when we needed more space, we moved to a small field off of Highway 59 across the street from Shipley’s Donuts (this was a few years before the OEC was built). I really enjoyed learning to throw and catch that year, but in sixth grade, I was forced to choose between lacrosse and track and field. I decided to run track but got the experience of playing with a team in my fall and winter sports: field hockey and basketball. When I committed to play lacrosse at Princeton my junior year in high school, I came to understand that my experiences at Presbyterian School shaped me in ways I didn’t realize. I was recruited largely

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because of my speed and athleticism, both of which I developed during my time running track at PS. My middle school basketball coach also taught me deep lessons on humility along with respecting my teammates, coaches, opponents, and the game itself. The multi-sport background I came from at Presbyterian also encouraged me to continue playing all the sports I loved, which enabled me to thrive without getting burned out. The teachers at Presbyterian played the most significant part in my adolescent development. They instilled a genuine love for learning in me. They made going to class enjoyable and gave me a rock solid foundation that later eased my transition into higher education. Teachers encouraged me by teaching me to see the world in a different light and to develop a deep joy for learning and a longing for truth. The Bible classes (and later my involvement with First Presbyterian Church) that embedded the seeds of a deep love for Jesus in my heart impacted me most deeply. During my time at PS, I also began to gravitate toward human rights issues and became a mini human rights activist in a blue and green plaid jumper. Additionally, walking through life with men and women who love Jesus intensely has enabled me to let go of our society’s standards of success and to chase after a different kingdom. Growing up, I was always a huge perfectionist. I measured my levels of achievement by my performance in the classroom, my social status outside the classroom, and my athletic execution on the field. In the moments of learning to let go of all these things and to simply chase after Christ, I found true freedom and what I would argue to be true success.

Amanda’s Advice to Panthers: “Spend less time on your phones and on social media and more time having face-to-face conversations developing deep, meaningful relationships with your classmates.”

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what if . . . you are not afraid to fail?

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Gain Perseverance At Presbyterian School, taking risks is in our DNA. It’s at the heart of the learning experience because it’s risky to try something you’ve never done; it’s risky to ask for help; and it’s risky to fail and then to learn from that failure over and over again. We call this willingness to learn from failure perseverance—a steady persistence in a course of action, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. In other words, if we can’t handle not being good at something, how can we consider ourselves successful people? Here, missing the mark doesn’t end the learning process; it pushes it forward.

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Risk-taking happens often and in different ways ...in a familiar or strange place, among new or old friends, as individuals or in a group. No matter where they are or whomever they are with, students are learning to take risks and step out with perseverance every day. (top left) Kindergarten student Yuvir Bhatty gets lost in a new magazine. (top right) Fourth grade students Annie Schaefer and Pike Perdew work together to dissect a fish. (bottom left) PreKindergartener Vivienne Mast dives into decorating a new clay creation. (bottom middle) Sixth grade student Elliot Smythe tackles a robotic programming challenge. (bottom right) Fifth grade students find a new way to bring alive historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colonial journey to Jamestown.

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Presbyterian School ’15 Episcopal High School ’19

“

meet Jackson Williams I got into programming when I was 11 years old. My dad bought me an iPod Touch, and when I started downloading apps on it, I was very interested in how it worked. When I asked my dad how to make apps, he explained that I had to learn to program. The Christmas of my sixth grade year at Presbyterian School, I asked for a laptop and started teaching myself how to program. I read programming books after school and on class trips to learn how to make simple websites and games.

on the App store, I was extremely happy to see everyone download it. I made three major game apps when I started high school. The summer before my sophomore year, a friend’s dad asked me to make a utility app for their life insurance company, Goheen Companies. I was ecstatic and started working on it right away. I finished the app a year later, with lots of learning taking place about how to work with a business. I still make modifications and updates on the app to this day.

PS provided the foundation for my programming, and I’m grateful I was in an environment where my programming was appreciated and inspiring to everyone who interacted with my interest. During my eighth grade year, I made a game website that younger kids could play in the STEAM Museum. The younger kids’ interest made me feel that I had really accomplished something by making a website others could enjoy so much. The feeling of friends and teachers wanting me to succeed in what I was doing and helping me along the way is a great memory and affirmation of confidence from Presbyterian School.

This year Aston Martin hired me. I created an app that allows clients to customize an Aston Martin inside the dealership. The app helps to determine which options are available and compatible for customization. I have completed an app for the Aston Martin DB11 model and am discussing making a second app.

After PS, I chose to attend Episcopal High School because I felt I would have the ability to achieve the most there. I enjoy the balance EHS offers between schoolwork and free time, because my free time is when I do the majority of my programming and investing. I do both every day and by doing so have gained a substantial understanding of both subjects. I believe that by doing what you are interested in for at least 30 minutes a day, you can truly become affluent in the subject, and over the years, this strategy has helped me. When my first game app, Fast Feathers, was put

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Programming has had a great number of ups for me, including job opportunities and the ability to fix everyday problems through technology, make use of my time efficiently, and express myself through the software I write. Bugs in code are frustrating when it feels like I’ve tried everything, but I always end up with a solution. I have accepted jobs where professional results are expected while I am not currently a “professional.” This has pushed me to work harder and dedicate a lot of time to learning how to program more professionally. I’ve enjoyed these jobs, but some have more stress because I have to meet deadlines while balancing schoolwork. Stress is easily mitigated though creating a clear and organized schedule for the week and month to outline the programming work I have to complete. I’ve gained priceless insight into how a real job works and am very excited for what the future holds.

Jackson’s Advice to Panthers: “Find out what you are interested in as early as possible ...[because it] lets you create a very solid foundation at a young age that will set you apart from your peers.“

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what if . . . you do not have to work alone? 31 | The Window

Have Courage Courage, according to Mark Twain, is resistance to fear and mastery of fear, not the absence of fear. When we say we are a counter-cultural school, it’s because we embrace this definition of courage, especially when it comes to promoting a partnership among the three main institutions in a child’s life—the Family, the School, and the Church. Rooted in trust, this partnership defines our mission and characterizes our ethos. Our courageous reliance on an ever-present God reassures us that we are never truly alone in the world. With that reassurance, no one works alone at PS, as the community focus of the School is reflected in classrooms, on playing fields, through performances, and in service. Students, faculty, and parents work, play, laugh, cry, mourn, celebrate, and pray …together and with courage. As the Scriptures tell us: “Two are better than one because they have a better return on their work.”

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, help poured forth from the Presbyterian School community and beyond. Hurricane Harvey took Houston by surprise. However, the response to help was immediate, and Presbyterian School families came together to rally around those in need. Whether it was collecting supplies, clearing homes, demolitioning walls, finding storage units, making meals, or cleaning flooded dishes and loads of laundry, the School tackled many obstacles together to help families take steps forward in the long road to recovery.

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Norvells’ Advice to Panthers: “Many schools can provide great educational environments for the kids, but they can also be a bit insular within each grade or within their own community. Presbyterian School has a culture that fosters a family community in the School that supports each other and reaches out to Houston and beyond. We’ve seen a community that celebrates joys as well as responds to needs. Whether it’s a charitable fundraiser, a day of service, or an individual going through a tough time, the PS community will respond to provide support where it’s needed.”

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“

meet the Norvells PS has been a home for our kids since our oldest son Benjamin started Beta in 2007. We are also members of First Presbyterian Church, so we’re regularly on campus six days a week—our home away from home! What drew us to the School originally is what has kept us here: a small, tightknit community of like-minded parents; warm, caring teachers and administrators invested in our kids; and an educational environment that addresses the whole child, including the development of a Christ-like servant attitude through the School’s core values. The alignment of these ideals contributes to a “sticky environment” that continually draws our family closer to the School and makes us feel at home. To be honest, we’re not sure our kids would be at Presbyterian School today without the focus of tying family, school, and church together. The School’s mission is a differentiator in today’s world. Many schools give lip service to teaching spiritual leadership, but PS lives it out and isn’t shy about stating that the School’s mission is also Christ’s mission and one that

looks to engage the family, school, and church in serving. We live in Braes Heights, one block from Brays Bayou. Hurricane Harvey hit our area hard. While we were fortunate to avoid flooding in our home, many in a three to four block radius of us flooded with several feet of water. On the first day after the waters receded, we saw one neighbor hauling flooded furniture to the curb, and we knew how we could help. In May 2015, we had been through a flood event when our second home and vacation rental business on the Blanco River in Wimberley was literally washed away in the Memorial Day weekend flood. The outpouring of support from individuals, churches, and other organizations in the aftermath of the flood was so heartwarming and comforting at a time when we were completely overwhelmed with what to do in the clean-up efforts. Day after day scores of volunteers showed up to help us with the debris and fallen tree cleanup efforts, and we are

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eternally grateful for all that they did. After Harvey, we knew what needed to be done and felt we were in our neighborhood for a reason. Those most impacted by Harvey’s devastation would be in shock and could use a tremendous amount of physical and emotional support in dealing with the most immediate aftermath, such as clearing out furniture, keepsakes, sheetrock, etc. We sent emails and text messages to parents in our grade levels and to church members, and the response was amazing. We set up a makeshift “command center” in front of our home with all the basic ingredients needed to support recovery efforts: a white board with addresses of homes in need and what was needed at each; ice chests of drinks; tables of food; and all the basic work supplies you could think of—hammers, crowbars, gloves, trash bags, bleach, etc. Before long, people began to come to us to ask for supplies, food, or help at their respective homes. Younger kids played at our house while parents and siblings worked in the immediate area. Dolleys and wheelbarrows and work gloves came and went, and came and went again. Neighbors stopped by for drinks or a quick chat. Cellphones buzzed with messages from church and school friends wanting to help. Pleas came in from other neighbors who saw the efforts and asked for a team to come to their house. We ended up working for eight days with teams of volunteers helping at 40 homes, although we lost count at some point. There were so many adults and kids from the School and church community working for hours day after day to help those in need in our neighborhood. This community effort truly reflected the generosity and servant attitude of so many in the PS community. While Harvey and its aftermath have been, and continue to be, trying, there was a silver lining in all the generosity that sprang up from this event. We can never fully understand God’s plans, but we believe that this could certainly have been a wakeup call from Him to get out and serve others.

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Ben • ja • min

/ˈbɛn dʒə mən/ noun: Class of 2018 Panther Lifer Benjamin loves the competition of playing a sport each season and has enjoyed the great role models of his coaches and spending time with his friends. His favorite memory at Presbyterian School is the fall 2017 undefeated football season in eighth grade that culminated in a conference championship. Ben shared, “It was great because I’m normally not on good teams, and I played a key role in the success.” This year Benjamin has really thrived in his academics as he has matured. He now wants to be more challenged to learn and grow and be prepared for high school and beyond. He enjoys all his classes, with history and politics being a particular passion. His eighth grade RIDEE project topic analyzed the effects of U.S. intervention in the Middle East.

Le • vi

El • len

Levi loves the social aspect of all of his friends at school and on the sports fields. He easily makes friends and is always more than willing to help a friend or just engage in conversation with friends, which his teachers and coaches surely know. Levi has always been an avid reader, and his favorite subjects are English and history.

The annual grade-level exhibitions/projects and related parades for the rest of the School are some of the Norvells’ favorite activities each year, as the various grades bind together and celebrate their accomplishments with one another. Ellen is passionate about excelling in all of the various projects that are assigned to her.

For the past few summers, Levi has taken part in a father-son mission trip with First Presbyterian Church. Levi and his dad travel to work with the Micah Project, a nonprofit organization in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, that supports three group homes for young men and boys who have spent their childhood on the streets or in impoverished homes.

This year in fourth grade, she became engaged in her Texas history project about Sam Houston. Last year she enjoyed being Florence Nightingale as part of the Great Moments in History, and the year before that, she studied bananas as part of the Back Forty Museum research project. She loves to map out and execute her plan to complete the projects as soon as possible. The School’s kindergartenfourth grade buddy program is one of her favorite parts of PS. She still hugs her now eighth grade buddy when they meet, as well as her current kindergarten buddy.

/ˈli vaɪ/ noun: Class of 2020 Panther

/ˈɛl ən/ noun: Class of 2022 Panther

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what if . . . I said, “Thank you,” every day?

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Hear Gratitude When we are intentional about saying thank you every day, we are focusing on the good in life, particularly the good that comes from our relationships with other people or organizations. Situated in the intellectual and cultural heart of our nation’s third-largest city, we would be remiss—ungrateful, even—if we didn’t forge lasting and meaningful partnerships with as many of our neighbors as possible. The proximity of so many worldrenowned institutions literally within walking distance of our campus allows us to have partnerships that extend and enrich our students’ learning and their world views. With over twenty museums virtually a stone’s throw from our campus and more than 40 partnerships around the city, every member of our community has something really, really good to be grateful for—almost every single day.

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A partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) provides our students with enriched and expanded opportunities to observe, anaylyze, inquire, and communicate concepts which translate into a development of higher cognitive skills in literacy, writing, math, science, and social studies. The MFAH is one of Presbyterian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading educational partners in the museum district. (top left and bottom right) Students walk across the street to the MFAH with their academic classes, (top right) specialist teachers, or (bottom left and middle) fine arts electives on a continual basis to utilize both public and behind-the-scenes resources at the museum.

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meet Brandon Walker I grew up poor. For most residents in my city, the best option for financial security was a stable job at one of the auto plants. With the decline of the auto industry, I saw my city turn into what resembled more of a ghost town than a place inhabited with families and filled with life. Abandoned buildings, crumbling infrastructure, and poor-performing schools were abundant. Fortunately, my father worked in construction, and I would go with him into the suburbs to big, beautiful homes and see that life could be different. I knew there was no difference between me and the kids in the suburbs. And I wanted that better lifestyle for myself. When the opportunity came for me to experience life “on the other side of the tracks,” I took it. It came in the form of a summer program living on the campus of Cranbrook, a private school in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. I received the equivalent of an intense private school education to increase my academic skills and opportunities in the fine arts. The impact this program had on my life was nothing short of life changing. It changed the trajectory of my life. After I got a taste of what a good education felt like and the growth that was happening, I wouldn’t stop until I had access to that all the time. Through that summer program, I ended up talking my way into a scholarship at one of the most prestigious schools in the Midwest. It was less than 15 minutes from my house, but it felt like a different world. It changed my life. It taught me the value of education and exposure. My gratitude for the opportunity I had that one fateful summer has compelled me to start my own nonprofit educational program called The Summer Institute. It will be an annual six-week,

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immersive, educational summer enrichment for low-income sixth through eighth grade students, primarily from Houston’s Third Ward. The program will focus on math and science (taught through a collaborative curriculum), reading and writing, and physical and spiritual wellness. Presbyterian School is serving as an incubator for The Summer Institute by providing the physical space for the program and help with backoffice support. Many of the teachers who will be involved with The Summer Institute are PS faculty members. While The Summer Institute is completely indepdent and funded apart from the School, the School has generously donated a small amount of seed money to help round out the Institute’s fundraising efforts. Current parents and students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the School can be involved with The Summer Institute through tutoring sessions, mentorship opportunities, discipleship groups, or career talks, to name just a few. The goal of The Summer Institute is to empower and motivate students with the resources they need to be successful. There are students who have the ability to succeed, but circumstances, through no fault of their own, have put them in a position with less than optimal outcomes. We hope to help change that equation and the trajectory for students who are willing to put in the work. The Summer Institute was birthed with the knowledge of how meaningful partnerships and programs like this can be invaluable in the lives of children and the paths they follow. As data show and I’ve witnessed firsthand, these types of interventions can impact not just the individual, but a whole community.

Brandon’s Advice to Panthers: “Presbyterian School isn’t a building where people work or a school where kids learn. It is a community whose strength is derived from more than the sum of its parts. I would store [this] for future generations to make sure they can have it too. It’s the one thing that makes PS unlike most others.”

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what if . . . itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about living a good life?

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Live Compassion When we say that the central promise we can make our students is that we will Know, Love, and Challenge them every day, we’re making a promise that’s rooted in compassion—that’s rooted in the “each” of our mission. We know from recent research that compassionate people are less vulnerable to loneliness and stress; they are more optimistic and supportive; they are better friends and spouses; and they are less vindictive. They choose to focus on what’s going right in their lives instead of what’s going wrong. In other words, compassionate people want to live good lives rather than merely make good livings. Isn’t this exactly what we want for all our children—today and into their futures? We’ve been given the answer to the riddle of what it takes to lead a happy life, and it is compassion.

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Presbyterian School is taking up the task of training the next generation of leaders to understand that some of the greatest achievements of our time have been born out of courageous and compassionate service and that some of our most successful leaders subscribe to the adage that true leadership is about action and not position. (top left) Relationships across generations are important, and our youngest students make time for their grandparents and special friends to come on campus. (top middle) Seventh and eighth grade students host a Special Olympics for Avondale House students at the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outdoor Education Campus. (top right) The annual Lower and Middle School Field Day joins students from different grade levels in teams, and new relationships are formed as older students help younger students. (bottom left) Eighth grader Will Barboza likes helping his buddy, Kindergartener Preston Stahlbaum. (bottom right) Fifth and sixth grade students spend a day of service at the Houston Food Bank.

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Presbyterian School ’08 St. Agnes Academy ’12 Clemson University ’16

“

meet Audrey Beathard At Presbyterian School I loved the class trip opportunities we had. They allowed me to have experiences I would typically never have. I learned to be flexible and try new things. I began Presbyterian School in seventh grade and received incredible support from the faculty. I had the most incredible relationship with the School’s headmaster, Mr. Johnson. He encouraged me in school and athletics and was my biggest fan. I will never forget shooting free throws with Mr. Johnson standing on the baseline by the basket and cheering me on. He frequently asked how my schoolwork and season were going and if there was anything he could do to help me. All of my teachers pushed for collaboration and excellence in their classroom. I always felt challenged, which allowed me to be a great student in high school and college. One of my best friends in the whole world is a girl I met in middle school at PS. She was my maid of honor in my wedding, and we would do anything for each other. The relationships I cultivated with faculty and friends in middle school set the stage for a greater relationship I found in high school. I began to get more involved in my church youth program due to a class I was taking at St. Agnes Academy. At Bellaire United Methodist Church, I was able to ask questions and learn more about God. My actual relationship with the Lord started my senior year of high school. I knew things about God beforehand but did not have an actual relationship with Him until then. During college I was involved in Phi Lamb and Breakaway Christian and participated in mission trips to Peru and Mexico, where I taught and tutored kids.

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After graduation from Clemson University, I returned to Houston and became involved in a bigger church. I enjoyed attending there, but I felt like it was hard to be known with so many people. My life group at the church was amazing, and I loved the other couples my husband and I got to do life with. When our life group talked about starting a church, my husband and I jumped on board and went to help plant the Sandbox Church and serve as deacons. I have learned that starting a church takes a lot of time. The church we helped plant is a “marketplace church,” meaning that everyone who holds a position in the church also has a job outside the church. I have learned that prayer is key to making everything happen, and the investment is so worth the time and effort. There is such an emotional connection with the people to whom we minister. Relationships are key to life. My top three priorities are to be the best child of God, best wife, and best friend and support to others. Looking back from where I stand now, I can offer this advice. Take all the opportunities presented to you and allow yourself to grow and experience the world. Start to understand that you are here for a bigger purpose than yourself and your current circumstances. Cherish your time at Presbyterian School. Cultivate friendships with the people in your class now— some of them will be your lifelong friends (or even be your maid of honor in your wedding, and you may not even know it yet!)

Audrey’s Advice to Panthers: “Take all the opportunities presented to you and allow yourself to grow and experience the world. Start to understand that you are here for a bigger purpose than yourself and your current circumstances.”

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what if . . . you could make a difference? 51 | The Window

Inspire Confidence In the midst of a secular generation characterized by the disintegration of the family, the school, and the church, Presbyterian School is the institution in childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives that serves their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs while also giving them a confident vision for who they can become. The PS experience shapes confidenceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not merely for what happens to our students through the eighth grade, but for the choices they will make in high school, college, and beyond. We care deeply about our children long after they have left our hallways and classrooms because we are challenging them to find and make a difference in their worlds. We are challenging them into a confident awareness not only of what they lack and need but also (and far more importantly) of what they can and will become.

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CLASS OF 2018 LIFERS Lifers, students who have been at Presbyterian School since Alpha, Beta, PreKindergarten, or Kindergarten embody a positive sense of self-confidence, self-worth, and security. They have been provided with the resourcefulness and confidence required to thrive in an uncertain and dynamic future. They have been guided, nurtured, and challenged along the maturation road at Presbyterian School so that they are now increasingly confident to do right in life and by others and to take appropriate risks throughout their lives to make a difference.

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Anna Bennett (Beta) My confidence has grown through the friends I have made at Presbyterian. The Colorado class trip gave me an opportunity to get closer to people that I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t connected with before. I have met people whom I will continue to be friends with for the rest of my life.

Camille Carleton (Kindergarten) My confidence has grown, especially in English. I found my voice through writing and reflection, and I can passionately say that I love to write. Putting my thoughts and opinions on paper has taught me to stand up for what I believe in and not let others get pushed around.

Sarah Clark (Beta) I can achieve any goal I set my mind to because of the values I learned at PS. My teachers gave me so many opportunities to grow and develop my confidence. One of the most memorable was giving my Great Moments in History speech. The experience taught me to believe in myself.

Chance Coleman (Alpha) My confidence has grown as I have presented my ideas at school. PS has prepared me for high school by teaching me important values and academics. In high school, I want to keep growing by getting good grades.

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Mark Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andrea (Alpha) I used to be an introvert, but in seventh grade, I became an extrovert when I joined the football team, made more memories, and got to bond with my classmates. My confidence grew at Presbyterian School because of my friends.

Olivia Henshaw (Alpha) At Presbyterian School, I have met my best friends. I know they will always be there for me. My confidence has grown so much because of the support of my friends. When I get older, I want to be a lawyer to fight for whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right.

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Ben Elliott (Alpha) My confidence has grown at PS, especially since the third grade history project, Great Moments in History, where we had to give a speech in front of everybody. I want to keep growing in history and science in high school to be successful.

William Husted (Pre-K) Next year, I am going to a big high school, and Presbyterian School has taught me that I can handle it and will do well there. PS has taught me to be confident in what I like and what I do. I imagine that my future will involve animals or working on a ranch.

Matthew Erasmus (Kindergarten) The seventh grade class trip helped me discover who I am. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always been a confident person; however, my confidence has grown in the past year. PS has helped me by teaching me core principles such as integrity, perseverance, and self-control.

Harrison Henke (Alpha) Presbyterian School has taught me that it is OK to be myself. I want to keep growing in my productivity and not procrastinate. I loved my first semester fine arts electives where one day I got to sew pajama pants, and the next day I got to watch and discuss musicals such as, La La Land.

Kaitlin Keene (Alpha) From knowing how to solve radical fractions to being friends with everyone in my grade, Presbyterian School prepared me both academically and socially. The School gave me the confidence to be who I want to be.

Rawley Lueck (Beta) Presbyterian School has made me who I am today. The School has prepared me to make the best decisions, and I believe high school will be easier for me as a result. After I graduate I want to keep growing in math, science, and Spanish.

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Eve Kroencke (Kindergarten) My sixth grade English teacher pushed me to speak in front of crowds and be comfortable with myself. I was encouraged to make mistakes and to learn from them, because failing didn’t mean giving up at PS. When my confidence grew, so did my ability to search for new passions.

“

a favorite memory My favorite memory at Presbyterian? How can I choose a favorite when there are too many to choose from? There’s the time in first grade when we made pancakes, and I figured out that I was going to get a puppy. And the time in fourth grade when I put on a long, red skirt and danced to the Yellow Rose of Texas. I couldn’t stop smiling. There’s the memory of fifth grade, when I created a study guide for history, sent it to a few people, and walked into the hallway where everyone was studying, and they all had copies. They smiled and thanked me, and I felt like I wasn’t just another fifth grader, and we weren’t just another fifth grade class. One time in sixth grade, I couldn’t stop laughing at a luncheon because of the seventh and eighth graders at my table. I may have spilled hot chocolate absolutely everywhere, but it was completely worth it. The first soccer tournament in sixth grade when we did PKs (penalty kicks), I was goalie, and we won. That’s

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when I convinced my mom to let me continue to play goalie. The first seventh grade dance was a special memory. Everyone was running up to everyone and telling them how beautiful they were because that’s just how our class was. Then eighth grade, I have so many eighth grade memories. Mr. Sanchez’s Professor Snape Speech, the reveal of the musical, amazing advice from Mrs. Leever, and walking into any classroom and having teachers smile and hug me and ask how I am—because they care. And last but not least, the eighth grade dance. When a slow song came on, the eighth graders got into a circle, and we just put our arms around each other and swayed to the music. It was because we had all gone through everything, and we weren't just another class at that point, we were dreamers. We all had memories, and we all had plans for the future. But at that point, we were a family.

Elizabeth Minton (Beta) Presbyterian School has improved my confidence. Also, PS has made me a better person. I used to be really shy in Lower School, but now I am really confident and social. When I get to high school, I want to still be confident and not care what others think.

Cooper Murray (Alpha) Presbyterian School has taught me time management. I have been able to learn more about myself while watching my confidence grow steadily. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to continuing my studies in Spanish, history, math, and basketball as I become a successful and honorable man.

Benjamin Norvell (Beta) Attending Presbyterian for so many years helped me to be really comfortable at the School. As a result, making mistakes has been easier because I am more confident. I want to keep growing, especially in math and science. I also want to continue in Spanish so I can eventually be fluent.

Nicholas Oldham (Alpha) Over the years, I became more and more comfortable with the people around me, and I feel like Presbyterian School is my second home. I plan to focus on academics and sports at Episcopal High School and to work hard to accomplish whatever goal I set while I am there.

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Jack Rambo (Kindergarten) My confidence has grown like a sunflower since kindergarten. I used to be shy; now I am not. In high school, I want to get better physically and improve my golf game. Presbyterian School has prepared me academically for high school.

Caroline Rootes (Alpha) Everyone who has taught me in music has made me more confident in my voice, but no one as much as Mr. Harrison. I was scared to share my opinions and my voice until he taught me that I can do anything as long as I am not afraid to attempt it.

Robert Trail (Pre-K) I have become more confident in speaking up and public speaking while at Presbyterian School. The School has prepared me mentally for many things. I want to continue to grow in technology, programming, and music.

Lillian Trask (Alpha) My confidence grew a lot in sixth grade when new students came to the School, and I had more people to be friends with. I want to keep growing my confidence throughout high school. I want to be a teacher, and the teachers throughout my time at PS have set an example for me.

Chloe Song (Alpha) Over the years, the School has pushed me to try new things and to go outside of my comfort zone at a pace that I can deal with. My self-confidence and abilities have grown a lot thanks to the influential teachers who have helped me.

Blake Stanley (Alpha) My confidence as a student grew when we began middle school. I realized that I could achieve my goals if I matched my ambition with my effort. I hope to be a businessman or an engineer when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m older.

Lucas Vittor (Beta) Presbyterian School has provided a school home for me to learn. PS gave me more academic confidence while I grew as a student. In the future, I want to increase my academic abilities and work on time management. I know I will need to work hard to achieve these goals.

Ainsley Weber (Kindergarten) My confidence grew at PS as I got into singing and developed real friends. When I grow up, I want to be a singer or entertainer. PS has prepared me by giving me an amazing music teacher and the opportunity to sing in public places, such as in assembly or chapel.

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what does . . . my future hold? 63 | The Window

Serve a Purpose Presbyterian School emphasizes the educational journey rather than the destination. More than a test score, personal accolade, or high school or college placement, our graduates have walked away with the unlimited promise of a future full of possibilities because of the foundation they have received from Presbyterian School. The training and lessons our students receive—or do not receive—during their years with us will impact not only their character but the choices they make in high school, in college, and (dare we say it?) beyond. The PS experience is not just about what happens through the end of students’ time with us, it’s about what happens to them for a lifetime.

Eva Kramer, Class of 2013

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2003 Hannah Chesser (St. Agnes

’07, University of Texas ’11, UTSA School of Medicine ’15) is finishing

her residency in pediatrics at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, this summer before moving to San Francisco to start her fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. In addition, she got married on March 24, 2018, in San Antonio, Texas! Farrell Davis (St. Thomas ’07,

University of Rhode Island ’11)

currently resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where he works for Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit research foundation dedicated to the research and development of sustainable technologies for agriculture, aquaculture, and wild-harvest fisheries. His specific responsibilities involve developing sustainable dredges for the Northeast sea scallop fishery, one of the world’s most lucrative wild-harvest fisheries. In addition to fishing gear development research, he conducts research to improve

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methods for assessing fishery resources and increasing our understanding of human-induced impacts to marine ecosystems. For more information about his research as well as the research done by his colleagues, please visit www.cfarm.org. Max Elizondo (St. John’s ’07,

Southern Methodist University ’11) is

currently working as a bond trader and enjoys living in New York City. Griselda Gallardo (The Chinquapin

School ’07, St. Edwards ’11, University of Houston ’16) is currently working as a family worker with Head Start. This is her third year in social work. She is organizing an event that will include a play that fellow PS alumni Gabby Salazar wrote. She is looking into starting an after-school group or club for boys at risk of becoming dropouts, incarcerated, or substance abusers.

Edgar Millard (Kinkaid ’07, Denison

University ’11, University of Buenos Aires / Technical University of Berlin ’19) is now in the second year of a

master’s program in Urban Planning and Mobility. He spent the first year in Argentina at the University of Buenos Aires. The second year is in Germany at

the Technical University of Berlin. He will be returning to Argentina in August to work on his thesis. Ambhar Miranda (Wheatley ’07, University of Houston ’12) went from being a restaurant manager for the Pappas Company to becoming a teacher. This is her first year teaching. She is now a fourth grade math and science teacher and recently won Rookie of the Year for her school.

2004 Keith Huff Jr. (Yates High School ’08,

University of Houston ’17)

Julia Wood (The Kinkaid School ’08, Texas A&M University ’12) is currently working for Debner+Company, an office, education, and healthcare furniture dealership. She serves as the brand marketing manager creating relationships throughout the architect and design and commercial real estate worlds. She has returned to her Presbyterian School roots and is currently doing a mock-up of second

grade and fourth grade classrooms at Presbyterian School in hopes of completely outfitting the School’s new Early Childhood and Lower School building. 2

2005 James Blackwell (Strake Jesuit ’09,

University of Texas ’13, University of Houston ’18) graduated with his M.Ed. in counseling psychology from the University of Houston in the spring of 2018 and will begin work as a therapist shortly thereafter.

Malcolm Bremer (Kinkaid ’09, Drexel University ’14) moved from Philadelphia, where he had been for the previous eight years, to the New York City area where he started working with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League. Malcolm spent the 2017-2018 hockey season specializing in selling group outings for families, businesses, and organizations to attend Devils games as a whole. In early March 2018, Malcolm transitioned out of his role with the New Jersey Devils and

started working with the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Malcolm’s current role with the Jets is similar to the one he had at the Devils; he is currently getting groups set up for the upcoming 2018 NFL season. While it was tough for Malcolm to leave behind friendships that he developed during college and the three years after in Philadelphia, he is excited to be working in New York City and getting to learn a new part of the country!

2006 Katherine Egner Brown

(Episcopal ’10, Texas A&M University ’15) and Trevor Brown were happily married on February 3, 2018, in Houston, Texas. 3

Andrew Sachat (Metairie Park

Country Day School ’10, University of Virginia ’14) is currently living in New

Orleans, Louisiana, and when he is not busy with his career in education, he is enjoying the warm weather, weekly festivals, and live music that the city has to offer.

2007 Sarah Hunter (Episcopal ’11,

Sweet Briar College ’16, Arizona State University ’18) graduated in May 2018

with a Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management with a concentration in global finance from Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona. She was recently engaged and will be getting married in Houston next spring. She is excited about moving to Washington, D.C. after graduation to pursue a career with the government. 4 Madeline Nash (St. Agnes ’11,

University of Texas ’16, University of North Texas Health Science Center ’18, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine ’21), after graduating from St. Agnes

in 2011, attended UT Austin. She graduated with a B.S. in computational biology and then earned a master’s degree in medical sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She is presently a medical student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth and will graduate in 2021. She is looking

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forward to her upcoming travel to Honduras with the Christian Doctors Association for a medical mission trip. 5

2008 Audrey Beathard Almendarez

(St. Agnes ’12, Clemson University ’16), now Audrey Almendarez, recently married Jay Almendarez and went on a mission trip to South Africa. Audrey got accepted into graduate school for occupational therapy. She will be attending Texas Woman’s University in the Houston Medical Center. She is extremely involved at a church plant called Sandbox Church where she and her husband are deacons. To read more about Audrey in the Window see page 49.

Sophia Skelly (Kinkaid ’12, Colorado College ’19) is currently the vice president of Student Life for Colorado College’s Student Government Association. Through this job, she works as a liaison between students and the administration addressing various initiatives related to mental health,

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food equity and accessibility, waste management, and alumni network programs. Additionally, she is currently living in Synergy, sustainability-focused housing on campus. At Synergy, the residents grow their own food in a greenhouse and garden and work to educate the college community about different ways to live more green. This includes being mindful of the food and clothing we purchase as well as the energy and water consumption in our homes. Lastly, Sophia purchased a mountain bike last winter and has spent the year exploring nearby trails with a great squad of biker ladies!

2009 Audrey Eyring (St. John’s ’13, Villanova ’17) works in New York City with Turner Productions. Jackson Henry (Episcopal ’13, Baylor University ’17) graduated from Baylor University in December 2017 and is obtaining a master’s in electrical and computer engineering at Baylor. During his time at Baylor, he

participated in research and recently was published in The Journal of Applied Physics. As an extracurricular activity, he enjoys racing for the Baylor Cycling Team in collegiate races and Welhous Bikes in domestic races. 6 Erica Hoffman (St. Agnes ’13, University of Oklahoma ’18) graduated with distinction May 2018 with a B.S. in architecture and a minor in Spanish. She will begin employment with the London-based international architecture firm, AHMM (Alford Hall Monaghan Morris). She has been an intern for them for the past two summers and is looking forward to starting her career in their Oklahoma City office this June. She was thrilled to be named the recipient of the Tommy & Bill Shaw Scholarship for best in-hand rendering ability. Her best memories from college include her study abroad semester in Rome, Italy, as well as the incredible lifelong friends she made through her studies and her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. 7 Amanda Leavell (St. John’s ’13, Princeton University ’17) graduated from college and was drafted to play professional lacrosse for the Philadelphia Fire. She recently started working for Human Rights Watch as

an associate in the Development and Outreach Department in New York City and is unbelievably excited to start her life as a professional on and off the field! To read more about Amanda in the Window see page 23. 8 Will Short (Kinkaid ’13, Southern Methodist University ’17) works as a retail sales representative for The Hershey Company and enjoys living in Scottsdale, Arizona.

2010 Mary Evans Attwell (Houston

Christian ’14, Concordia University ’18) is currently studying biology to be a physician’s assistant and just recently added a minor in global public health. She plans to get her master’s in public health before going to PA school. This summer Mary Evans is going on a biology field expedition to the Pacific Northwest to study the geology and ecology of the region with Concordia. She also plans on taking classes and shadowing doctors and PAs to gain a deeper understanding of medicine. 9

Foster Corrigan (Strake Jesuit ’14, St. Thomas University ’18) took a three-month bike-camping trip across Japan. He started in Wakkanai, the northernmost city in Japan, and ended his trip in Nagasaki in Kyushi Island. It was a great experience that allowed him to learn some Japanese, experience Japan in a way few people ever do, and become comfortable with extended periods of solitude and peace. He was inspired to do a long-term biking trip because he had three months between transferring universities and had some money saved up from a summer job. Foster picked Japan because it seemed like an extremely bike-friendly country with a population density high enough so that he would never be too far away from help if needed. His bike carried a few days of clothes, a tent, a sleeping bag, rain gear, some repair tools, and a few bottles of water. Most of his meals came from roadside ramen places, farm stalls, and convenience stores that are placed about every 10 miles, even in the most rural parts of Japan. He said it was not an easy journey, but the Japanese infrastructure definitely helped make it easier. 10

Hale Cullom IV (Episcopal ’14, Texas A&M University ’18) is majoring in accounting and will continue on in the PPA program, getting a master’s in 2019. Hale interned with PricewaterhouseCoopers in spring 2018 and will be employed with them upon graduation. He continues to be an active member of Beta Theta Pi and the Aggie Cowboys. Christy Jacobs (Episcopal ’14, Clemson University ’18) has been involved with Young Life and Beta Gamma Sigma. She graduated from Clemson in May 2018 with degrees in financial management and marketing. Following graduation, she will move to Atlanta, Georgia, to begin working at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey as an asset finance analyst. Maggie Rippeto (Episcopal ’14, Rhodes College ’18) has been busy playing lacrosse at Rhodes College. After three SAA championship wins and last year’s appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, she hopes to get her fourth team championship. Last year, for the majority of the season, she led all divisions in assists and points. She is

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an officer for the psychology honor society, Psi Chi. After graduation in May, she will be attending Vanderbilt University for their Human Development Counseling: Mental Health track on a full scholarship. Sara Coutinho (Colégio Sagrado

Coração de Maria ’14, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias - Universidade Nova de Lisboa ’18) interned at

Laboratórios de Estudos Farmacêuticos (LEF) for a month. LEF is a contract manufacturer and research organization that follows the Good Manufacturing and Laboratory Practices. She worked on quality control analyzing the results of the products investigated in the laboratory that fall outside specification, trend or expectation. In addition, she worked at Génios e Traquinas for two months. Génios e Traquinas (GeT) is a teaching academy and study center that stimulates children and young adults’ interest and pleasure in studying through the development of different activities of a ludic-pedagogical nature. She taught children between the ages of seven and ten years old by helping them do their homework and learn the content taught at school through playful games and examples. She was accepted to the Erasmus Program and

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will be attending Otto Von Guericke Universität Magdeburg next semester. Besides this, she has enrolled in a language school to learn German. 11

2011 Perry Corrigan (Strake Jesuit ’15) decided to start his own e-business with his roommate by setting up a vintage resale shop on Instagram @ vintage_vikings, which sells primarily vintage sports apparel. He has grossed approximately $5,600 and shipped to over 25 states in five months. He finds his clothes at thrift stores located in Houston, Dallas, and College Station. Perry researches online to see what similar items are selling for and decides if items are worth buying. Most of his investments make over a 1,000% return with little to no investment risk. 12 Claire Hoffman (St. Agnes ’15) began her college experience at the University of Oklahoma in their prenursing degree plan, and is excited to have been formally accepted into their nursing school program at the Health

Science Center in OKC beginning this fall. She has also been on the Dean’s List every semester. She has had a lot of fun being out on her own. Her favorite things about college are all the great friends that she has made in school and in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. She has enjoyed experiencing college life with her sister, which included a trip abroad to Barcelona and Rome. 13 Brooke Jenkins (Houston Christian ’15) is currently in her junior year at Samford University. She is working to obtain a degree in marketing with a sports concentration, and has made the Dean’s List each semester. As well as serving on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board for the Brock School of Business, she has been leading as VP of Communications for the American Marketing Association, leading a Bible study, and serving at the church she attends. She recently had the opportunity with three other students to go to the Minor League Baseball headquarters and present research she had been working on to their top executives on how to market to Generation Z. This past summer she interned for the Houston Astros in the Retail and Merchandise Department. She experienced running

the ten team stores in the stadium, participated in meetings about buying new merchandise, helped unload merchandise in the warehouse, and everything in between. She was able to help with a spring training review, a retail marketing investment fund and budget project, and creating the organization’s newsletter. During the postseason run, she was asked to come back and help as the team hosted three home World Series games, an incredible honor. It was the experience of a lifetime, and she is incredibly thankful to the Houston Astros for the opportunities they have given her. Go Houston and go Astros! 14 Tessa Mudford (Episcopal ’15) transferred to the University of Oklahoma this year, and wants to study computer science or physics, with minors in math and philosophy. She is really enjoying school, particularly her computer science classes. She is looking forward to studying abroad next year. This summer she will be traveling and working at Soho. Jack Rogers (Strake Jesuit ’15) is enjoying being a Division I athlete at Bucknell University. He competes in the Patriot League with the men’s

swimming and diving team. His advice to the middle schoolers of Presbyterian is to find a passion. It does not matter what it is, but stick with it, and you will find that amazing opportunities will come from it as you grow and mature. 15

Lauren Stubbers (St. Agnes ’15) is happily involved in Louisiana State University campus organizations including the Delta Delta Delta sorority and Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity. Katherine Ten Eyck (St. Agnes ’15) is in her first year in nursing school at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing Baylor University in Dallas, Texas. In addition to her classes and clinical rotations, she served as a new student orientation leader and is a member of the Orientation Steering Committee that plans and facilitates new student orientations in the fall and spring semesters. She serves with Dallas Life Center for Homeless Recovery and is a college ministry student leader at Watermark Community Church. She will attend the Whole Person Care Preceptorship in Redlands, California, this summer to learn how to assess and address patients’ spiritual needs. 16

2012 Aubrey Calaway (St. Agnes ’16) has been serving as the secretary of the Brown chapter of the ACLU. This year they have been working on issues relating to the rights of immigrants, refugees, and prisoners. They are also co-hosting an event about reproductive rights with Wendy Davis. She is continuing to work on unBUYnd, an entirely student-run legislative campaign to pass the Fair Labor Everywhere Act. This bill will ensure ethical sourcing on all products imported into Rhode Island. They have been focusing their efforts on building coalitions throughout the state with academics, religious groups, and activists. Finally, she has been working as a women’s peer counselor for 50 freshmen. She provides educational programming on sexual assault and health while helping students make the transition to college. She is excited to return to Houston this summer to do sociological research with professors at Rice University investigating the impacts of Hurricane Harvey on residential patterns and sustainable urbanization.

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Sarah Benstock (Kent School ’16) is loving her time at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She is working part time in retail but has built a photography business and does photo shoots around town. She is going to be spending the summer in Scotland. Chris Lewis (Westbury Christian School ’16) is quickly getting adjusted to Texas State and loving it! He is looking to join some student organizations and hopefully will be participating in a few in the coming months. He is excited about trying out as a walk-on for the football team in the fall. Madison Heno (St. Agnes ’16) was accepted into the fall of 2018 study abroad program in Costa Rica. She will attend school in San Jose from September through December. She acquired her EMT certification and intends to work as an EMT over the summer to gain the patient hours required to finish her three-year degree in health sciences. In addition, she was awarded CACC (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference) Honor Roll for softball. Her team traveled to Orlando, Forida, for spring break to play teams from all across the country. 17

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2013 Eva Kramer (HSPVA ’17) has spent a gap year abroad. This past year her time has included working with refugees in Iraq, orphans in Africa, and then teaching full time to second to fifth grade students in Nepal. Victoria Mota (St. Agnes ’17) is currently attending the University of Texas and enjoying college life. She volunteers as a DJ for KVRX, and her DJ name is DJMotarolla. Tess Peterson (St. Agnes ’17) is currently completing her second semester at The George Washington University in Washington D.C., where she is studying political communication. She has been working at the National Council of Resistance of Iran for the past two semesters as their director of Intern Outreach, Research, and Development. Gus Smythe (St. Thomas ’17) is following in his father’s footsteps by attending The University of Texas.

He is a political science major and will spend this summer working for Congressman Culbertson’s campaign. Abbie Wrather (Episcopal ’17) was named to the Dean’s List at Sewanee for the Advent Semester of 2017. She is involved as a Hippocrates Fellow and a member of Kappa Delta. A starter on the varsity field hockey team, she was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III Scholar of Distinction. Only 242 student-athletes representing 105 schools have been selected as 2017 Zag Field Hockey / NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction. The Division III Scholars of Distinction program recognizes those student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or higher through the first semester of the 2017-18 academic year. 18

2014 Chance Allshouse (Kinkaid ’18) lettered in track, football, and wrestling at Kinkaid. He was on the varsity track and field team as a freshman and was

voted track captain his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Chance loves to sing and was a member of Encore, an auditioned ensemble whose singers focus on a challenging repertoire. Encore performs frequently both on and off the Kinkaid campus. The Texas Private School Music Educators Association selected Chance as a member of the 2018 All-State Choir as a tenor. Chance believes that his experience at the Presbyterian School provided the religious, musical, academic, and athletic foundation for his future success. He will attend Rice University in the fall, where he will join the Owls’ track & field team. 19

every Sunday afternoon serving as a volunteer teacher for a local Chinese language school, which has allowed him to improve both his knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and his leadership capabilities. He would like to major in some form of business, with minor(s) in Mandarin Chinese and/or a businessrelated discipline of study. He is enrolling at the University of Denver.

Noah Benstock (The Landmark School ’18) is enjoying being a senior this year. He has earned substantial merit scholarships for college and looks forward to attending Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, in the fall.

Grace Castaneda (St. Agnes ’18) graduated from St. Agnes Academy in May 2018 and will be pursuing her studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The past four years at St. Agnes have been full of playing field hockey and lacrosse, participating in Student Council, and serving her community. Ever since her mission trip to Thailand, Grace has become interested in studying abroad. This summer, she plans to study in Sevilla, Spain, before departing for college in the fall. She is thankful for all the memories from Presbyterian and St.

Chase Brosig (Strake Jesuit ’18) has remained involved in school activities, including serving as the secretary of the Strake Jesuit Asian Culture Club and serves as one of two team managers across all levels of the Strake Jesuit soccer program. He also spent

Allie Brown (St. Agnes ’18) is so excited to be headed to BirminghamSouthern College next year! She hopes to follow in her mom’s footsteps with a career in education.

Agnes and looks forward to what the future has in store! Abby Cohen (Emery Weiner ’18) recently interned at The Buzz Magazine as part of Emery’s Internship Week program. She learned how write articles quickly under a tight deadline. Her favorite part was taking photos of unique sites in Houston and then writing online articles about them. Overall, she improved her writing skills and enjoyed working in a real-world environment. She is looking forward to interning at The Buzz again this summer. 21 Catherine Cohn (Episcopal ’18) was accepted into The University of Texas in the School of Fine Arts for visual arts. She recently won two Scholastic honorable mentions and an Arts Pillar Award. Mollie Hanna (Episcopal ’18) has been involved with photography throughout high school winning several awards including, National Scholastic Silver Key Regional Scholastic Gold and Silver Keys, ATPI Honorable Mentions, Episcopal Art Exhibition awards and Most Outstanding Digital Artist at EHS. 22

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panthers on the pr wl CLASS OF

2014 COLLEGE DECISIONS

Chance Allshouse

Grace Castaneda

Grace Graubart

Keanu Aweau

Cameron Chickering

Parker Graves

Noah Benstock

Abigail Cohan

Mollie Hanna

Beau Bourlon

Catherine Cohn

Gabrielle Heal

David Brandtner

Mary Dade

Elizabeth Henke

Cooper Braverman

Collins Davis

Colby Heno

Chase Brosig

Spencer Dearborn

Lucy Jane Herbert

Allie Brown

Georgia Drager

Spencer Huston

Walt Bryant

Kelly Dwyer

Sam Jaben

Elizabeth Burnett

Annabelle Finger

Sachin Jaggi

Chloe Carrizal

George Fisher

Maria Jamjoom

Rice University

University of Richmond Roger Williams University University of Oklahoma Texas Christian University University of Maine

University of Denver Birmingham-Southern College University of Texas University of Texas

Houston Baptist University

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Wake Forest University Savannah College of Art and Design American University University of Texas

Texas Christian University Texas Christian University University of Chicago Baylor University

Louisiana State University Hobart and William Smith Colleges University of Texas

Texas Christian University University of Southern California Baylor University

Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College London Ohio State University

Colorado Christian College University of Mississippi Rice University

Wittenberg University University of Texas Houston Community College

Emma Kallmeyer

Nicholas Novelli

Jackson Rowe

Michael Keene

Hanna Nyberg

Paola Sagel

Mary Helen Kennedy

Cooper Padden

Matthew Smith

Sara Koch

Lottie Parsons

Reed Stanley

Ben Lewis

Kenzie Parsons

Elizabeth Szymanski

Natalie Luther

Jack Pokluda

Cole Thompson

Robin Mathison

Shelby Quinn

Nick Wheat

Jack McInnis

Megan Randall

Abigail Willard

Scott McWilliams

Meghan Reid

Shuni Wilson

Luke Moran

William Rippeto

George Wilson

Andre Napier

Chloe Roman

Wake Forest University University of Mississippi California Polytechnic State University Tulane University University of Miami Auburn University

University of California, Santa Cruz University of Mississippi Southern Methodist University University of Alabama New York University

University of Tulsa Skidmore College

Maryville University Bowdoin College Rice University

Samford University Appalachian State University University of Houston Louisiana State University University of Southern California

Louisiana State University Texas A&M University University of Arizona University of Texas Louisiana State University Texas Tech University University of Alabama St. Edwardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Loyola University, New Orleans University of Alabama

University of Oklahoma

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Spencer Huston (Emery Weiner ’18) is not travelling far for college. He will be attending Rice University, where he plans to pursue his interests in robotics and engineering. Sam Jaben (St. Thomas ’18) has been playing varsity lacrosse and was named co-captain this year. In his off time, he has been busy completing over 430 hours of volunteer service work. Sam will be headed to Springfield, Ohio, to attend Wittenberg University, where he plans on playing lacrosse and majoring in business. Michael Keene (Strake Jesuit ’18) has enjoyed his time at Strake playing baseball and studying hard. He is looking forward to college. Jack McInnis (Strake Jesuit ’18) has successfully been named to the Honor Roll for the past four years as well as the Strake Jesuit National Honor Society for the past three. He was named to the 6A UIL Academic All-District team for football and the Texas High School Coaches Association All-State Academic Second Team. Jack continues to volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on the Junior Rodeo Committee and

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is a master acolyte with St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. He looks forward to attending the University of Mississippi’s Patterson School of Accountancy and was the recent recipient of the University of Mississippi Provost Scholars Program Academic Merit Scholarship and the Patterson School of Accountancy Scholarship. 23 Charlotte Parsons (Bellaire ’18) was recently named a National Merit Finalist. She won a coveted Gold Key Scholastic Award (Photography) and an honorable mention award in poetry. She accepted early decision to Bowdoin College, where she will be attending alongside her older sister, Meghan (PS Class of ’11). Jack Pokluda (Second Baptist ’18) is completing his senior year at Second Baptist High School and will be attending Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, in the fall. He has been admitted to Samford’s Brock School of Business and Cumberland Pre-Law Scholars Program. Jack remains passionate about his photography and recently completed an internship with Alvin Gee of Alvin Gee Photography. 24

Shelby Quinn (Village Academy ’18) has dedicated her senior year to legacy and leadership. She has been working closely with her school counselor and one of her dear friends to make her school a safer, happier environment. Together they have developed a school safety education program that was put into action this year as a result of the Parkland School shooting. Recently, she gave a speech calling for gun control in her community. After graduation, she plans to attend Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. There she hopes to prepare for a future as an elementary teacher. Megan Randall (Bellaire ’18) recently participated in a Rice University Public Policy Competition for BISF (Baker Institute Student Forum). She is excelling academically, receiving 4’s on her AP exams. She received a Scholastic Silver Key Award for her portrait and honorable mention for her portfolio. She became a member of RAW Artists and participated in two art showcases where she sold multiple works. She is now selling commissioned paintings and jackets on Instagram @megadorable. 25 Chloe Roman (St. Agnes ’18) will

be attending Oklahoma University majoring in environmental science and was accepted to the Honors Program. She was part of the senior scholarship committee, Student Council, and volunteered at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Paola Sagel (St. Agnes ’18) will be attending Texas A&M University next school year, majoring in business administration with a certificate of international business. Matthew Smith (Lamar ’18) loves playing lacrosse. Last summer, he broke his collarbone and had a plate put in. He looks forward to going to college in the fall. Reed Stanley (Episcopal ’18) has received acceptance letters to all the schools he applied to. He is excited about the new chapter ahead. 26

2015 Phoebe Crow (Episcopal ’19) is currently a junior at Episcopal High School. She enjoys participating

in varsity cheerleading, varsity lacrosse, dance concerts, and theatre productions. She has found a passion for photography. She was chief editor this fall and won a Scholastic Silver Key and honorable mention in the Scholastic Art Awards. She continues to be on the Highest Honor Roll. She is looking forward to applying to colleges in the South, and pursuing her interest in pre-med. 27

Mallory Jenkins (Houston Christian ’19) is busy as junior class president, a discipleship group leader, freshmen camp counselor, student ambassador, and basketball player.

Joseph Eaton (Strake Jesuit ’19) directed a one-act play entitled The Least Offensive Play in the Whole Darn World. It was a comedic show about the censoring of classical plays in high school theater. The show revolved around two infomercial-type announcers showcasing a product called the ScriptCleaner5000. The ScriptCleaner5000 then butchers the shows and makes them far from their original intended purpose, showing snippets of the carnage it has inflicted. He worked with six actors at Strake Jesuit over the course of five weeks to put together costumes, props, set, and marketing. His show, along with three other student-selected shows, was put on and opened, and he received fantastic peer reviews.

Jimmy Smith (Lamar ’19) is currently playing lacrosse at Lamar. He loves taking engineering classes and is doing well in math, science, and physics. He is interested in majoring in engineering.

Jeffrey Scales (Lamar ’19) is in the IB program at Lamar and continues to excel with his studies. He is involved in NHS, Young Life, and the Hospitality program.

Jackson Williams (Episcopal ’19) has expanded his computer programming to help local businesses. This year, he was hired to make customization apps for different Aston Martin models. He created an app to let clients customize an Aston Martin inside the dealership on an iPad. The app helps determine which options are available and compatible for customization. To read more about Jackson in the Window see page 29.

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2016 Hannah Benstock (Episcopal ’20) has made high honors every semester and is active in cheerleading and track and field. She was recently elected to the Student Senate. She keeps busy with competitive cheer outside of school. Myles Davidson (Episcopal ’20) is involved in JV basketball and varsity track and enjoying high school. Gunther Hess (St. Andrew’s ’20) has the starting position on the varsity lacrosse team and is founder of SFDS (Students for a Free Democratic Society), a social activism group that attends downtown rallies and gives students an easier way to stay in the loop. He also became the founder of the Men’s Volleyball Club. He is looking forward to taking AP comparative government next year and will have the lead role in the school production, Arsenic and Old Lace. 28 Matthew Keene (Strake Jesuit ’20) enjoys playing baseball at Strake and socializing with friends.

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Russell Pokluda (Second Baptist ’20) is completing his sophomore year at Second Baptist High School and is on the fast track to graduation with a longterm goal of attending medical school. Outside of school, Russell is interested in classic cars and is the proud owner of a 1968 GTO that he bought at the Mecum Auction when it came through Houston in March. 29 Weston Stanley (Episcopal ’20) is currently involved in the Student Senate, playing JV basketball and golf. He made the highest honor roll this year. Sacha Waters (St. John’s School ’20) and her family are annual spectators of the Houston Art Car Parade. However this year, her family decided to enter their own art car. Inspired by an over 2,000 pound fiberglass triceratops which they “rescued” from a junkyard, the Waters family spent weeks making the dinosaur mobile. The Waters’ “Hippysaurus” won the Mayor’s Cup Grand Trophy and $2,000. Sacha and her family enjoy traveling and doing “crazy” projects together. To read more about Sacha in the Window see page 15. 30

2017 Anna Brown (St. Agnes ’21) attends St. Agnes Academy, where she is a member of the SAA/Strake Jesuit Mixed Chorus and is on the SAA Honor Roll. She is also a St. Thomas High School cheerleader and loves cheering on her dad’s alma mater. Cameron Cohn (St. Pius ’21) is doing well and enjoying the support from the school. He enjoys playing on his high school’s basketball team. Arthur Clarke (St. Thomas ’21) was on the St. Thomas soccer team this year. The JV team took first in district, and the varsity team took second in State. Arthur has been part of two shows at St. Thomas: The Three Musketeers and Curtains. Arthur is also currently a shadow host who helps bring students to their classes as well as conduct tours throughout the school. Carson Clingman (Episcopal ’21) was recently recognized for her grades with highest honors in addition to an Exemplary Effort award.

Charlie Fridge (Houston Christian ’21) has been active playing lacrosse for both JV and varsity teams. He has made multiple new friends and is loving high school. Robert Gonsoulin (Strake Jesuit ’21) has been involved in various activities within the Strake Jesuit community. He is a freshman representative on the 2017-18 Strake Jesuit Student Council. He is also a part of the SJ Key Club, where he has been doing service that involves helping out the school. Robert has also been participating in sports. He played football for the Freshmen Jesuit Green team in the fall semester. Now Robert runs 110m and 300m and has started to compete in pole vaulting. Robert has enjoyed the time at Strake Jesuit so far. Zelie Hughes (Kinkaid ’21) is bustling with the girls swim team taking the SPC honors this year. She placed fifth in the individual 50 free, third in the 200 breaststroke medley relay, first in the 200 free relay, and first in the 100 breastroke. She scored the secondhighest amount of points for the team. In addition to swimming, Zelie is playing for the girls’ JV lacrosse team.

Emma Jaben (Duchesne ’21) is still competing in gymnastics. Not long ago, she qualified to Level 9 Regionals which are held in Denver, Colorado. To make it to regionals she had to compete and get a certain all around score at the Texas state meet where she took fourth on vault and third on beam. She looks forward to winning at regionals and qualifying for nationals! 31 Nora Lawless (Episcopal ’21) has enjoyed playing on the JV volleyball and basketball teams at EHS. In addition, she participated in dance year-round and received the Fine Arts Student of the Month Award for dance. She was on the Highest Honor Roll and recipient of the Exemplary Effort Award. Nora created a self-portrait drawing in her first drawing class at EHS, which received two honors: Silver Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition and the highest score in the Regional Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), which advanced her drawing to the state-level competition. At the VASE state competition, Nora received the highest, superior, rating of 4 to earn a state medal. Nora was also nominated for two EHS Art Pillar Awards: Most

Promising Visual Arts Student and Best Drawing Student. Gwen Rippeto (Episcopal ’21) and her family traveled to Africa to lead and serve orphans. This amazing experience was a perfect start to her freshman year. She has been busy playing volleyball, varsity basketball, and lacrosse. She also serves as the freshman class president, and is currently running for sophomore class president. She loves and is taking advantage of the many clubs and opportunities that Episcopal offers, including being a Knights Ambassador. She has been recognized for sportsmanship, photography, and honor roll awards. However, she does miss Presbyterian and everyone there. 32

Avery Roman (St. Agnes ’21) currently plays lacrosse for St. Agnes Academy on the JV gold team. She recently placed bronze for the National Spanish Exam. Josh Schwartz (St. John’s ’21) is enjoying his time at St. John’s. He is keeping busy by participating in track, swimming, and cross-country running.

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Shawn Xie (Strake Jesuit ’21) teamed up with Beck Hassen of AOS competing in the Mayde Creek Invitational Public Forum JV Division of debate! Their team won the tournament that had more than 27 teams. He looks forward to many more debates to come. 33

2018 Many thanks to Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Episcopal High School, Houston Christian High School, St. Agnes Academy, St. Thomas Catholic High School, and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory for hosting Presbyterian School’s Class of 2018 and giving students an inside glimpse of high school life. Congratulations to the Class of 2018 for their admissions into the following high schools. 34 Houston Private Schools: The Awty International School Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart The Emery/Weiner School Episcopal High School

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Houston Christian High School The Kinkaid School The Post Oak School St. Agnes Academy St. Francis Episcopal School St. John’s School St. Pius X High School St. Thomas Catholic High School St. Thomas’ Episcopal School Strake Jesuit College Preparatory The Village School Houston Public Schools: Bellaire High School Booker T. Washington High School Carnegie Vanguard High School George Ranch High School Heights High School High School for Law and Justice High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Kashmere High School Lamar High School Memorial High School Out-of-State Private/Boarding Schools: Cate School (CA) Choate Rosemary Hall (CT) George School (PA) Peddie School (NJ) St. Albans School (DC) Tampa Preparatory School (FL)

The Lawrenceville School (NJ) The Loomis Chaffee School (CT) The Thacher School (CA) The Webb Schools (CA) Westminster School (CT)

UPDATES? Want to share your news? Email Alumni Coordinator Ryan Hertlein at rhertlein@pshouston.org School Website Alumni Portal www.pshouston.org/alumniportal

Facebook www.facebook.com/PresbyterianSchoolAlumni

Instagram www.instagram.com/pshouston

Twitter www.twitter.com/pshoustontweets

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/presbyterian-school

YouTube www.youtube.com/c/pshoustonorgmain

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Alumni Board The Presbyterian School Alumni Associaton is led by a Board. The purpose of the Alumni Association and its Board is to act as the liasion between Presbyterian School and its former students, help promote alumni involvement in the School, and offer beneficial and stimulating alumni events every year. President - Ben Clemenceau: bclemen@gmail.com Vice President - Katy Sermas: katysermas@gmail.com Social Chair - Julia Wood: jcwood2012@gmail.com Young Professional Representative - Christopher Winters: chris.winters@captrustadvisors.com College Representative - Cooper Lueck: lueck.cooper@gmail.com High School Representative - Allie Brown: laura.brown@st-agnes.org

Class Agents Class Agents are alumni who are elected to represent their Presbyterian School graduating class. Class Agents also help to promote alumni events and gather alumni news/updates. If you would like to be a Class Agent and represent your class, please contact Ryan Hertlein, Alumni Coordinator, at rhertlein@pshouston.org. Class of 2018 Sarah Clark: src853@gmail.com | Chloe Schidlowski: chloe.schidlowski@icloud.com Caden Rice: cadenrice@icloud.com | Lawson Huff: jlaws916@gmail.com Class of 2017 Maddie Mahoney: maddie2013@yahoo.com | Robert Gonsoulin: robertgonsoulin19@gmail.com

Class of 2016

Mia Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andrea: miadandrea@hotmail.com | David Nunez: dnoony@yahoo.com

Class of 2015

Hannah Windle: hannahwindle15@gmail.com | Jackson Williams: notjackson.c.w@gmail.com

Class of 2014

Allie Brown: laura.brown@st-agnes.org | Sachin Jaggi: sjballer999@gmail.com

Class of 2013

Julia Calaway: jcalaway123@gmail.com | Cooper Lueck: cwlueck31299@gmail.com

Class of 2012

Aubrey Calaway: aubreycalaway@gmail.com | Suman Atluri: sumatluri@gmail.com

Class of 2011

Akshay Jaggi: akshay.x.jaggi@gmail.com

Class of 2010

Kelly Buckner: kbuckner14@gmail.com | Phillip James: psjames3@aim.com

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ALUMNI EVENTS Dates for our alumni events are emailed to all alumni and posted on our alumni Facebook and Instagram page. Email Alumni Coordinator Ryan Hertlein at rhertlein@pshouston.org, with updated contact information. Summer Reunion | Winter Reunion | Moms Reunion | Class of 2014 Time Capsule Event

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PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL 5300 Main Street Houston, Texas 77004 www.pshouston.org

2017-18 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dorian Benn Brady Carruth Michael Casey Chris Champion Kim Clark, Chairman Catherine Crain Martha Erwin Jonas Georgsson Sharon Henry Joe Karlgaard, Secretary William Lee Nelson Mabry Adam Peakes Taylor Reid, Vice Chairman Kelli Rhee Jenn Rustay Kerry Sandberg Chandler Sulton Patrick Trask Carlton Wilde Marilyn Winters Ex-Officio Members Rev. Dr. Jim Birchfield Dr. Mark Carleton

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP Dr. Mark Carleton, Headmaster Janet Fox, Academic Dean Christy Heno, Head of Early Childhood and Lower School Charlie Gramatges, Head of Middle School THE WINDOW Andrea Lawless, Editor Jessica Wright, Design & Photography Nancy Baltodano, Photography Parent Volunteers, Photography

A special thank you to the faculty, alumni and parents who contributed to this magazine. We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the printed information. Serve a Purpose | 82â&#x20AC;&#x192;

5300 Main Street â&#x20AC;˘ Houston, Texas 77004

Cover art inspired by 2018 Wrecking Ball Gala PreKindergarten Class Project created in collaboration with Ede Booth, Talley Gregg, Kellie Lawrence, Joselyn Leal, Jessica Marshall, and Jessica Wright.

The Window (2018)

Articles inside

What if I said, "thank you" every day?

What if you do not have to work alone?

What if you're not afraid to fail?

What if it doesn't matter who is watching?

What if we make room for the future?

What if it's about living a good life?

What if learning happens everywhere?