The Window (2017) by Presbyterian School

IN THIS ISSUE dis • cov • er (dǝs ' kǝvǝr/), verb:

to find (something or someone) unexpectedly or in the course of a search; to become aware of (a fact or situation); to be the first to find or observe (a place, substance, or scientific phenomenon); to perceive the attractions of (an activity or subject) for the first time; to be the first to recognize the potential of. At the heart of the learning journey are those daily and individual epiphanies that are captured in one word: "discovery." Think about it- maybe you remember discovering that you could read words on a page . . . and the intellectual world opened up in new and exciting ways.

opened up in new and exciting ways.

Maybe you remember discovering that you could throw a baseball really hard or shoot a basketball through a hoop with ease or dribble a soccer ball at full speed without even looking down at your feet . . . and the physical world

Finally, maybe you remember discovering the grace and love of a forgiving God . . . and the world itself opened up in every single way.

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Maybe you remember discovering that you could draw or paint or sing or dance, or that you could do ALL these things - and do them well . . . and the artistic world opened up in new and exciting ways.

from the headmaster

This year’s edition of the Window is all about these individual epiphanies that reside in our personal journeys of discovery. In the voices of our teachers and our alumni, as well as in the featured work of our students, you’ll learn about important discoveries of the world, of individual passion, and of personal identity. We say that our mission is counter-cultural, because educating and supporting each child is a journey of discovery that necessitates vulnerability, which is ultimately where critical and creative thinking resides. Finally, as you read the Window I want to challenge you to look beyond what we are doing and pay closer attention to why we do it. Iconic educator John Dewey once wrote: “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” What Dewey is saying and what we are trying to live out is bigger than merely “school.” It’s about

discovering something here- in these pages and in our hallways- that you can believe in . . . something you can belong to . . . something with purpose. Discovery is rooted in this very sort of purpose- one that we hope our students are developing each day and that will produce in them a confidence to go anywhere (discover the world) . . . to do anything (discover a passion) . . . and to be their best selves (discover identity). If education truly is “life itself,” then we want our education at Presbyterian School to shape the lives of our children one discovery after another.

Dr. Mark Carleton Headmaster

In This Issue | 3

DISCOVER AND

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LEARN in early childhood

How a child learns is as important as what they learnprocess and content go hand in hand. Immersing students in a classroom environment as vivid as their imaginations cultivates a lifelong enthusiasm for discovery. To fully engage the imagination of their students, prekindergarten teachers created a world-class curriculum entitled Pre-K Airlines, which immerses students in the culture of countries around the world. The classroom is transformed into each country Pre-K Airlines visits, so students feel connected to the curriculum at all times. Students and teachers spend around a month in each country. A week in France might look like this: Monday: Take a trip to the Louvre to study how Monet uses different colored paints for daytime and nighttime effects. Tuesday: Make butter to go with French baguettes and learn how molecules work in the butter-making process. Wednesday: Watch and listen to the "Les Poissons" ("The Fish") song from The Little Mermaid to learn some new French words and then construct a bar graph from a fish that has different colored scales on the Smartboard. Thursday: Build an Eiffel Tower out of toothpicks to celebrate Bastille Day. Friday: Put a stamp in the passport and use inventive spelling to write your favorite thing about France.

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Students have fun cooking and creating without realizing they are also developing fine motor skills, learning math concepts, comparing and contrasting, and connecting letter sounds. Pre-K Airlines visits eight places a year, and they're not always the same. Teachers pick both familiar and unfamiliar places so they can learn along with their students. They want to explore with their students as they teach and model how to ask questions and find answers. Inspired by the School’s location in one of the most diverse cities in the U. S., teachers pick destinations that not only have things in common with Houston, like museums and sports teams, but also have vastly different foods, languages, and clothing. Their hope is for students to learn how to appreciate and love other cultures. Traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures never fails to excite students. Their enthusiasm is contagious and dynamic. They love learning new languages and sharing what they are learning because they want everyone to be on an adventure with them! They bring pictures of family members at the top of the Eiffel Tower, they bring instruments from India for everyone to play, they spot Greek columns at their own houses, and they force their parents to record a special on King Tut. It never gets old! Pre-K Airlines uses a project-based approach to teaching that involves the integration of all subject areas. Pre-K Airlines touches on literacy, math, science, art, history, and language while incorporating field trips, guest speakers, and personal anecdotes for each country visited. While it would take many more pages to capture everything that students learn at each of their destinations, we have captured a snapshot of an aspect of their learning for each country visited in 2016-17. Take a minute to read more about how their learning has taken flight with Pre-K Airlines. Houston, Texas: Ready for Take-off Pre-K Airlines is incredibly lucky to be based in the diverse city of Houston - a city that brings people from all over the world to visit our medical center, museums, and restaurants. We are also a hub for all kinds of intercontinental travel. We are overjoyed when we are given the chance to meet community helpers from our awesome city, especially when the community helper is a parent at our school! We have had visits from doctors, veterinarians, firefighters, and more. This year, the children spent time with a real United Airlines pilot! Seeing parents speak about their occupations motivates students to think about exciting careers. New York City: A Bite of the Big Apple Pre-K students were dying to go to NYC after visiting it on Pre-K Airlines! It’s hard not to get excited about a city that not only has the Statue of Liberty, but also a GIGANTIC park right in the middle of it! Not all the places aboard Pre-K Airlines are as accessible as the Big Apple, so many students often have a chance to see the Empire State Building in person. It’s an adventure for students to step out of a taxi, ride the subway, count Lady Liberty’s seven spikes while aboard a ferry, and run through the Central Park Zoo! What’s even better? Coming home and sharing their adventures with their class! 6 | The Window

in early childhood

France: Taking Firsthand Field Trips Pre-K Airlines could not be in a better location for field trips, especially when it comes to studying art. During our travels through France, students met Edgar Degas and fell in love with his sculptures and paintings of ballerinas and horses. They were thrilled to be able to walk across the street to the Museum of Fine Arts to experience Degas’ original works of art in person, especially his famous “Little Dancer.” Students learned not only about the artist’s techniques and famous works of art, but also about the artist’s life. As the year progressed, students were able to compare and contrast facts about the different artists on the Pre-K Airlines tour. India: Vibrant Arts Are Everywhere Bollywood! Painted elephants! Bejeweled clothing and amazing musical instruments! India captures the arts like no other. Students aboard Pre-K Airlines had a ball experiencing the joy of dancing with a Bollywood professional. They practiced the art of storytelling through dance. They celebrated the Festival of Jaipur by creating gorgeous elephants using the mixed media technique. The children also created spice trees, which are made from cinnamon and fennel, both of which are native to India. It’s a joy for them to experience every aspect of the bustling and vibrant country.

Egypt: Travel Back in History Pre-K Airlines took us BACK in time to Ancient Egypt, because you can’t beat the history behind the Nile River and mysterious pyramids. Students learned how pyramids were built, and compared and contrasted the architecture with buildings like the Taj Mahal and the Eiffel Tower. They found out the meaning behind hieroglyphs and discovered who dug up the tomb of King Tut. Students learned about the process of mummification by designing their own sarcophagus, and we wrapped up the unit by visiting the Museum of Natural Science to see the artifacts up close! Australia: Putting It on the Map One thing that really stands out when the children study Australia is the fact that the country has so many different types of ecosystems. What better way to see that than on a map? Students practiced basic map skills by labeling the Outback, the Grasslands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They made note of famous cities, landmarks, and mountain ranges. Map drawing at a young age increases spacial awareness and makes students more interested in the world around them. Students aboard Pre-K Airlines have an increased interest in looking at globes and trying to understand the distance and difference between countries and continents. They also want to travel! Students embraced Australia’s most beloved animal, the Discover and Learn| 7

kangaroo. They tackled the important concept of estimating by pretending their pockets were the pouch of a marsupial. How many crayons do you think you can fit inside YOUR pouch? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than you think! Italy: Erupting Scientific Experiments Watch out, hot lava coming through! Pre-K Airlines focused on how and why volcanoes erupt by studying two famous volcanoes in Italy. We read books, watched videos of real-life eruptions (sometimes in real time), brainstormed what was causing the eruptions, and performed our own volcanic science experiments using baking soda and vinegar. Greece: Inspired to Tell a Story Take a trip back in time to Ancient Greece but keep an eye out for Zeus and those lightning bolts! By immersing the students in Greek mythology, Pre-K Airlines furthered students' love of storytelling. They acted out myths in the puppet theater and authored and illustrated original stories. Rice Literacy Storytelling is used in the dictation process, and students used colored pencils to make their visions come to life.

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in early childhood

“I love experiencing other cultures, food, music and views.” #PSlearns

BEHIND THE SCENES

LINDSAY RENKEN B.A. English, Texas A&M University M.Ed., University of Houston In the fall of 2009, prekindergarten teacher, Lindsay Renken, sat down with colleague, Leanne Gotcher, with a simple idea of incorporating travel into the curriculum spurred on by her personal experiences in travel. This was the beginning of Pre-K Airlines. The curriculum now encompasses multiple countries that change year to year based on students' interests and the freedom teachers have to design a unique curriculum. Over the years, Pre-K Airlines has sparked discussions that have led to deeper thinking, new art projects, fantastic storytelling, and many laughs. Lindsay recalls a student’s recent questions while studying Australia: “If a Kangaroo is an herbivore, does he like salad? Like even cucumbers? Because I don’t like cucumbers. Did you know I can ride my bike without training wheels? Can kangaroos learn to ride

bikes? Can we find a video of a kangaroo riding a bike?” Lindsay says it’s the laughter, naïveté and genuine connection with her students that feed her love for teaching. “We become a family that can be weird, loud, and creative together, but can also buckle down and work when needed.” Lindsay's favorite country visited (in real life) is New Zealand. After taking the Lord of the Rings horseback tour, Lindsay affirmed that"it's literally a fairy tale land." While having visited several of the countries she teaches, Lindsay also forges into the unknown. She adds new locations to the curriculum and relishes in discoveries that will create new adventures. “I like including places I haven’t visited, because I get to learn along with students. It inspires me to make changes to the curriculum.”

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AUBREY CALAWAY '12 Speaking Up, Speaking Out “Being

respected as an individual at a young age was powerful; it gave me the confidence to engage with authority, assert my ideas, and build support networks far past middle school graduation.”

Presbyterian School '12 • St. Agnes ’16 • Brown University ’22

y love for politics has been lifelong, but it was somewhere around sixth grade when my passion grew, and I began to get up early to watch CNN before heading to Presbyterian School. The following year, I started a small debate club with Mrs. Leever and a few classmates who were willing to discuss political topics with me during lunchtime. I loved the banter, and I was hooked! While I did not participate in debate in high school at St. Agnes Academy, I did happen upon a club called the Students Against Modern-Day Slavery (SAMS) Club. When I walked into the first meeting, I was blind

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to the knowledge about the enormous fight for human rights that I was about to enter. Nor did I realize that it would become one of my greatest passions. I was aware that there was labor exploitation in the world but was convinced that large-scale human trafficking had ended in the 19th century. I was incredibly wrong and plighted for change. During all four years of high school, I worked to spread awareness of the multi-billion dollar industry that currently enslaves tens of millions of people in sex,

alumni spotlight organizing and social justice motivate all aspects of my life, both academically and personally. The service I do with unBUYnd and the ACLU produces real, tangible results, and that has been the most exciting part of college so far.

labor, and organ trafficking. As president of SAMS Club, I worked to mobilize my peers in thousand-dollar fundraisers for organizations that prevent trafficking and support the victims. Concurrently, I served as president of the St. Agnes chapter of Junior Statesmen of America (JSA), through which I spent weekends debating with other high schoolers about the most relevant (and contentious) political topics. A legacy was set, and my sister, Julia Calaway (PS '13), became president of SAMS Club after I graduated. My first semester at Brown University was a whirlwind, but I found my anchor in our chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as well as unBUYnd, a small organization of students working to get the Rhode Island Transparency in Supply Chains Act passed in Rhode Island. Our extraordinary grassroots group of ten students wrote this bill and spent a year paving our way to the state house. The goal of the bill was to legislatively ensure that companies can’t come into the state and sell products produced by coerced, child, or slave labor. As part of the largest economy in the world, even small states like Rhode Island can initiate a huge ripple effect that could improve the working conditions and lives of people across the globe.

At Presbyterian School, walking into the Head of Middle School’s office with a proposal to run my own club and being not only being allowed, but also encouraged, to pursue it absolutely influenced the confidence I needed walking into the committee hearing to present our bill to state legislators. At PS, I was continuously encouraged to seek leadership positions, and if they didn’t exist, then I knew I could create them. From taking the stage as Jacque Cousteau during Great Moments in History in third grade to being Stage Manager of our eighth grade musical, Beauty and the Beast, my voice was strengthened by the abundance of opportunities. There was never any doubt about whether teachers and administrators would be there to support me. Being respected as an individual at a young age was powerful; it gave me the confidence to engage with authority, assert my ideas, and build support networks far past middle school graduation. There’s no telling where that confidence will take me!

Moving from a city of over two million people to a state of one million has certainly been a transition, and I find that the smaller community has its perks. I’m able to intimately connect the abstract sociology or political science that I learn in the classroom to the one-on-one conversations with state representatives, something that living in such a small state facilitates. While I don’t currently have plans for a career in politics, community

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PURSUE "What keeps you up at night?" Pose this question to a lower school student, and you may expect to hear a variety of responses, including nightmares, fears, and other anxieties. However, that is not what keeps up a Presbyterian School fourth grader! When asked, “What do you wonder about?” and “What do you care about?”, every fourth grade student had something compelling to share. From baseball fields to archaeology and roller coasters to carrier pigeons, students overflowed with passion on a variety of topics. Teachers wanted students to think critically about something they love but don’t have enough background information on. They encouraged fourth graders to consider a scenario in which they weren’t full-time students. Given the freedom of time without specific parameters of learning, what would they want to be learning, doing, or contributing to the world? From these random sparks of interest, our Think.Make.Talk (TMT) teachers lit fires in the minds of our students. TMT classes explore a variety of critical and creative thinking topics. Presbyterian School’s Think.Make.Talk paradigm is our authentic and research-based approach to the “design thinking,” “makerspace,” and “STEAM” movements sweeping through schools across the country. We are challenging students to THINK deeply about problems, ideas, projects, and research; creatively MAKE real-world applications that flow out of that thinking; and TALK to members of our community about what they’ve made and

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THE PASSION in lower school

Pursue the Passion | 13â&#x20AC;&#x192;

how to make it even better. At the end of the year, fourth grade students embarked upon a passion project in TMT and picked a topic that was of great interest to them. The underlying goal of the passion project was to learn for the sake of learning and to connect with a professional in Houston (or around the nation) who shares the student's passion. Students were matched with experts and posed numerous questions to them that they could not get an answer to with a simple Google search. Establishing a human connection to their interests showed students the value in making relationships to gain deeper insights. In this process, students learned how to communicate their ideas appropriately, effectively, and with confidence. They also gained a greater understanding of their passions and were spurred on to a deeper level of interest and investigation. While most research ends with a culminating project or "wow" exhibit that signals the conclusion of learning, teachers wanted to encourage something different with this passion project. Students were asked to create a physical representation of what they have learned thus far, with the idea that they should continue to investigate and find new information about their topics, because learning and creating is an ongoing process. Fourth graders enjoyed meeting and learning from professionals around the country. Hearing from real-life professionals who are passionate about the same things they are is an awesome experience for students. Below is an excerpt of some of the questions and answers that were exchanged between fourth grade students and professionals in the community. Join our conversations, and take a few minutes to learn with us!

d Hi, my name is Talulah Monthy, an n I am in fourth grade at Presbyteria d School. We are doing a project calle the Passion Project. I am studying if fashion design, and I was wondering out ab s on ti es qu e m so er sw an ld ou w u yo to fashion design so that I will be able understand my project. 14 | The Window

in lower school Q & A with Rita Watson Designer, Kate Spade

Fourth grade student, Talulah, has loved fashion for as long as she can remember. She loved to dress up as a little girl and is the self-proclaimed fashionista of the family. She aspires to be a shoe and clothing designer, and has started making clothing for her cat. The passion project has re-sparked her love for fashion. Talulah: When did you start fashion design? Rita: I think I have probably been designing my entire life, without even knowing it… and I think you probably have been, too! My first memory of designing fashion was in fourth grade - I used to buy fashion magazines and draw over the models and illustrations inside. This really helped me learn how to develop drawing skills - it took me A LOT of practice! I also believe that if you can design one thing, you can design anything. Always remember: the sky’s the limit - so dream big! Talulah: Where do you find inspiration? Rita: I find inspiration everywhere - vintage clothes and accessories from the 1950-70s are some of my favorite references. I live in New York, which has amazing vintage shops, but I also travel the United States (Los Angeles, Miami, and Nashville) and Europe (London and Paris) to visit my favorite vintage shops and art galleries. Travel is my favorite source of inspiration, and Paris is my favorite city - the fashion there is iconic and chic! And my favorite fashion designer, Coco Chanel, was from Paris. She is probably the world’s most famous fashion designer, and her work is the biggest influence on my personal style. I have never been to Texas, but it is on my list! If you are ever in Dallas, I hear Vintage Martini (vintage clothing and accessories) is a great source of inspiration. And when I can’t travel, I like to look at books. You can find books on certain types of design (shoes, eyewear, etc.) or places to travel. Be open and curious: inspiration is everywhere! Talulah: What stitches are the most useful, in your opinion, for making an outfit? Rita: They are all so useful in different ways, depending on what you are making. For sewing woven fabric, the basic straight-stitch is the most common and fundamental building block to all other and more complex stitches. flat-felled seam and French seam (created by the straightstitch) are two of my favorite seams because they really help to elevate the overall craftsmanship of the garment.

But don’t be intimidated by them - they seem scary, but are not as tricky as they look. I think they’re fun. Flatfelled seam is the stitch/seam most commonly seen on the outer leg of your jeans. French seams are an interior garment finish that you see in more expensive, unlined garments. One thing I have found most interesting throughout my career is that whenever people think of fashion design they think of woven fabrics and sewing, but knitwear is just as important. I love knits, and knitting is an art of its own. For knitwear, the jersey stitch is the most fundamental, because all other stitches derive from this stitch. Your favorite T-shirt is jersey stitch. If you examine the fabric

Pursue the Passion | 15

closely, you will see a V-stitch on the outside of your shirt, and if you look inside, the same stitch looks like a little swiggle. This is called the purl. Talulah: Where do you find the best fabrics? Rita: At Kate Spade New York, the vintage garments (often called “samples") that I buy throughout my travels inspire the fabrics and designs for the season. The samples are often cut for fabric and/or print inspiration and then sent off to teams all over the world who will either find or create similar fabrics or prints. For personal designing, I find fabric at the vintage shops or local fabric stores. If you ever visit NYC, two of my favorite fabric stores are Mood Fabrics (it’s famous!) and B&J Fabrics. They both have great selections. Talulah: Have any of your designs become famous?

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Rita: Ha, you tell me! A few places my designs are seen include New York Fashion Week (twice a year when we show spring and fall collections to the press), Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar magazines, and the Kate Spade New York website and Instagram. If you take a look at our site, you can see some of my designs there. I design the fashion accessories (hats, gloves, scarves, earmuffs, etc.), eyewear, and activewear. I also used to design Kate Spade clothing, swimwear, sleepwear, and belts. Talulah: Are there colors that you like to put together? Rita: What a great question! Of course! A few of my favorites are black and cream, pink and red (this one is surprisingly fun), navy and blush, and soft pink and yellow (think lemonade yellow). I think Valentino (luxury design house) does really interesting color combinations.

, and m a h a r G e go Ann r a M s i e ian r e t y b s e r My nam P er at d a r g h t r u o I am , t c e j o I am a f r P n Passio y m r o ce F a . p l s e v o l Schoo I e ecaus b , s r a M g our t u o b studyin a e r o ow m n k o t t n a w eeply d d l and I u o w I . lanets p g n i r o r my b e h w s n a neig d l u ou co y f i t i e t a i c ore m e appre m o s e give m d n a s n o i t ques . information

in lower school Q & A with Captain Mike Foreman

President of Venturi Outcomes, LLC. Captain, U.S. Navy, Ret., NASA Astronaut Margo’s love for Mars came about from watching episodes of Dr. Who as well as learning that evidence of water has been found on Mars. She would love to become an astronaut and travel to Mars to see if it could be inhabitable for people. Margo: How did you become inspired to study space? Mike: When I was in fourth grade, I started hearing a lot about astronauts. I thought being an astronaut would be a fun job, so I decided to pursue a career in space. My path to becoming an astronaut first took me to college, where I studied aerospace engineering. After graduation I became a Navy pilot, then a test pilot. I also went back to college to get a master degree in aeronautical engineering. After applying eight times to NASA to become an astronaut, I was finally selected to be a member of the NASA Astronaut Class of 1998. I became an Astronaut in 1998 and retired from NASA in 2015. I continue to be an advocate for NASA. I speak around the country and world about my experiences in space. In almost every discussion I am involved in, someone is interested in when astronauts will go to Mars. I always tell them that people will eventually go to Mars, because we are driven to explore - it is part of who we are as human beings. Margo: What pictures or evidence have you seen that makes you believe that there is or is not life on Mars? Mike: From the International Space Station orbiting 250 miles above Earth, Mars doesn’t look much different than it does from here on Earth. What I do see when I look up are the amazing opportunities that other astronauts will have one day when they get to explore Mars. I hope I am still alive to see that! I see evidence from Mars rovers and pictures that there is or used to be water on Mars. Maybe water is still there but it is hard to see because it is underground. The presence of water could mean that there is life on Mars. We need to continue to explore Mars with robots and eventually astronauts to find out for sure. Margo: What was the most amazing part of your job? Mike: My time as a NASA astronaut allowed me to interact with hundreds of people that had a strong interest in space - other astronauts, scientists, and engineers. The best part of my job is that I get to share my experiences as an astronaut with lots of people who might never have the opportunity to go to space and see the Earth from that

vantage point. People never tire of hearing about space, and I never tire from talking about it. Margo: What was the scariest thing you saw or did? Mike: I felt really comfortable about all the things I did as an astronaut. Sitting on top of a rocket that is about to blast you into space probably sounds like it might be scary, but after all the training and preparation NASA gave me beforehand, it really wasn’t. The thing I was nervous about doing was my first spacewalk. NASA trained me very extensively for that spacewalk, but the training was all done in a huge swimming pool where we would put on the same suits we were going to wear in space and go underwater to simulate floating in space. For six hours at a time, we practiced all the same tasks that we were going to do on our real spacewalk outside the International Space Station. The difference was that during training, we were in a big swimming pool so I wasn’t worried. I was worried about how I would feel when I first floated outside of the space station and saw the Earth 250 miles below. Would I feel like I was falling? Would I feel like I needed to hang on to the space station for dear life the entire time? I was anxious about it, to say the least! In the end I got outside for my first spacewalk and due to the incredible training that NASA had given me, I felt very comfortable out there. I got to do four more spacewalks over my two space shuttle missions. Pursue the Passion | 17

a My name is Noah Kim, and I am ian fourth grade student at Presbyter sting re te in an se oo ch to t go e W . ol ho Sc alk., topic in my class, Think.Make.T i. I and the topic I chose was origam I was have been making origami since , but I little. I have not done it in awhile want to learn more about it.

Q & A with Beatrice Chan

Assistant Curator, Asian Art Department, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Noah began learning origami about a year ago when he was interested in making a star. He is a self-taught guru who looks to YouTube for design inspiration as well as instruction. Noah: Did you ever study origami or orikata? What types of art are you interested in? Beatrice: No, I have never officially studied origami, but I enjoyed origami a lot when I was younger. I liked making paper cranes, and the most difficult thing I learned how to make was a rose! My parents bought me origami books when I was young, but the books were in Chinese, so it was hard for me to read. I made some things learning from the book. My older cousin taught me how to fold a rose when I was visiting her in Canada. I remember trying really hard to remember the steps so that I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget after I returned home. My favorite type of art is Chinese and Japanese landscape paintings.

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The artists usually like to paint a landscape covered in fog and clouds. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see fog too often in Houston, but I grew up in San Francisco, which is famous for its fog. Here is a link to my favorite painting: https:// scrolls.uchicago.edu/scroll/twelve-views-landscape. We have a landscape painting made from an explosion at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Have you visited it before? The artwork is titled Odyssey by Cai Guo-Qiang, who is a fireworks expert. Noah: What inspired you to create art? Beatrice: I am not an artist. I am an Asian art curator. This means that I research works of art to share with

in lower school people who visit the museum. I try to learn all about the object: who owned it, what is the topic of the artwork, when the artwork was made, and why the artwork was made. Then I share the information I learn with the museum visitor in an interesting way. I might write a story for the Internet or a label for the museum, and sometimes I give tours to museum visitors. I studied French and art history at Smith College. I studied for one year in Paris. And after I graduated from college, I spent one year studying Mandarin in Taiwan. Then I came back to the US and studied Asian art history at Boston University. Noah: Are paper cranes the original origami sculpture? Beatrice: I don’t believe that the crane is the original sculpture in origami. No one really knows when origami began, but most people agree that it started in Japan. There was a tradition in Japan to wrap presents in an elaborate way, like a fancier version of Christmas present wrappings. The Japanese presents or letters were wrapped in paper, and I believe those were the original origami. The crane might be the most well-known origami structure, but it’s probably not the oldest.

18th century that paper was produced commercially. Before the 18th century, paper was reserved only for the kings and government officials who had to write reports. Can you imagine not having access to paper whenever you need it? Noah: Do you like what you do? Beatrice: I chose my job because I really like sharing art with everyone. I like telling stories and encouraging everyone to appreciate art. I think it is so cool that you enjoy making origami, and I hope that you share your artworks with your family and friends. People are so different (there are different races, ethnicities, languages, and places to live), but everyone can look at and talk about art. Actually, the best talks I have about art come when many different types of people share their perspectives.

Noah: Is origami the most ancient paper-folding art? Beatrice: Origami is likely the oldest form of paperfolding art. They might not have called it "origami" from the beginning, but the paper-folding tradition in Japan evolved into origami. Something really important needed to happen before origami could become popular: people needed to have access to inexpensive paper. This happened much later than you would imagine. It wasn’t until the

Q & A with Chris Shepherd Creative Director, Petrostudios.com

Emmi's love for videography started when she noticed the quality of videos on YouTube. She has been inspired to take her abilities to the iPad to see what she can produce herself. She uses iMovie to process video clips and finds that it is harder than it looks. Emmi enjoys making movies and can't wait to produce more. Emmi: What inspired you to become a videographer? Chris: I have been inspired by so many things. My very first inspiration came from watching a show on the Disney channel that did a behind-the-scenes look while they were making Pirates of the Caribbean. This was, and

still is, one of my favorite films. Seeing the cameramen in little boats circling the pirate ships while fake explosions and battles were going on was so fascinating to me. I've never forgotten that moment.

Pursue the Passion | 19

Emmi: How did you get interested in making videos? Chris: I think what got me interested was the fact people paid attention to the things I filmed, and it was the only thing I could make that I enjoyed showing. My family and friends were surprised by the details I would film and what I found interesting enough to film. I remember once setting up my camera to film a time lapse of a chrysalis for several days, until it hatched and everyone was so impressed. I was just having fun, and learning how different settings worked on the camera. Emmi: What are some tips you can give me to make a good YouTube video or short film? Chris: First, narrow down the type of audience that you want to bring enjoyment to, and learn what they like. Are you making it for yourself or are you making it to impress others? If you're making it for yourself, then only you should judge it. Take others' advice, but remember that it was made

for your enjoyment. If you are making a video for someone else, be specific about who it's for. Remember that you will never please everyone, because everybody has different tastes. My second, and probably most important, tip is to write down your ideas. Don't worry about what it looks like, just write. This should always be your first step. Write down what inspired you. Write down what videos you want this video to look like. Write down who your audience is. Write down the topics you want to cover. This doesn't have to be a long, tedious process, but you have a better chance of finishing what you started if you see some of your plans and ideas written down. Finally, teamwork: Don't create every one of your videos alone. Learn to work with friends, and get others involved. It's amazing what ideas can come together when friends start talking about ideas! Watch the credits on your favorite movie, and see if there was just one person involved.

Hi, my name is Emmi Bailey. I am a fourth grade student at Presbyterian School and we are doing a Passion Project. I love watching YouTube videos and chose them for my Passion Project topic. I am wondering if you could help answer some questions about how you make your videos so popular?

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in lower school

“There is a huge, beautiful, amazing world out there.” #ConfidenceInEveryChild

BEHIND THE SCENES

EBY HARVEY B.A. Journalism and Spanish, University of Texas M.Ed., University of Houston The school day doesn’t end once the students are gone. Learning continues after school for Academic Enrichment Think.Make.Talk. teacher, Eby Harvey, as she takes her place in the inaugural Houston Design Thinking Workshop at Rice University. Rice's Design Thinking is a class dedicated to solving the world's messy, complex problems by driving innovation through design thinking. “The skills I am learning and practicing in the workshop are basically what I ask my kids to do every day in Think. Make.Talk., so it really hits close to home.” Teaching students to think critically and develop problem-solving skills comes naturally to this world traveler. Eby has been to five continents, 34 countries, and 49 states, and doesn’t feel she will ever lose her sense of wanderlust. “I love to pass the knowledge on to my

students that there is a huge, beautiful, amazing world out there, and we can’t possibly hope to understand how we fit in until we go see it for ourselves.” Leading by example, she thinks about the places she would like to visit, makes plans, visits them, and shares her experiences. Eby uses her experiences to envision and foster an environment where students can openly share ideas and thoughts without judgement. “It’s amazing the growth in creative confidence I’ve witnessed in my students this year – they now crave brainstorming sessions and embrace teamwork, advocate for themselves and their ideas, and are willing to take risks and fail!” In a world that is rapidly changing and demands innovative ideas and collaborations, Presbyterian School cultivates and encourages these necessary skills.

Pursue the Passion | 21

ROBERT LARKIN '11 My Passion, My Profession “Don't

be afraid to go after something you really want. My teachers never discouraged me from going after what I wanted to pursue, and I carry that with me every day.”

Presbyterian School '11 • Episcopal High School '15 • University of Texas '19

t a very young age, I remember being excited by anything and everything sports. When I was seven or eight years old, I would wake up at before school at 4 a.m. just to watch the early episodes of SportsCenter and to open the Houston Chronicle sports page before anyone in my family touched it. For a while, it was just for entertainment, but when I realized I could be paid to talk and write about sports, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. My passion continued to grow at Presbyterian School, and I was blessed with some awesome English teachers

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who taught me how to write. My eighth grade English teacher, Mr. Hanold, always pushed me to explore free thought and read everything I could get my hands on. My high school newspaper teacher, David Framel, taught me what journalism really is and showed me the qualities of a great story. After taking the newspaper classes at Episcopal High School, I was sold on journalism, specifically sports journalism, being a part of my future. As a journalism student at the University of Texas, I jumped right into writing for the Daily Texan, the campus newspaper, and Orangebloods.com, an online news source

alumni spotlight covering every sports event at the University of Texas. I find myself enjoying the online medium more, because there are no word-count restrictions and I'm given the freedom to roam and find my own big story ideas. I also think that Orangebloods.com gives me the opportunity to receive feedback on my work, which in turn makes me a more polished writer.

My advice for Presbyterian students: Always pursue what you want to do and work very hard at it. It's never easy to get where you dream to go, but your hard work and determination will help separate you from a lot of people.

For a while I would have said reporting and writing for Orangebloods.com was my dream job. I've been reading this site for almost eight years now, and I still pinch myself when my writing is published. However, my dreams have grown, and I aspire to become a national columnist for a website or traditional publication who travels to the largest sporting events of the year, such as the Masters, the World Series, and Kentucky Derby. I'd like to follow in the footsteps of the great writers who have gone before me in this field. My favorite sports writer is Wright Thompson, and I would love to have the opportunity to experience some of the things he's been able to do. My goals for my future are to become not only a great professional, but alsoe a person that my friends, family, and schools can say positively impacted them. I've had so many great opportunities in my life that have allowed me to meet awesome people from all over the country. Whether it is writing for different publications, my fraternity, or the schools I attended, I've built relationships that will last a lifetime. In any profession, relationships are important, and I've made sure to be involved in several different things to make sure I have a network of people I can talk to for advice or help if I ever need it. Presbyterian School allowed me to discover two things. First, don't be afraid to go after something you really want. My teachers never discouraged me from going after what I wanted to pursue, and I believe I carry that with me every day. Second, the friends you make here will be ones you remember for the rest of your lives, so cherish those people. Presbyterian School was a big part of my life, and I still communicate with some of my best friends from there today. There are some truly awesome people at Presbyterian School, and I'm very honored to say I was a part of this community.

Pursue the Passion | 23â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Who are my friends? What sports should I play? What electives should I take? What high school will I attend? Important questions swirl around as our middle school students dig into the greater question of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who am I?â&#x20AC;? Realizing middle school students are in a place of exploration and self-discovery, our teachers are eager to help students uncover their interests and find their voices. Identity is defined as the distinguishing character or personality of an individual. Katrina Schwartz wrote in her article for Mind Shift that "forming an identity is some combination of discovery, construction, and creation, but at its core it is a process of figuring out one's beliefs, values, goals, and experiences. All humans are multi-faceted, but integrating an identity is about fully inhabiting all sides of the self." As students grapple with questions of identity, what better place is there to begin this discussion than in the classroom, where there are continuous opportunities for discovery, construction, and creation? English teacher, Lesli Dabney, and advanced language arts and skills teacher, Moira Burgy, initiated an interdisciplinary project inspired by a compelling high school self-portrait exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Museum. Students were challenged to explore their identities, embrace their strengths and weaknesses, and boldly articulate them through creative writing and a 3-D symbolic representation. As with all her English assignments, Dabney

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THIS IS

WHO I AM in middle school This Is Who I Am| 25â&#x20AC;&#x192;

shared professional writing pieces on identity for students to examine, read and discuss. As students jumped into their own writing, they not only exercised the mechanics of writing and grammar, but also explored the figurative aspects of writing, including content, meaning, and word choice. In their identity projects, students were pushed to go past what they do to who they are and what that says about them. As a result, students demonstrated great courage and became vulnerable in their writing. Take a minute to get to know four of our middle school students through the words they share.

The Identity of John Farrell "What kind of person are you?" I've never heard them say until I had to write this. I am a person who is undecided. My soul is a bird racing in the wind, flying from tree to tree. With a personality that is always trying to entertain. I am smooth like a hot knife through butter; however, I sometimes conduct my business loudly, sometimes obnoxiously. I am the cool breeze on my lacrosse helmet, to the uncomfortableness of my elbow pads, or sometimes the repulsive sweat running down my helmet like a waterfall. I am oftentimes too scared to shoot, or I just don't get the ball, especially in basketball. I am also the extreme anxiety and the apprehensive moments and nerves on the starting line, and Coach O'Gorman repeating, "The nerves are good. They will help you get out faster." Or AOS kids, our biggest rivals, telling me to hit the road or yelling, "Slow down!" while I run. I am afraid of failure. Afraid that all my friends will move on without me. Afraid of heights, but not to an extreme level. I am a history nerd at heart, but not as much as other people. I drink more than one juice box at lunch, and I like eating Breyer's Cookies â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Cream ice cream. My mother, a down-to-earth Beaumont, Texas country

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girl, my father, a bustling Boston boy, me stuck in the middle. Now I sit here writing this, a young 12-year-old boy whose days are numbered, except with hopefully at least 50 years to go, Hallelujah. True Identity by Katherine Zanovich I'm a person with a complex soul, unique with a heart of gold. Crystals play their silent harmony, never to forget in all of history. I'm from the caves and the mountain peaks, shining like the morning dew, taking the stares of the old rusty playground. Living in a dream, leaping through the air, staring from below. I know I'm different, not like the others. Scared of being alone, a copycat of others. I feel like the electric plug in an otherwise perfect portrait. The bond between animals is like a profound saying that wows an audience. The plunder of paws, the thrumming of hooves, amend my soul, keep me going toward my destiny. My reflection isn't my identity, the things on the inside are.

in middle school Unstoppable by Katherine Hayes "Who are you?", they ask me. I am a beet in a field of carrots, different from everything else. I am a ball of fire ready to explode. Getting mad at everyone standing in my way. I am a leader, leading my peers to the finish line. My brain scrambles letters, so I cannot understand them. Do my friends (or so they say) know the real me? Who else shows their anxiety through anger and loudness? Who can't tell a W from a M? Do they know I have problems that can be tamed with therapy? Do they think I am "normal"? No one knows the real me, except me! My identity cannot be explained by basic letters, but words, strong powerful words. Words that explain who I am. I am a person with a complex athletic soul, a crazy thing of excitement and joy. With a dyslexic mind at the beginning of the 21st century, with a young body from early times. I am a person from the Earth, stuck trying to find a path to success. I hit good and bad together in one single ball. I was created by the Lord, who protects me from danger. People think they know who their friends are, but really all they know is what they look like or what they act like. I am vulnerable, exposed to the world, not ready to take the jump to the next stage. I am hardest on myself, the only one who can throw me down. I have a nosy nose, always ending up in the wrong situation. I swing a bat and find myself at peace, not alone, as brave as the night, not scared, only at peace, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just me and the bat together, making a team that can't be stopped.

I'm behind that plate ready to catch that pitch, my body slows down. I don't think of the anxiety or the dyslexia I have, I think of nothing. It's only me in that gear, hot and sweaty, waiting for the pitcher to pitch the ball. I catch the ball and feel accomplished. I didn't have to say a word or letter, I needed to know nothing but how to catch a ball. The action of the game makes me forget the troubling world. My team, the people who make a smile appear on my face, make me remember who my true friends are. The competition of the game brings out my inner beast, the beast that if you get in its way, you will regret it. This is the side of me I will never let go. This is me, the girl who is known for her actions, the girl known because of her brothers. I am the girl who couldn't care less about what people think of her. I am weird, crazy, bad, mean, good, nice, but that's what makes me who I am. I am the baby of the family, the toughest of the family, the smallest of the family, but also the mightiest. I am that friend that everyone thinks is crazy and normal. But really, I am as normal as a flying pig, the least normal from everyone else. I am like tomorrow, never knowing what to expect. Never know what is going to happen next. I am a beet in a field of carrots, different from everything and everyone else. This is me. My identity cannot be explained by basic letters, but words, strong powerful words. This is my identity. This is what makes me who I am. I wouldn't change my identity no matter what, even if people think I should, I will not!

This Is Who I Am| 27â&#x20AC;&#x192;

I AM ME by Spencer Heijmen I am me. I am happy. I am shy. I am light-headed like a balloon. I am... I am... I am prejudice. I am greedy. I am jealous. I am me. Who are you? You could be me. You could be the exact opposite of me. You could be something you don't want to be. All of us are who we are. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change that. Not to sound full of myself, but back to me. I am... I am... Hmmmmmphh?... I am kind (maybe). I am caring (sort of ). I am aggressive (on the field). I will have to see if I am who I want to be. Haste is not strong with me. I like me. Do you like you? I hope you do. For me, cities are safe havens. The lights and sounds of the streets define me. My two favorite cities, New York and Austin, are amazing in many different ways. New York with the terrible smell but everyone loves it, and the sounds of construction workers building another sky scraper. Also, the beautiful parks with giant castles to turtle infested ponds. And Austin, with its lakes rivers and swimming holes, And cliff jumping, cliff jumping and more cliff jumping. After all that you can go to a nice restaurant overlooking the lake, or go to a loud and rowdy UT football game.

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I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand countryside if I am there for long amounts of time. I also love, love, love movies. There is not a movie that is bad, If you put effort into it. I wish I could be a famous director, like Steven Spielberg or Wes Anderson. I wish I could have an Oscar. The awards are so beautiful. I would like to wake up in the morning and see the award standing high on my shelf. I have loved soccer since second grade Sometimes I get bored and go play soccer in my backyard. It has been my sport. Well... Tied with swimming Both of these sports are awesome. From the cool water to the slippery soccer ball, these are my sports. They are me. I am what I want to be. And for you, if you want to do something, do it. If you know something is fun but you are afraid, then take the risk. Be what you want to be. The ball is in your court. This is mostly me, but not all.

in middle school BEHIND THE SCENES

MOIRA BURGY B.A. Government & Politics, Univ. of Texas, Dallas M.A. Teaching, Stephen F. Austin University As a young child, middle school teacher, Moira Burgy, taught her stuffed animals everything she knew. Now, she stands before Presbyterian Middle School students teaching what she has learned. A lifelong learner at heart, Moira has received her Master of Arts in Teaching and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Political Science. Her experience teaching and coaching over the past 12 years in third grade, middle school (math, social studies, and language arts) and high school (English and AP government & politics) has given her a wide perspective on teaching across discplines. “My vision is to integrate across the disciplines to create an environment where fun and learning come together. I have a responsibility to be enthusiastic and collaborative.” Along those lines she has even found a way to teach appositive phrases using

teams from March Madness. “We find that when students make themselves vulnerable and become courageous, they reate much higher quality projects.” She hopes to continue cross-curricular teaching in the future and expand to different grade levels. “Magic happens when we work in a collaborative way.” Moira has discovered when teaching becomes more crosscurricular, immersive, and relational, students are able to make deeper connections in their learning. Integration across disciplines creates collaborative learning, which allows both students and teachers to learn from each other, exchange experiences, and jointly find options and solutions to shared challenges . . . the very habits that are the underpinnings of deeper scholarship.

“Magic happens when we work in a collaborative way.” #familyschoolandchurch

This Is Who I Am| 29

PS LIFERS Presbyterian Lifers are students who have attended the School since their early childhood or kindergarten years. We have watched our Lifers grow and mature from toddlers to young teenagers in our classrooms and on our playing fields. In kindergarten challenges were daunting, but as our Lifers grew older, they began to readily embrace challenges. In the midst of trials and triumphs, their character was forged. Whether it was receiving one-on-one attention from a teacher or reaching a personal goal, our Class of 2017 PS Lifers were undoubtedly imbued with great confidence over the span of the last decade. Our Lifers considered the best and most influential aspect of the School to be our close-knit community of teachers and students. Many Lifers attributed their past and anticipated future successes to the meaningful and personal relationships they forged at the School. Our Lifers are unanimously confident that they have learned what they need to succeed and take the next step in their lives. We asked them to reflect on their time at Presbyterian School. In the following pages, read about their favorite memories and how the classroom, arts, and athletics shaped them over the years.

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in middle school

This Is Who I Am| 31â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Anna Brown (Pre-K) The PS classroom has shaped me into an overall better and more organized student. The arts in particular have shaped me into a happy and more creative person. Athletics has shown me how to have good sportsmanship and grow as an athlete.

Davis Frank (Pre-K) Throughout the years, Presbyterian School has pushed me to be a better student academically by challenging me to apply myself. The School allowed me to have opportunities for self expression, which has helped define who I am.

Charlie Fridge (Kindergarten) Presbyterian School has prepared me for the future by giving me confidence that I can succeed in school and in life. My favorite memory was the eighth grade trip and the amazing time I had with all of my friends and teachers.

Charles Galtney (Alpha) My favorite memory at PS was being able to participate in athletics. It was so fun to play basketball, football, and track and field. It was rarely easy, but the challenge was why I grew to love it.

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in middle school

Robert Gonsoulin (Alpha) Presbyterian School has shaped me into a person who shows perseverance in the classroom and on the field. It has also helped me to become fearless, step out of my comfort zone, and find new talents that I never thought I had.

Zelie Hughes (Alpha) My favorite memory at PS was my kindergarten year. I loved my teachers, Mrs. Babers and Mrs. Christou. The kindergarten circus was a great way to express ourselves. Performing for fourth grade was a little scary because they were bigger than we were, but it turned out okay and was fun.

Daniel Koch (Alpha) Presbyterian School has taught me manners and how to be a team player. The School has shaped me into a person who is ready to take on the next step. I know that high school is going to be much harder, but knowing that the School has prepared me for the future helps ease the transition.

Jack Link (Kindergarten) With the foundation the School has made for me, both morally and mentally, I feel ready to face the next step in my life. I know that my favorite memory will be the eighth grade musical and all the hard work we put in to make it an amazing performance.

This Is Who I Am| 33â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Will McKinnie (Alpha) I feel I have become better as a person over the years at PS. All my teachers were the perfect combination of funny and smart, and I loved it. My favorite classes were the ones that were project based. I'm sure that the musical will surpass any favorite memory.

Lauren Moak (Alpha) The PS classroom, arts, and athletics have shaped me by teaching me to persevere, work hard, and be part of a team. The School has taught me the skills and tools needed for high school. I feel I'm ready for the next step in my life.

Jackson Peakes (Pre-K) The education, arts, and athletics at Presbyterian School have prepared me for high school. Getting to try different things has helped me figure out what I like and don't like. At Presbyterian I have explored many new things and can't wait to continue those throughout high school.

River Reinersten-Forehand (Pre-K) My favorite PS memory (besides the musical) is the incredible relationship I had with my lower school librarian, Mrs. Modrall. I would come into the library every day and get a new book, and we would talk together. We were best friends, and looking back on it, I love that I had such a tight relationship with her.

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in middle school

Gwen Rippeto (Pre-K) Throughout my 10 years at Presbyterian School, the classroom, arts, and athletics have helped shape me into the person I am today. The comfortable environment and the studentteacher relationships inside and outside the classroom have been very beneficial to my learning and growth as a student and athlete.

Avery Roman (Pre-K) PS athletics have shaped me over the years by teaching me how to persevere, have good sportsmanship, and work with a team. I enjoyed getting close with all my coaches and people in the other grades. The PS arts helped me to come out of my shell to show my creative side.

Rebecca Windle (Alpha) The athletics have shaped me to push myself harder until the work is done. The arts department has shown me how to try new things and go outside my comfort zone. The PS classroom has shown me how there are no dumb questions, and there is always room to grow in my learning. This Is Who I Am| 35â&#x20AC;&#x192;

PORTRAIT OF A PANTHER Graduates of Presbyterian School have a carefully developed foundation of core values when they leave the School. Respect, perseverance, courage, compassion, integrity, and gratitude characterize their shared journey through a challenging curriculum that enriches their minds, an eclectic fine arts program that captivates their spirits, comprehensive athletic and wellness programs that nurture their bodies, and service projects at every grade level that nourish their souls. We have seen that Presbyterian School graduates . . .

• Seek through prayer, study, and

reflection to discern the guidance of their Creator in all their real-life situations.

• Embody a positive sense of self-

confidence, self-worth, and security so that they believe deeply and take appropriate risks throughout their lives.

• Display a growth mindset, focusing

on dedication and hard work, which create a lifelong love of learning and a resilience that is at the heart of great accomplishment.

• Read and write critically, actively

synthesize information, and make sense of it for themselves and others.

• Identify and solve problems creatively

by analyzing disparate sets of data and then drawing novel conclusions.

• Engage themselves comfortably in

communities in their many forms.

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in middle school CLASS OF 2017 HIGH SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES HOUSTON SCHOOLS Awty International School Bellaire High School - IB and Magnet Carnegie Vanguard High School Cristo Ray Jesuit College Preparatory DeBakey High School for Health Professions Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Episcopal High School High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Houston Christian High School Incarnate Word Academy Lamar High School - IB Second Baptist School St. Agnes Academy St. John’s School St. Pius X High School St. Thomas’ Episcopal School St. Thomas High School Strake Jesuit College Preparatory The Emery/Weiner School The Kinkaid School DAY SCHOOLS OUTSIDE OF HOUSTON Archbishop Riordan High School, San Francisco, CA Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, San Francisco, CA St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Austin, TX BOARDING SCHOOLS Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA Groton School, Groton, MA Kent School, Kent, CT Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ Milton Academy, Milton, MA The Hill School, Pottstown, PA The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT The Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, CT Woodberry Forest School, Woodberry Forest, VA

This Is Who I Am| 37

GRISELDA GALLARDO '03 It's Okay to Not Be Okay “If

you're struggling, whether academically or because of a personal reason, don't give up. Seek out help because we all need it sometimes, and come back stronger. ”

Presbyterian School '03 • The Chinquapin School '07 • St. Edwards ' 11 • University of Houston '16

aving grown up in a low-income neighborhood, I’m proud of my community roots. I’ve managed to grow exponentially and enjoy giving back to support projects that can make my community stronger. These efforts benefit the health and quality of life for others. Recently, with fellow Presbyterian School Alumni, Gabriela Salazar (PS ‘04), Diana Wakasugi (PS ‘04), and Mayra Rivera (PS ’07), I attended a civic leadership summit through the City of Houston Health Department. After sharing similar personal stories within our team-all revolving around mental health issues-we

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submitted a grant proposal to address concerns over the lack of resources in our community. The judges selected our project as a recipient of the grant. All four of us have some form of experience with mental illness, whether it was our own struggle or that of someone else in our families. This was a real shock to us, because we have known each other for 15 years, and we never shared our experiences with each other until recently. This made us realize that other people we know and grew up with have also probably been through something similar but do not talk about it. It has become common to hear about a school shooting, depression, and teens committing

alumni spotlight aspirations, though we are all pursuing different paths. Diana Wakasugi works with an attorney and just got accepted into law school. Gabriela Salazar is enrolled in the Construction Management program at the University of Houston. She plans to also go to law school. Mayra Rivera is an object-based learning assistant at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. I am a family development worker at a Head Start preschool. I love what I do, and I hope to continue my work for Baker Ripley (formerly Neighborhood Centers).

suicide, but there is no discussion about why this is happening. We don’t hear about someone’s struggle with a mental health condition until a tragedy occurs. Our experiences with several mental health issues also helped us compose a strong proposal because we could understand how they truly affect people. With the funding of our grant, we hosted a mental health and mental illness information session called “It’s Okay to Not be Okay” or “Está Bien No Estar Bien” in Spanish. The main goal of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” was to raise awareness in our community about mental health issues, to provide information on available resources, and to empower those who are affected to seek help. We also felt that it was important to share that those who suffer from a mental condition are not alone in their struggles, and it’s okay to admit that we need help.

Looking back, Presbyterian School was a new challenge for all of us, and our families all worked together to help us succeed. It's a beautiful thing to have a support system like this. All four of us come from low-income neighborhoods but had the opportunity to attend higher quality schools such as Presbyterian School. As a scholarship student at Presbyterian School, I struggled a lot. I went from an easy curriculum at a poorly performing public school to an extremely challenging curriculum at Presbyterian. I wanted to quit. But my parents didn't let me, and I'm so grateful for that. PS helped me develop my writing skills. Good, clear writing is crucial for me to do my job, and it really helps me when I write reports. I believe that good writing and proofreading was one of the reasons we received our health grant. My advice to any student would be if you're struggling, whether it's academically or because of a personal reason, don't give up. Seek out help because we all need it sometimes, and come back stronger. One of the best investments you can make is in your education. No one can take that away from you.

After the event the City of Houston reached out to discuss the possibility of our team's hosting another event. We have also been approached by community organizations and individuals who are interested in additional events. Replicating this event in different communities would benefit countless people. Our team has discussed the possibility of starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the people in our communities, and our first event was a successful and motivating start for us. I have known the PS alumni that worked on our project since we were about 11 or 12 years old. We all grew up in the same area and have kept in touch even though we went to different high schools and colleges. I have no doubt our friendship will continue, because we all have similar goals and

This Is Who I Am| 39

THE SPIRIT IS

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HERE panther athletics

Athletics occupies a unique standing in our society. Participation in sports helps to support those virtues that we hold dear and wish to hand off to our children—hard work, commitment, physical activity, and teamwork. Sports also create a controlled laboratory to engage the adversity that is so necessary for our children to learn important life lessons, and in this laboratory we all learn the value of finding a spot within a group of people diligently seeking the same goal. Particularly today, sports offer our young people a chance to put their iPads down and enjoy the exhausting but exhilarating payoff that only athletic competition offers. In middle school athletics at PS, enjoyment is a critical piece of the ultimate success of our program . . . and it’s not just the enjoyment of student-athletes that we’re interested in. Our coaches, parents, and athletes must constantly work together to create an interdependent “triangle” that ensures not only the enjoyment of all involved, but also predicts “victories” both on and off the fields, courts, and tracks that are so central to athletic competition. The first, and most vital, pieces of this triangle are the players. We cannot overemphasize the value of sports at PS, and we are proud that our participation rate for athletics among eligible students is 90%! We ask four things of our players: 1. Come to practice every day; 2. Give your best effort;

Spirit Is Here | 41

3. Be a good teammate; and 4. Seek to improve each day.

effort and continual improvement make winning and losing irrelevant.

These four factors form the backbone of our unique philosophy of "A Higher Standard Than Winning." We believe our first obligation in athletics is to field teams that give their best effort not only on game day, but during practices and in the classroom as well. Simply put, God expects our best effort at all times and gives us this charge in Colossians 3:23: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.â&#x20AC;? The most important aspect of competition is a consistent and relentless effort. Our coaches continually tell our athletes that while we are often not in control of the outcome of game, match or race, we are absolutely in control of our input into those same activities.

Next in the triangle are motivated coaches who inspire our children and elicit their best effort- hopefully on a daily basis. The roles of coaches at PS are to love their players, to help them set worthy goals, and to teach them the fundamentals of the game- all while building an essential and lasting relationship of trust. Young people are motivated by people who they trust, who demonstrate love toward them, and who see their worth and seek to develop them. It comes as no surprise that trust and love remain timeless virtues in the modern world. We ask our coaches to seek out their own coaching by earnestly studying creative methodology for each sport in which they are involved and by honestly realizing that successful coaches continually have a desire to learn the game and network in the culture surrounding their game.

Our singular focus in athletics reflects the same growth mindset that we espouse in our classrooms and is elicited by these two simple questions: Did I give my absolute best for my team today? Am I getting better every time I lace up my shoes, my cleats, or my spikes? As a Panther, maximum

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The final pieces of the athletic triangle are dedicated parents who are willing to support the program- not only with their attendance at games but with their affirmation

in athletics

of athletes and coaches and their assistance as volunteers. We encourage all parents to help make each season a success, because each sport has unique needs that only parents can fill. From serving in the concession stand to providing pre-game snacks and cheering in the stands, parents are vital for any successful athletic program. Each season begins with a required parent meeting where these needs are presented. Playing sports is a wonderful opportunity to grow as a person, to enjoy time with family and friends, and to learn the value of competition. Presbyterian School competes against schools within the Houston Junior Prep Conference (HJPC) in addition to schools in the Greater Houston Athletic Conference. Presbyterian School is also part of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). FCA is open to all middle school students regardless of athletic participation. Presbyterian School offers these sports in the following seasons for sixth through eighth grade students:

Fall Cross Country (Co-ed) Field Hockey (Girls) Football (Boys, 7th & 8th only) Volleyball (Girls) Winter Basketball (Boys and Girls) Soccer (Boys and Girls) Swimming (Co-ed) Wrestling (Boys) Spring Golf (Co-ed) Lacrosse (Boys and Girls) Track and Field (Co-ed) In addition to our athletic teams, students may choose to participate in strength and conditioning classes. The School partners with Athlete Training + Health (AT+H)

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to offer strength and conditioning for students year-round or during a specific sport season. AT+H is very valuable to the aspiring athlete, and we have seen proven results in agility, speed, and strength. Students also have access to athletic trainers from Methodist Hospital during games. These athletic trainers dedicate countless hours working the sidelines and providing athletic training-room coverage to students and coaches. These athletic trainers collaborate with physicians and specialize in the prevention, emergency care, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries

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and sports-related illnesses. Presbyterian School believes all middle school students should have the opportunity to play sports. There are no tryouts for Presbyterian School athletic teams. The School maintains a no-cut policy.

in athletics BEHIND THE SCENES

MAXIMO MOTA Presbyterian School Boys Head Soccer Coach, Max Mota, became passionate about soccer at the age of four. Growing up in Argentina where fútbol reigns as the most popular sport, he began kicking the ball around with neighborhood friends. These simple friendly games soon became a passion. After years of playing competitively, a torn ACL in his senior year of high school presented a setback. “It was very difficult for me and my team since we were so close, and overcoming injury always presents obstacles.” Unfortunately, Max wasn’t able to return to his team because of the time needed for his recovery. Although Max never played competitively again, he found another opportunity to share his passion for the game by coaching. “God has a purpose for all of us, and I know He has paved the path for me as well. I feel blessed that at Presbyterian School I can live out my beliefs of nurturing the whole child, not just academically and physically, but

spiritually as well.” The field allows students to take a break from life for a moment and just play. He coaches his players to enjoy life, play hard, become a great teammate, and be prepared for their future. The skills that are taught on the field can be transformed into other aspects of life. “My soul is filled when my team huddles together to pray for someone else, even if they aren’t on our team.” After four years, Max is hitting his stride as a head coach and is taking on an additional role coordinating the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) on campus. “I love that FCA teaches the word of God from different perspectives, not necessarily the easy one, but a more understandable one.” Knowing that the coach-student relationship is critical for young athletes, he works harder to ensure success for students. Teaching students to respect teammates and coaches, and leading by example, allows God to shine through his actions.

“God has a purpose for all of us.” #spiritishere

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COOPER LUECK '13 Success as a Team Player “I want to be the hero in every part of my life ... [but] I

had to let go of some responsibility and trust in the team in order for any final project to succeed. ”

Presbyterian School '13 • St. John's School '17 • Rice University '21

've always had an interest in science and medicine, so when the Discovery to Cure Internship Program at Yale School of Medicine was introduced to me, I considered the program and what it required, and thought, “This opportunity is one I can’t pass up!" I had briefly searched for other research positions before, but the chance to do so at Yale’s Medical School and explore New Haven seemed too good to be true, so I applied as soon as possible. The Discovery to Cure Program hosted at the Yale Medical School for rising high school seniors was created to help introduce students to medical research. Students

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are assigned mentors that are established researchers in their field. While the focus of the six-week program is research into women’s oncology, the research also extends into mental health, chemical dependence studies, brain cancer, cancer staining techniques, etc. Throughout the six weeks, I was constantly learning new lab techniques that are used in labs across the world. As well, my PI (principal investigator) was big on understanding the research, not just performing the experiments. To reinforce this she tasked me with reading the literature associated with my query. I learned how to read and understand scientific journals. Pursuing a career

alumni spotlight performance there was breathtaking. We sang better than we ever had before. Last, but certainly not least, was my experience with the St. John’s production of Curtains. Because I had experience with musical theater in eighth grade with Presbyterian School's musical, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I had an idea about what was expected, even though I was fresh on the scene. The whole process was amazing, from learning the songs to dancing and even helping build sets.

in any field related to science or engineering requires a lot of reading, so whatever career path I take, these close reading skills will come in handy. Looking back, I can see this program is a culmination of my love for science that originated at Presbyterian School. I can remember Ms. Van Dyke throwing a marker across the room, talking about atoms, Mr. Druke’s lively seventh grade life science class, and the fun chemistry experiments in eighth grade science inspiring my love of science today.

As a whole my involvement in a variety of activities has had a combined effect in my life and has driven a lot of personal growth. I have always been the guy who wants to do everything and do it all by myself. I want to be the hero in every part of my life- often resorting to micromanaging other people, which can be pretty toxic at times as well. What choir, Shell Eco Marathon, swimming, etc. taught me was the value of the team. I can’t rely solely on myself for the sound of the choir to be great, for the swim team to win, or for the car to start rolling. I had to let go of some responsibility and trust in the team in order for any final project to succeed. I will be attending Rice University in the fall with an intended major of biochemistry and cell biology with a focus on pre-med. God-willing, I hope to go into medicine and eventually become an onco surgeon.

In addition to science, I have developed interests in a lot of other areas including swimming, Shell Eco Marathon, a capella choir, and theater. One of my favorite memories in high school was the first Friday practice for St. John’s swimming, which happened to be Animal Ball. For the uninitiated Animal Ball is basically water polo with no goals and a lot more wrestling. Despite getting scratched up and bruised, I loved it and immediately developed a connection with to the team- one that I gladly kept up all through my time at St. John’s. I served as the team captain junior and senior years. I also served as a team leader specializing in budgeting and procurement for the SJS Shell Eco Marathon team. The Shell Eco Marathon is an annual competition between universities and a few high schools across the Americas to design and build the most efficient car. Another highlight of high school was the St. John’s Kantorei, the “varsity choir,” trip to England and Scotland the summer after junior year. On this trip we had the honor to sing at Windsor Chapel, and the

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LISTEN Presbyterian School is uniquely situated to be an institution that considers beauty and cultivates understanding. Located in the heart of the Museum District, the School not only partners with local institutions of the arts on a weekly basis, but also offers fine arts classes that ignite curiosity and spark creative thinking. Our proximity to the museums means that even our three-year-old Betas can go to story-time tours at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH). Partnerships allow our students to see their art work exhibited in actual museums. Middle school classes go outdoors to sketch en plein air in the MFAHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sculpture Garden and develop greater habits of mind in thinking about and analyzing great masterpieces at the Menil Collection. In seventh and eighth grades, students take a fine arts class every day. From photography and yearbook to dance and drama, students have a wide range of performing and visual elective classes from which to choose. Class offerings vary from year to year. Included below are class descriptions for a cross section of our fine arts electives from the 2016-17 school year: Art: 3-D Personal Narratives What can you tell us about yourself? What do you want to tell us about yourself? Self-reflection is a staple in the world of visual art, so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-reflect and make it 3-D. Various artists and their work are viewed and discussed. Trips to the museum intensify our connections to the art world

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TO YOUR VOICE the fine arts impact

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and to ourselves. This class primarily involves clay, wire, and paper constructions. Art Journaling In the art journaling elective, students combine art and words to express themselves, something that does not always come easily to teenagers. Journaling allows students to see the world from other perspectives, to plan, to reflect, and to dream . . . all through writing and drawing. Students are given certain prompts to encourage and motivate them in selfexpression. One does not have to be an "artist" to participate and enjoy this class. Build and Destroy Explore the built environment in a class that is part architecture, part construction, part deconstruction, and part photography. The class includes walking tours of the ever-changing neighborhood that surrounds our school. Students use Lego and other materials to create constructions and photography to document what they build and see. And because this is Houston, where no building lasts forever, students may destroy their own constructions. This class aims to capture Houston as it continually reinvents itself. Careers in Art This class explores various roles and professions in art museums and not-for profit institutions—from directors and curators to educators and artists-inresidence. Students have the opportunity to meet with staff at the MFAH, Lawndale Art Center, The Jung Center, and the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Students discover what motivated staff to choose their specific career and are able to learn about the dynamic roles that they play to make museums operate. In addition to focusing on the behind-the-scenes aspect of the museums, students view and discuss art.

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Course Through the Museum District This is a museum-oriented class that takes students into the neighborhood museums to interact with both the artwork as well as living artists. In addition to regular visits to the MFAH, students visit smaller area museums, such as the galleries at The Glassell School of Art, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and Lawndale Art Center. In the smaller museums, students have the opportunity to meet artists-in-residence and observe them at work in their studios. Dance Using imagination, body work, movement, and dance technique, students will explore how to work together in a dance ensemble. The class offers students the skills to handle partner dancing, including ballroom dancing. Documentaries Documentary films are more prevalent than ever— showing up in theaters, TV, the Web- covering every subject imaginable, be it tragic, comic, newsworthy, or outrageous. It’s a versatile form; they can run the length of a mini-series or be as brief as a short film, and they can be made for millions or a few hundred bucks. A great documentary film takes more than equipment and sweat equity. It must be a carefully crafted piece of nonfiction storytelling. In this class students discover the power of documentaries by watching a variety of

in fine arts

films, study the subjects that are chosen, discuss bias, and study the process of research and filmmaking. This class instills a love for documentary films and a respect for the powerful messages they convey. Drama Students learn the basics of acting technique, blocking, and other basic theatrical conventions. The course teaches the general principles of theatre etiquette and gives students a working vocabulary of the conventions of theatre. In addition to acting, students learn the basics of theatre stagecraft and technical theatre. Expressive Sculpture We have all heard that we express our feelings through art, but portraying specific feelings visually with effectiveness can prove to be a challenge. How do we break down this challenge to express ourselves clearly? Focusing on 3-D expression, this class explores the world of building using clay, wire, paper, and wood. In this process of exploration, we also explore and learn about ourselves. Museum trips are planned. Past and contemporary artists and cultures are addressed. Introduction to Guitar & Chapel Band This course introduces students to beginning instruction in acoustic guitar. Students form a pick-up band, including piano, guitar, bass, and other instruments, like trumpet, for weekly middle school

chapel services. Learning to accompany group singing is a great skill to add to your musical education. Main Street Singers & Main Men Choir This exciting ensemble of singers focuses on enhancing self-confidence, music literacy, vocal technique, sightreading skills, and performance tools. These tools come in handy as the choirs are featured at Presbyterian School special events, concerts, and city athletic events. The fun comes in singing in two-or-three part harmony with other voices in performance. Mock Trial: The Art of Strategy The Eighth Grade Mock Trial is a program offered by the Houston Bar Association (HBA). With the help of HBA staff and parents who are trial lawyers, the crime story transforms into a trial with a prosecution team, a defense team, judge, and bailiff, and is tried before a jury of peers in an actual Harris County courtroom. Music, Poetry, and Street Art Explore the statements made in music, poetry, and street art. Bring in your favorite song or walk the neighborhood streets, and consider critically what these statements say about culture or values of a certain time. Students have the opportunity to create their own music videos and street art on campus.

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Photography Enjoy taking pictures? Want to do more with the pictures you take? In this class students uncover tips for great photography. We also explore different things to do with the pictures we take. From creating photo stories to picture videos to exploring different photo effects,the photographic opportunities are endless! PSN: Panther Student News In PSN students will find stories of interest, investigate those stories, gather information and interviews, and produce news pieces about them to share with the PS community. They have the opportunity to learn and practice journalism skills, as well as video production skills. Students work together in teams to help each other produce pieces, but each student produces pieces of his/her own as well. Sewing Students learn the basics of sewing and how to use a sewing machine. Students work on their own sewing machines in middle school classrooms. By the end of the quarter, students produce a wearable piece of clothing. The skills acquired helps the costume production club for the eighth grade musical. Studio Art: Mixed Media With Degas Edgar Degas explored and used a variety of media throughout his career. Students in this class have

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the opportunity to use the various media that Degas studied- painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and photography. The class visits the Degas Retrospective at the MFAH to see his work in person. Yearbook Learn about design and publishing as you create the official school yearbook. This class brainstorms themes, creates layouts, selects photos, and writes copy. It is a big (and fun) task that demands commitment, good judgment, and attention to detail.

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“Meeting expectations is acceptable, but exceeding expectations is excellence in practice.” #PSperseverance

BEHIND THE SCENES

CHARLES HARRISON B.M.Ed., Prairie View A&M University M.M. Choral Conducting, University of Houston Charles Harrison has elevated the music program exponentially in his brief two years at Presbyterian School as the middle school music teacher. A musically gifted child, Charles taught himself how to play the piano in kindergarten. He later pursued an education and career in choral conducting because of a middle school teacher who convinced him that his vocal and piano abilities helped him to see things from different vantage points and allowed him to connect to people on various levels. “Students tend to connect with me on a personal level because I am authentic and straightforward. My personality and humor allow kids to relax in an otherwise vulnerable and competitive environment." The rapport Charles has with students allows him to push them beyond their limits. “I spend a considerable

amount of time finding music that is relevant and challenging. Repertoire choices are vitally important to capturing the student’s attention and making the reallife connection.” By teaching music beyond a student’s ability, Charles hopes to prepare students for life beyond Presbyterian School. “Meeting expectations is acceptable, but exceeding expectations is excellence in practice. I have very high expectations for my students, and we try our best to go above and beyond what is considered normal.” Outside of school Charles conducts a professional singing group, The Phillip Hall Singers, as well as directs music at The Higher Way Church Jones Memorial United Methodist. He loves spending time with his wife and two girls, Chloe (PS '24) and Blair (PS '27).

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AARON REISS '09 One Class Transforms Into a Career “I had no idea what I wanted to study in college, and even

then I wasn't certain. But I took a risk, and it worked out. We should all take some risks. ”

Presbyterian School '09 • St. Thomas '13 • University of Missouri '17

y first introduction to journalism work of any kind was in seventh grade. I don't remember the exact name of the class, but it was some sort of publications class taught by Mrs. Klitsch and Mr. Beck. We had to write a story about our favorite restaurant dish, and we had to interview someone from the restaurant. I wrote about a beef and red rice dish at the Vietnamese restaurant near my mom's office. Mr. Beck said he went to the restaurant because of my recommendation. I considered this to be a big accomplishment. Mrs. Klitsch really helped me develop my writing. In English class she required us to write a memoir. I chose to write about my

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relationship with my grandfather, who died years before I was born, through different items in my home. It was the first time I remember being proud of something I wrote. My interest in writing continued to grow in high school. The summer before my senior year, I attended a monthlong journalism program at Northwestern University. We wrote everyday and attended a bunch of awesome lectures. It was the first time I thought journalism was what I wanted to study and pursue in college. I still keep in touch with a lot of people from that summer, many of whom are off to stellar careers in journalism and are

alumni spotlight some of my best friends. It was a life-changing summer. Prior to this, I had no idea what I wanted to study in college, and even then I wasn't certain. But I took a risk, and it worked out. We should all take some risks. I placed in the top 10 in column writing in the Under-30K circulation category of the Associated Press Sports Editors' 2016 Writing Contest. APSE is a professional organization focused on sports journalism, and the national contest I won included other professional sports writers around the country. I've been lucky to work with or alongside a lot of experienced reporters and editors who have been gracious mentors. Going to Missouri, a journalism school with a big alumni base, has helped too. I got a job at the student newspaper covering the women's basketball team, and I never stopped.

opportunity to cover Super Bowl LI for the Houston Chronicle. My dream job would be to cover the NBA for The New York Times. Basketball is my favorite sport, and the Times' section focuses on smart, quirky stories, really strong profiles, and investigations- stories that can appeal to anyone. After graduation I will be interning with the Minneapolis Star Tribuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports department. I'm looking forward to getting a lot of experience working at a newspaper right out of college. I see myself continuing with sports reporting right now, but I'm interested in reporting on other topics as well.

I don't gravitate toward stat-heavy stories on strategy. I prefer to write about sports' characters and oddities. Stories that nonsports fans can enjoy. I wrote a profile for Sports Illustrated on Connor Doyle, the captain of a collegiate eSports team who used video games to rebuild his life. Connor was flailing and the game, League of Legends, gave him a sense of purpose. It was probably the most intimate piece I've ever written. And eSports- competitive video gaming- is a fascinating industry that is becoming increasingly relevant. My sports editor at the Columbia Missourian, who was also my greatest professor, helped me appreciate what separates reporting from almost everything else. A lot of reporters say this, but the writing part isn't fun. It feels good at the end, but staring at a blank page is terrifying, especially if you're on a tight deadline. I feel pride when I write something that I think is clever, but the reporting process will probably always be more fun. The best thing about writing is when someone lets you in on his or her life, and you get to leave your desk. When you report, you get to trust your eye, and capture people during some of their most candid moments. Last summer I had the opportunity to intern with the Houston Chronicle. I covered a bit of everything, including Texans training camp, the USA basketball team before it left for the Olympics in Brazil, Astros games, and some Rockets draft news. One of my favorite stories from the summer was a profile of Monica Abbott, a professional softball player in Houston who signed a $1 million contract. It's believed to be the most lucrative deal paid to an active female athlete in team sports by an American professional franchise. I also had the

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RIGHT BY YOUR servant leaders in the community

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SIDE As an educational institution focused on collaboration and connection with our community, Presbyterian School considers opportunities to share our resources- our campus, people, and talents- a true blessing. Students are challenged each year with an essential question, and this year’s question was: “How will I lead?” There are numerous ways to answer this question. At Presbyterian School, we encourage students to consider a response steeped in humility and service. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., writes: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” In independent schools we ought to be reading King’s challenge as one focused on what it means to be a leader at the dawn of the 21st century. Our students especially need to weave themselves more actively into King’s “garment of destiny” by means of initiatives that expose them to and educate them about a new direction for tomorrow’s leaders that can only be described as “leadership through service.” Presbyterian School believes that the School experience is not just about what happens through the end of our students’ time with us, it’s about what happens to them for a lifetime. The training and lessons our students receive- or do not receive- during their years with us will have an impact not only on their character but on the choices they make in high school, in college, and beyond.

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By means of creative partnerships in local and regional communities, we are taking up the task of training the next generation of leaders to understand that some of the greatest achievements of our time have been borne out of courageous service, and true leadership is about action, not position. On April 7, 2017, every middle school student spent the morning off campus serving in the Houston community. Inspired by the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core values of respect, compassion, perseverance, and courage, students were challenged to step out of their comfort zones to work alongside others in need. Sixth grade students split up to serve at five different organizations, including Books

Pictured Above: Students make sandwiches for Kids Meals. Students bag rice for Emergency Aid Coalition. Students sort books for Books Between Kids.

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Between Kids, Kids Meals, Emergency Aid Coalition, Nehemiah Center, and Sheltering Arms. At Books Between Kids, students sorted the over 3,000 books collected from the School's Spring Books Between Kids Service Drive. Students at Kids Meals helped assemble sandwiches to be distributed to preschool-aged children with limited access to food. Partnering with Emergency Aid Coalition, sixth graders sorted food, bagged rice, and helped to distribute sack lunches to those in need. Students at Nehemiah Center and Sheltering Arms visited with students and residents, bringing joy and companionship for the morning. The School had the honor to host Special Olympics at the

in community service Outdoor Education Campus (OEC) for students from Avondale House. The morning at the OEC was special, because Avondale residents, for the first time, were able to have a Special Olympics individualized just for them. Over 180 Presbyterian School fifth, seventh, and eighth graders helped members of the Avondale House experience a morning of fun Olympic events, including track and field, tennis, and basketball. PS students became buddies, cheerleaders, event leaders, guides, athletic partners, and true champions for each Avondale student. The Special Olympics kicked off with the Presbyterian School Main Street and Main Men choirs in singing the national anthem while the Olympic torch was

carried to welcome all the athletes. Students worked with unending determination to get their Avondale buddies involved. They cheered, walked in circles, chased them across the field, cared for them, and remained alongside students who needed special assistance. Offering opportunities to serve and give generously to others during the school year is invigorating to all involved. Not only did many organizations and people benefit from our service, but we saw our parents and students benefiting as well. Chaplain, Jo Leever, reflects, “Serving others sounds like it’s work, but when you serve others, you truly feel God working through you, and it brings you more joy!”

Pictured Above: Students help Avondale students participate and enjoy a morning of Special Olympics at the OEC.

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Pictured Above: Students sort books for our Spring Books Between Kids Book Drive. Students volunteer at Super Bowl's SuperFest hosted at the OEC. Students sort jackets donated for the Coat Drive benefitting Direct Hope. Parents and students serve Thanksgiving dinner at the Nehemiah Center.

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in community service

“You can make a difference every day.” #PScompassion

BEHIND THE SCENES

JO LEEVER B.S. Education, University of Houston As a previous fourth grade teacher, middle school science teacher, track and cheerleading coach, School Chaplain, Jo Leever, has learned what worries students and what motivates them in her 36 years of teaching. “I help students with conflicts and difficult times, and want them to know they are loved! I hope I give them a sense of peace in this very busy and scary world.” In Chapel Jo talks about how God’s love is unconditionally bestowed upon each student and how they can bestow the same gracious love to others. Spurred by God's love, Jo has nurtured community partnerships so students have an active opportunity to show God's love. She starts instilling in students a heart and mind for service in kindergarten and carries this forward through the eighth grade. Each student participates in an ongoing service project all year, in

addition to three school-wide service drives. From reading to friends at the Nehemiah Center to packing sack lunches at the Emergency Aid Coalition to organizing large book, shoe, and coat drives, Jo teaches students to serve those in need. “What makes us special is that our students learn to understand the needs around them and how they can make a difference.” When Jo isn’t busy teaching, she serves as a youth volunteer, a Sunday School teacher, Bible study teacher, and mission leader at her church- something she has done for over 25 years. She has currently served on over 56 mission trips. “I can see how God has blessed me when I travel and when I am with my family. I enjoy helping students learn the same!” Jo's contagious joy greets students every morning as she spreads enthusiasm for what the day will bring. "I love PS!”

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SARAH ROHRMAN '08 Working to Serve Others “Everyone

around you is going through the same stuff as you and has the same insecurities. Be kind to each other! ”

Presbyterian School '08 • St. Agnes '12 • University of Notre Dame '16 • Baylor College of Medicine '20

ince a young age, I’ve always had an interest in children, so after I started medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, I became an officer in the Baylor Pediatric Student Association (BPSA). Volunteering with them was an easy fit. The association is a student-run organization dedicated to serving the Houston pediatric community and offering medical students career guidance in the field of pediatrics. It is one of the most involved and interactive interest groups on Baylor’s campus. As a first-year officer, I help plan many of the programs and events for BPSA. These include biannual Parent's Night Out events at Texas Children's Hospital and Bo's

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Place Bereavement Center. My job is finding medical student volunteers from Baylor College of Medicine to hang out with kids and teens. We then organize dinner, games, and crafts for the kids to do while their parents enjoy a night out on the town. In addition I run the Kidney Koaches program through the dialysis center at Texas Children’s Hospital. We have 30 medical student volunteers who tutor children with chronic kidney conditions. This allows children to complete school work effectively when they come in for dialysis at the hospital. I've also organized lunchtime talks with groups like Texas Pediatric Society and volunteer outings with the Periwinkle Foundation, another non-profit that provides

alumni spotlight in 2020, I'll be moving on to a residency program. I would love to stay in Houston at Baylor or UT. Being an advocate for women, children, and the underserved are my main goals right now, besides just passing my classes. It's so great finally working toward my terminal degree and knowing that the career I've chosen for myself can make a real impact on people's lives one day.

programming for cancer patients. Besides pediatrics I’ve also found a passion for obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s health issues. Through the Gynecology and Obstetrics Baylor Interest Group (GOBIG), I offer women’s health screenings at El Dia de la Mujer Latina, a health fair for Hispanic women without health insurance. I think caring for women, giving them good health information, and providing emotional and social support is important, especially for immigrants and women in lowincome areas of Houston. Pregnancy is one of the most amazing experiences, and being able to serve expecting women is incredibly fulfilling. The mission of El Día de la Mujer Latina is to promote healthy behaviors within the underserved Latino community by providing a culturally and linguistically proficient education, early detection screening, culturally preventative care interventions, and resource information to promote wellness. I love doing it, because I get to practice my Spanish skills and provide invaluable services to women who normally wouldn't have access.

Reflecting back, I would share this advice with students: don't take yourself too seriously. Middle school is a time to be a kid, build healthy friendships, and have fun outside of school. But also figure out what subjects make you excited to learn. I began realizing how much I like science and math in middle school, and that propelled me to AP classes at St. Agnes, a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Notre Dame, and finally on to medical school. Most importantly, everyone around you is going through the same stuff as you and has the same insecurities. Be kind to each other!

I can honestly say I learned more Spanish at Presbyterian School than I did in high school, and maybe even college. Being a competent conversationalist who can meet Spanishspeaking patients on their own level is an important skill that many physicians lack. The strength of my writing skills also developed in middle school. In college, as a science major, I didn't get many opportunities to practice my creative writing. When it came time to write both my college and medical school essays, having a strong writing background was key in conveying my message, in my own voice, to admissions committees. As part of medical school, I hope to complete a track in global health including rotations abroad. Once I have my M.D. Right by Your Side | 63

THIS IS Members of Oydssey of the Mind (OM) can attest that the road to competition is not always smooth but in the end very well worth the effort. What if team members don’t agree? What if a team’s solution is out of its allotted budget? What if the team has no idea how to solve its OM problem? What if something breaks? All these questions and more are ones that OM'ers push through independently. Students must overcome each and every obstacle on their own. While parents volunteers serve as team coaches, students cannot receive any adult or “outside assistance” in presenting a solution to their long-term problem. While the year can be rife with work, disagreeing opinions, tears and more, the triumph of the end far outweighs the trial. OM'ers discover through perseverance and courage that teamwork is possible, and there is an inner sense of joy and accomplishment at the end of the odyssey. Presbyterian School was proud to sponsor six OM teams in the 2016-17 school year. Each team, composed of up to seven students, tackled a long-term problem for six months and brought its solutions to competition at the Regional Tournament on February 25, 2017. With more than 50 other schools competing, Presbyterian School took great standings at the Regional Tournament with every eligible team placing in the top three of its division's problem. The fifth grade team also won the highest award a team can win at Odyssey of

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OUR ODYSSEY after school together

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the Mind, the Ranatra Fusca Award for Creativity, which is given to the team who brings the most creative solution to competition. These five teams earned the right to advance to the Texas State Finals on April 8, 2017. At the Texas State Finals, Presbyterian School also scored huge with two teams winning first place and earning the right to advance to World Finals on May 24, 2017. And at the risk of sounding redundant, the fifth grade team also won another Ranatra Fusca Award for Creativity. This was a great honor as the team distinguished itself for presenting the most creative solution to competition at both the regional and state levels. The second grade team coached by Lori Cook and Krishali Hoffman included Lala Cook, Alexia Hoffman, Sadie Lawrence, Kylie Holmes, Finley White, and Simone Cook. This team presented a performance about a group moving out of one place into another. This problem was named, "Movin' Out" and featured a creative glittery performance about a group of genies and their pets moving out of their bottle to another location- the beach. Judges commented on how well the team worked together and how animated they were! The second grade team is a member of the Primary Division, which is not eligible to

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participate in the Texas State Finals. The third grade team coached by Anne Godinich and Farzanah Gangjee included Asa Gangjee, Julia Godinich, Ivy Fallon, Nathan Kim, Khang Le, Eli Mayer, and Luke Vargheese. This team won first place in its problem, "A Superhero Cliffhanger!", at the Regional Tournament. The delivery and timing of their lines as well as the sets clearly impressed the judges. Judging comments shared that this teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enthusiasm was infectious! The fourth grade (Team A) coached by Frances Rambo and Suneeta Nidamarthy included Bennett Hendricks, Talulah Monthy, Anna Morrison, Rohan Nidamarthy, Sohan Nidamarthy, Rachel Rambo, and Izzie Song. This team had the problem, "It's Time, Omer," and won second place at the Regional Tournament, first place at the Texas State Finals, and advanced to World Finals. The rapping and improvisation was very cool! Judges commented that they worked very well together as a team. The fourth grade (Team B) coached by Andrea Richardson, Andrea Lawless, and Garvin Davis included Dylan Davis, Katie Coogan, Nate Lawless, Campbell

in after school

This Is Our Odyssey | 67â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Richardson, Max Harris, and Aidan Murphy. This team presented "Odd-a-Bot" and overcame a lot of obstacles to receive a third place win at the Regional Tournament. This problem requires the building of a robot that must move in four different ways like a human to perform a task. The judges were blown away by how the style elements were brought together in an incredibly creative set. The fifth grade team coached by Lisa Ehrlich, Lori Hendricks, and Kara Trail included Blair Davis, Makayla Harris, Hayden Hawes, Harrison Hendricks, Marshall Malone, Eliott Smythe, and Matthew Trail. This team presented the problem, " Catch Us If You Can." The team had to design and build multiple vehicles that travel different routes. During the performance the team also presented a simulation of a scene taking place inside a vehicle as it travelled and a soundtrack. This team so impressed the judges that they not only won first place at both the regional and state levels, but was also awarded the The Ranatra Fusca Award for Creativity, the highest award a team can win in Odyssey of the Mind, twice! Needless to say, this team advanced to the World Finals. The judges from the high school division came down to sit with them afterwards, to hear how they engineered

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their vehicles. The sixth grade team coached by Amy Horton and Vera Hasham included Anayla Wilson, Jessica Horton, Sierra Ondo, Margaret Ellison, Charlie Guscott, and Luke Hawash. This team presented "A Superhero Cliffhanger" in a higher age division and won third place in the Regional Tournament. Their humorous and creative solution along with costume design really impressed the judges. Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that encourages children to think creatively and solve problems without any outside assistance from adults. Children learn how to brainstorm, organize, be creative with materials, and work as a team. Students apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics.

in after school BEHIND THE SCENES

GAIL KIRKCONNELL B.S. Elementary and Early Childhood, Eastern Michigan University With over twenty years of teaching under her belt, Odyssey of the Mind Coordinator, Gail Kirkconnell, has found her niche in the Academic Enrichment Team (AET), where she is able to think creatively and allow students to drive conversations and topics- two areas she is most passionate about promoting. For some students schoolwork is an interruption in their day to what they are otherwise interested in learning or solving. Gail has seen students wonder, "When can I really think, create and express myself and do something that really matters to me?" Gail is a huge advocate of giving students an opportunity to have meaningful challenge during the school day. In addition to time in the AET, Gail has found Odyssey of the Mind to be a great outlet for students to take an idea and create something new with it. When Gail was

first approached by a parent seven years ago who wanted to start an Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team, she had no idea what OM was. However, Gail quickly learned and has since successfully overseen an OM program that has advanced teams to World Finals for the past six out of seven years. Students continue to grow and expand in ways she never imagined. “The program is really student driven and takes students through a much needed journey of teamwork, collaboration, problem solving, independence, and ownership.” OM challenges students to go beyond conventional thinking to incorporate creative problem solving in learning. “The culture of our school is to utilize our neighbors and surroundings to expand our thinking.” Gail contributes the new Think.Make. Talk. arm of the AET for Presbyterian School's continued success in OM.

“The culture of our school is to utilize our neighbors and surroundings.” #inthemuseumdistrict

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JOE GOBILLOT '13 Overcoming the Obstacles “Even if you fail or the road isn’t easy, just keep working and try to have fun. ”

Presbyterian School '13 • St. John's '17 • Vanderbilt University '21

can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing baseball. I love playing and practicing, and doing the hard work to stay in shape. I am blessed to be a tall, left-handed pitcher. Pitching in the championship games in two Senior World Series for West U Little League was one of the best moments of my career so far. Baseball was a big factor in my college decision, and I feel lucky having the opportunity to play for Vanderbilt in the fall. But it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had some tough luck. I have had to deal with injuries and disappointments, and experience failure. In 2016 I got a back strain that was hard to diagnose

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and just took a long time to heal. Then, when it finally got better, I tried to come back to throwing too quickly and developed tendonitis in my throwing arm. I finally got back to throwing for 2017 and felt really good. My first start this spring after missing most of last year with injuries and seeing about 25 MLB scouts watching me pitch was such a defining moment. However, in April, during an at bat, I was hit by a pitch. As I twisted to get out of the way, I dislocated my kneecap. That ended my high school season. I am rehabbing my knee now, and this summer I will be playing for the Seacoast Mavericks in the Futures

alumni spotlight Collegiate Baseball League in New Hampshire. Through all of this, I try to stay positive. Even when I am hurt, I do other things in the gym to stay strong and in shape. I didn’t and don't give up. I draw a lot of stability from my faith in God. I know God has a plan for my life, and I have to believe that and then do my best to let Him work in my life. Learning to deal with challenges is teaching me how to succeed. When I was nine years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. My Presbyterian School third grade teacher, Ms. Fox, and School Nurse, Ms. Kimball, were so supportive of me and helped teach me that nothing can hold me back. Along the way I’ve also had some great coaches and teammates, and I have played in some big games. I owe a lot to baseball, working hard in school and my family for their support. I really look up to my parents. My dad was a big influence in my sports and my attitude growing up. He is calm, smart, and humble, and was a great teacher when I was young. My mom always has my back and took care of me through diabetes and my injuries. There have also been so many coaches, starting at Presbyterian School including Mr. Durden, Mr. Hertlein, and others who have helped me and inspired me along the way. I made some of my best friends at Presbyterian School. The experiences we had doing things like the Colorado trip and the eighth grade play were unforgettable. Working hard at something you love to do always pays off. Even if you fail or the road isn’t easy, just keep working and try to have fun. Before you know it, you will be in high school and then off to college. I will be going to Vanderbilt University to study and play baseball. That was my dream school and my dream team. I feel that being at Presbyterian School prepared me for high school and now college. I look forward to the next chapter. Who knows: Maybe I will be a star player at Vanderbilt and then sign with an MLB team!

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ALUMNI CLASS

Hayden Hanslik, Class of 2016 72 | The Window

NOTES from our graduates Many of our alumni began their education at Presbyterian School. Some have spent more years at Presbyterian School than at any other educational institution. Many memorable firsts have happened on our campus. Whether it was his first words written or first book read, her first team sport played or first project completed, hundreds of students started building their primary education at Presbyterian School. The foundation of a Presbyterian School education is priceless. Over the past 28 years, the School has been planting seeds in studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives that have flourished into a lifetime of budding opportunities. In the following pages, alumni from our 14 graduating classes share updates on life after Presbyterian School. Take a minute to read how our alumni have taken what they learned at Presbyterian School and pursued their passions, expanded their learning, uncovered new horizons, and given back to the community. Our alumni are reaching for the stars!

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2003 Emily Brents (Lamar ’07, Texas A&M ’11, University of Houston ’14) is the manager of individual giving at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. She is a trained archaeologist, specializing in the African Diaspora in the American South. 1 Ben Clemenceau (Episcopal ’07, Millsaps College ’11) currently works at Schlumberger. Work has been great so far, but very unpredictable as all the merging pieces fall into place. He began reviewing for the GMAT and taking Princeton Review classes for an MBA, and will be taking the test this summer. He also purchased a house in the Heights last year. Hannah Chesser (St. Agnes ’07, University of Texas ’11, UTSA School of Medicine ’15) is in her second year of pediatrics residency at UNC Hospitals. She is now engaged and will be getting married in San Antonio next spring. She will be applying for fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology this fall.

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Griselda Gallardo (The Chinquapin School ’07, St. Edwards ’11, University of Houston ’16) graduated from the University of Houston with her MBA. She currently is working with Neighborhood Centers as a Family Development Worker at Hiram Clarke Head Start and Albury Head Start. Recently, after attending a civic leadership summit hosted by the City of Houston, she took it upon herself to start a program in the community with former Presbyterian School students Gabriela Salazar (PS '04), Diana Wakasugi (PS '04), and Mayra Rivera (PS '07) to raise awareness in the community about mental health issues. They received a grant from the City of Houston for their work, "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," providing information, resources, and the ability to empower those who suffer from mental conditions with a way to seek help. To read more about Griselda in our Alumni Spotlight, please go to page 38.

2004 Monica Cheavens (St. Agnes ’08, University of Houston ’12) recently began working with entrepreneurs teaching through her own experience of running a company. She also spends time mentoring young women in high school and college. David King (Strake Jesuit ’08, University of Oklahoma ’12) finished his fourth season in the NFL and first season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He looks forward to another phenomenal season with Kansas City. 2

2005 Blaire Honore (Lamar ’09, Houston Community College ’13) now works full time for Houston I.S.D as a teacher’s assistant. She loves the opportunity she has to watch the students grow and learn many different things.

James Blackwell (Episcopal ‘10, Texas A&M ’14) recently began working toward a Master in Counseling Psychology at the University of Houston with a goal of graduating in 2018 and pursuing LPC status. Malcolm Bremer (Kinkaid ‘09, Drexel University ’13) still resides in Philadelphia, PA and works in the ticket sales department of the Philadelphia 76ers. Being a mainstay among the top sales people in the organization, he is hoping that in the coming months he can continue to grow his career within the Sixers organization.

2006 Katherine Egner (Episcopal ‘10, Texas A&M ’14) recently earned her CPA license. Sami Khan (Strake Jesuit ’10, Texas A&M ’14) is pursuing an M.S. in Pharmacology at the Tulane School of Medicine. He spent two years after undergrad at the Fondren Orthopedic

group in Houston doing research on an experimental air barrier used to decrease infection rates during orthopedic surgeries. Chris Winters (Strake Jesuit ’10, Texas A&M ’14) moved to Raleigh, NC as an investment consultant for CAPTRUST. He is also on the board of the Wake Forest Alumni Association, helping to organize events for alumni throughout the community.

2007 Madeline Nash (St. Agnes ’11, University of Texas ’15) will be a firstyear medical student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas. Ben Cooper (Strake Jesuit ’11, Samford University ’15) now attends Tulane University School of Law. Ben is in his second year, focusing on sports law. Ben was chosen to be the senior managing editor of the Sports Lawyers Journal, a national publication sent

to over 100,000 attorneys across the country. Yasmeen Charafeddine (St. Agnes ’11, Trinity University ’15) is finishing her second year of medical school at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) St. Kitts. She is the co-president of the Arab Student Union and secretary of the Endocrinology Club. Both clubs are highly recognized on campus for increasing cultural awareness. She looks forward to beginning clinical rotations. 3 Daniel Pusztai (Bellaire ’11, St. Edward’s University ’15) is in his second professional year in pharmacy school at the University of Connecticut and hopes to graduate with a PharmD in 2019. Kaitlyn Drtil (Kinkaid ‘11, Texas Christian University ’16) recently moved to Chicago, where she will be taking the NCLEX-RN and will be working as a nurse. She participated in the Faith in Practice medical mission to Guatemala. She received the TCU Neuroscience SERC Grant and worked as a research assistant studying the association between hippocampal protein markers HMGB1, NLRP3, and MRP8,

Alumni Class Notes | 75

and stress-induced inflammatory immune response. She was Director of Communications of the Mortar Board International Honor Society Ampersand Chapter, Service Director of Golden Key International Honor Society, and teaching assistant for Anatomy and Physiology I, II, and Microbiology. 4

Caitlyn Luther (Episcopal ’11, Texas A&M ‘15) graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in biology and a minor in psychology. She started her first year of dental school at the University of Texas at San Antonio. 6

Sa ‘Misty Utley (Second Baptist ’11, Boston College ’17) is currently in her final semester of graduate studies in Boston College's Graduate School of Social Work. She took Boston College's first interdisciplinary (Law School, School of Social Work, and Theology and Ministry Studies) graduate course studying ideas of global citizenship with a focus on Haiti. She is looking forward to graduating and returning to Houston to work in education and student advocacy. 5

2008

Kaitlyn Kennedy (St. Agnes ’11, University of Texas ’15) is living in Germany pursuing a Master in International Migration and Intercultural Relations at the Univeritat Osnabruck. She is also the coach of the Polish Women’s National Lacrosse Team. Her team will be competing in the upcoming World Games in Wroclaw, Poland.

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Sarah Rohrman (St. Agnes ’12, University of Notre Dame ’16) graduated cum laude from Notre Dame last year. She started medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. She recently became an officer in the Baylor Pediatric Student Association, organizing events with Texas Children’s Hospital, the Periwinkle Foundation, and the local community. She also offers women’s health screenings at El Dia de la Mujer Latina– a health fair for Hispanic women without health insurance. She finds the volunteer work to be incredibly rewarding as she provides emotional and social support, especially for immigrants and women in lowincome areas of Houston. She hopes to complete a track in global health,

including rotations abroad. To read more about Sarah in our Alumni Spotlight, please go to page 62. Isidora Stankovic (Episcopal ’12, Yale ’16) graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University in May 2016 with a double major in economics and history. She works in investment banking for Goldman Sachs in Houston. 7 Jack Hawkins (Strake Jesuit ‘12, Vanderbilt ‘16) currently lives in Houston and is a consultant with Alvarez and Marsal. Sam Lahourcade (Kinkaid ’12, University of Texas ‘16) graduated from the University of Texas with a BA in advertising and worked at Yaffee Deutser consulting firm followed by Axa Advisors in Austin. After being picked at random from the audience and becoming a YouTube sensation for his impromptu on-stage rap performance with Kendrick Lamar at the Day for Night Festival, he quickly announced, "I've been waiting for this moment all my life!" He began to rap with Lamar but forgot the words, and so boldly began launching into his own rap, and the crowd went wild. When Lamar

asked what his name was, he replied, "My name is Corporate Dough." He realized at that point that fate had redirected him to follow his true passion of music and rap. He is currently living in Austin and working on his first EP to be released later this year. 8

Amanda Leavell (St. John’s ’13, Princeton University '17) interned for the State Department in New Zealand this past summer and will graduate in June. She is a member of the varsity women's lacrosse team at Princeton. Her team won the Ivy League last year and made it to the NCAA Tournament. 9

Hale Cullom IV (Episcopal ’14) is a junior majoring in accounting at Mays College of Business at Texas A&M.

2009

Anna Grace Hawkins (St. Agnes ’13, University of Georgia '17) will be graduating from the University of Georgia in May and has accepted a consulting position with KPMG in New York City.

Phillip James (Strake Jesuit ’14) transferred to the University of Richmond for his junior year where he will be studying finance. He played on the club baseball team and this summer will be doing an internship in New Zealand.

Aaron Reiss (St. Thomas ’13, University of Missouri '17) is a sports writer who has written pieces for Sports Illustrated, Columbia Missourian, and most recently for the Houston Chronicle covering Super Bowl LI. He wrote a profile on Connor Doyle, the captain of a collegiate eSports team who used video games to rebuild his life for Sports Illustrated. He placed in the top 10 nationally in column writing by the Associated Press Sports Editors’ 2016 writing contest, competing among the best in the nation. He will be interning with the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s sports department after graduation in May. To read more about Aaron in our Alumni Spotlight, please go to page 54.

Allie Luther (Episcopal ’13, Texas A&M '17) is a senior at Texas A&M majoring in food science/food industry with minors in business and Spanish. She is looking forward to her summer internship with Republic National Distributing Company in the retail wine division.

2010

Andrew Tharp (Episcopal ’14) excitedly changed jobs and now is working in commercial and industrial power and gas business development for EDF in Houston.

2011 Brooke Jenkins (Houston Christian ’15) is currently in her second year at Samford University. She has made the Dean’s List every semester in addition to receiving the Brock School of Business Scholarship. She spent last summer interning at Yahoo Sports Radio and ESPN Radio in Houston. She currently

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is the Head Student of Promotions for the athletic department at Samford University. She is currently serving as one of 12 members on the Dean's Student Advisory Council for the Brock School of Business and is Vice President of Communications for the American Marketing Association Chapter at Samford. She is also the Bible study leader for freshmen in her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. In her spare time, she enjoys serving on the Kids Check-in Team on Sunday mornings at her church, Church of the Highlands. She looks forward to participating in Samford's annual StepSing Show, where organizations all over campus compete in a singing and dancing competition. 10 Shelby Zimmermann (Episcopal ’15) is studying corporate communications at Baylor. She was named to the Dean’s List for fall 2016. She was also named Head Reference Chair for the Epsilon Upsilon chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She volunteers weekly with her chapter at Parkdale Elementary School. She recently worked as an intern for the Baylor Bear Foundation and plans to work at Joan Pillow Bridal Salon in Houston this summer. 11

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Katherine Ten Eyck (St. Agnes ’15) was accepted into the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas. She will begin her two years of nursing school at the LHSN campus in the Baylor University Medical Center. She is a Carr P. Collins Scholar providing patients in hospice care services. She hopes to pursue a hospice specialty. In her spare time, she is the coordinator of Baylor's Campus Crusade, planning the weekly worship meetings, and is a member of the Baylor Women's Choir. Lauren Stubbers (St. Agnes ’15) is currently involved with the Tri Delta Sorority at LSU and really enjoys her time on campus. Charlie Russ (St. John’s ’15) is enjoying playing lacrosse and the team comraderie at Haverford. He enjoys classes including English, linguistics and physics. Robert Larkin (Episcopal ’15) is currently a sophomore journalism student at the University of Texas. He was recently named to the Moody College of Communications Dean’s List for exemplary academic achievement. He is a member of Phi Gamma Delta

fraternity and will be serving as house manager on the executive board for the 2017-2018 school year. He is working as a sports reporter in the Daily Texan as well as serving as an intern for the website, www.orangebloods. com, a dream job come true. He gets excited every time one of his articles is published and looks forward to becoming a national columnist traveling to the biggest sporting events of the year. To read more about Robert in our Alumni Spotlight, please go to page 22. Akshay Jaggi (St. John’s ’15) was recently accepted to Stanford's Bio-X, a 50-student interdisciplinary research program. His team will be applying computer vision to improve tumor detection for cancer patients. When he's not working in the lab, you can catch him on stage dancing with Basmati Raas, a nationally competitive Indian dance team. In February 2017, they placed third at Garba With Attitude, a regional competition in Louisiana. 12 Claire Mangin (St. Pius X ’15) is a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and has been able to volunteer often, working with children that have communication issues. She hopes to pursue a future in this field and has

found a passion for helping these children.

2012 Cassidy Newsome (Episcopal ’16) recently was accepted into a full Spanish immersion program at the University of Oklahoma, where she will be participating in a study abroad next fall in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She credits Presbyterian School and Episcopal High School for her language abilities. She is looking forward to experiencing the culture, travel, and lifestyles abroad. 13 Alena Peters (St. Agnes ’16) enjoys volunteering at Phoebe’s Home, a shelter for women and children of domestic violence. She is also actively involved with her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. 14 Madison Heno (St. Agnes ’16) started her first collegiate softball season at Philadelphia University, where they are excelling in conference play. She plans to pursue her EMT certification this summer as well as shadow an

orthopedic physician’s assistant- a field she wishes to obtain her degree in. Along with her softball team, she participates in Athletes Helping Athletes foundation that works with children with special needs, Philly Triple Threat that tutors children from neighboring middle schools, and SHARE Food Program packing lunches for the homeless. 15 Gracey Wallace (Kinkaid ’16) was names to the Dean’s List at Georgetown University this past fall. She is an active member of the Eta Tau chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma and is a photographer for the Georgetown chapter of Spoon University. Recently she participated in Jack and Jill of America biannual debutante ball. Aubrey Calaway (St. Agnes ’16) finds herself involved in social and political activism at Brown University. She participates in unBUYnd, a grassroots anti-human trafficking group working to pa the Rhode Island Transparency in Supply Chains Act. The bill was recently introduced in the general assembly. She enjoys mobilizing peers in fundraising for organizations that prevent trafficking while supporting the victims. She is

working hard to network with other college campuses around New England that are looking to join or start similar campaigns in their states. To read more about Aubrey in our Alumni Spotlight, please go to page 10. Suman Atluri (St. John’s ’16) spent the summer after graduation interning at Baylor College of Medicine analyzing trends in insurance reviews of patients in the ophthalmology department. He analyzed trends in insurance reviews of patients in the ophthalmology department. He traveled to England with the St. John’s Kantorei- the highest chamber a capella group at the school with multiple performances across the country. He is involved as a tour guide for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the freshman events chair for the Indian Cultural Exchange, a voting member of the Peer Review Board, and a committee member of the Student Government Association's Committee on Residential Life. He will serve as a student coordinator for the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Emory University. He is currently on the pre-med track in hopes of becoming an internist. In his spare time, he was able to take a trip to Hawaii for a week, as well as to India to visit his

Alumni Class Notes | 79

panthers on the pr wl CLASS OF

2013 COLLEGE DECISIONS

Matthew Ballard Wake Forest University

Matthew Galtney University of Mississippi

William James Blinn College

Elizabeth Berquist Indiana University

Jiries Ganim University of Southern California

Katharine Juden Tulane University

Mitchell Black Washington University in St. Louis

Benjamin Garcia University of Mississippi

William Kallmeyer Tulane University

Max Bowen Texas Tech University

Matthew Garnett Texas A&M University

Katherine Keenan Texas Christian University

Julia Calaway Scripps College

Gray Geiselman School Unavailable

Daniel Kellems University of Texas

Angelica Carrizal Houston Baptist University

Laird George University of Texas at San Antonio

Hannah Liter University of Florida

Julian Castro Baylor University

Joseph Gobillot Vanderbilt University

Cooper Lueck Rice University

Lauren Childers Wake Forest University

Emily Gonsoulin University of Georgia

Emma McCollum Washington University in St. Louis

Morgan Cuenod Sewanee: The University of the South

Alexander Gueno Texas A&M University

Kathryn McCulloch University of Missouri

John Davis University of Arizona

Owen Holt Harvard University

Spencer McLean Texas A&M University

Grace Duson Belmont University

Michael Jacobe Southwestern University

Allison McNear University of Denver

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Catherine McParland Baylor University

Mac Rowe IV University of Mississippi

Marion Watkins University of Texas

David Minton University of Texas

Hall Sassnett Texas Christian University

Connor Watson Tulane University

Victoria Mota University of Texas

Eva Schneller University of North Texas

Dana Wempe Louisiana State University

Jenny Perrotta University of Texas

Emma Shea University of Notre Dame

Chase West Louisiana State University

Tess Peterson George Washington University

Emma Shepherd School Unavailable

Jonathan Wilcox School Unavailable

Troy Porche Midwestern State University

Ruben Sigaran University of Houston

Shariff Wilson Washington Academy

Abbey Rank University of Texas

Gus Smythe University of Texas San Antonio

Abigail Wrather Sewanee: The University of the South

Caroline Rippeto Vanderbilt University

Andrew Sturtevant Seattle University

Michael Yang Texas A&M University

Emma Robinson University of Texas

Skyler Taten University of Texas

Christina Rockrise University of California Santa Cruz

Katherine Taylor University of Mississippi

Lindsay Rogers Denison University

Morgan Thompson University of Texas

Alumni Class Notes | 81â&#x20AC;&#x192;

grandparents. He looks forward to his upcoming trip to India this summer. 16 Sam Clark (Strake Jesuit '16) interned at the Doran and Johnston accounting firm last summer. He became a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He is the youngest sitting executive board member of the University Investors Association.

2013 Matt Ballard (Episcopal ’17) will be a freshman at Wake Forest University in North Carolina next fall. Eva Schneller-Kramer (HSPVA ’17) will be taking a gap year to see the world. She will be serving in Kathmandu, Nepal with Projects Abroad. She hopes to serve in an orphanage or children’s home. Following her trip, she will attend the University of North Texas for photojournalism. Morgan Cuenod (Episcopal ’18) recently co-wrote a play, Looking Back

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on It Now, for Episcopal High School's advanced acting troupe, Masque. The play explored the sometimes tragic consequences of underage drinking. The performances included a talk-back with the cast and counselor after the show to iscuss prevention of high-risk behaviors in high school. He was recently named EHS Arts Pillar's Student of the Month for music. 17 Marion Watkins (Lamar ’17) graduated in May and will be attending the University of Texas in the fall. She plans to room with fellow Presbyterian alum, Abbey Rank, in the Scottish Rite dormitory. Lauren Childers (St. John’s ’17) will be headed to Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She is excited to be a Demon Deacon! Cooper Lueck (St. John’s ’17) was accepted into Yale’s Discovery to Cure Program at the Yale School of Medicine. The program introduces students to the field of medical research. The project extended included women's oncology as well as mental health, chemical dependence studies, brain cancer, cancer staining techniques and more. He was also captain of the boy’s swim team

and won second place in SPC. He will be attending Rice University in the School of Natural Sciences in the fall. To read more about Cooper in our Alumni Spotlight, please go to page 46. Morgan Thompson (Episcopal ’17) has been accepted into Plan II Honors at The University of Texas, where she will pursue psychology, health, and art. She has won multiple awards, including advancement into state competition within CASE, two Scholastic Gold Key Awards, four Scholastic Silver Key Awards, second place overall best art piece in Albricas, and first place in Episcopal High School’s Art Show. In addition she took third in the Judge's Choice 2D Studio Awards at the recent Episcopal High School Spring Student Exhibition. She looks forward to babysitting and teaching swim lessons this summer. Abbie Wrather (Episcopal ’17) was the captain of the varsity field hockey team, where she was named MVP, SPC All-Conference, and the Keith Waldman Optimal Performance Associates/ NFHCA High School Scholar of Distinction National Academic Squad. She has served as the photojournalism editor, an acolyte

officer, and lay eucharistic minister. She received a National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation, and will be attending Sewanee: The University of the South this fall as a Wilkins Scholar and will play on the varsity field hockey team. 18 Chase West (Episcopal ’17) played center defense for Strake Jesuit varsity soccer team which was ranked No.1 in Texas and No. 3 in the US. He was named a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship program. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.6 million students. He has been accepted to the University of Texas' College of Natural Sciences and plans to major in biochemistry. He looks forward to his summer job at the Houston Zoo. Joe Gobillot (St. John's ’17) graduated from St. John's in May. After finding a rough patch and being plauged with injuries, he managed to bounce back to a clean bill of health and play better than ever. He recently committed to Vanderbilt as a lefthanded pitcher for the baseball team and challenged himself academically. He enjoyed having MLB scouts come and watch him play and recently

had 25 scouts watching him after returning from injury. He looks forward to playing with his new team and hopefully can make it into the MLB in the future. To read more about Joe in our Alumni Spotlight, please go to page 70. Lindsay Rogers (St. Agnes ’17) will be traveling to Nepal to work on a farm called Everything Organic Nursery. They help to educate farmers in sustainable farming and rainwater harvesting systems. She will concentrate her studies on water filtration, alternative biopesticides, vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and other topics related to the Nepali biointensive. She will be attending Denison University. 19

2014 Jack McInnis (Strake Jesuit ’18) earned a varsity letter in football this past year and was Academic All-District. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Crusader Crew, Young Conservatives. He currently serves as an acolyte master at his church. He looks

forward to playing football this summer as well as doing mission work and college applications. 20 Allie Brown (St. Agnes ’18) is a Junior at St. Agnes Academy and is active with student council. She is also a cheerleader for St. Thomas High School, her dad's alma mater. This summer she will be working as a homework helper and camp counselor at the Nehemiah Center. Beau Bourlon (Strake Jesuit ’18) is a member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll. He played quarterback and 3rd baseman this past year. 21 Shelby Quinn (Village Academy ’18) has actively participated in working with school counselors helping younger students manage anxiety and aggression at school. She looks forward to embarking on a journey to obtain a service dog to help manage her own anxiety! Chloe Roman (St. Agnes ’18) won a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art competition for her photography. She is also involved in tennis, student council, and spirit club at St. Agnes.

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Natalie Luther (Episcopal ’18) is completing her junior year at Episcopal High School. She enjoys participating in dance concerts, student senate, and acolyting. She was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Hanna Nyberg (Episcopal ’18) recently co-wrote a play, Looking Back on It Now, for Episcopal High School's advanced acting troupe, Masque. The 30-minute play explored the sometimes tragic consequences of underage drinking. The performances included a talk-back with the cast and choices counselor after the show to discuss prevention of high-risk behaviors in high school. Hanna is doing fantastic work in theatre and was recently named Episcopal's Student of the Month. 22 Jack Pokluda (Second Baptist ’18) is a junior at Second Baptist High School, where he received 2017 recognition for his academic leadership in English, pre-calculus, Spanish, physics and photography. He has found an interest in nature photography and recently honed his photojournalistic skills on a school trip to Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Outside of school Jack is pursuing his personal interest in high-quality images using drone

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photography.

Spencer Dearborn (Woodberry Forest ’18) was one of ten juniors inducted to the Woodberry Forest School chapter of The Cum Laude Society, which is an organization that honors scholastic achievement at secondary institutions. Students must also exhibit values of the Society, and those of Woodberry Forest School: excellence, justice, and honor. David Brandtner (Episcopal ’18) took third in the Judge's Choice 3D Studio Awards at the recent Episcopal High School Spring Student Exhibition.

2015 Lizzy Norman (Lamar ’19) has been very active in theatre at Lamar Senior High School. This past October she performed in the play, Competition Piece, with Loading Dock Productions. She traveled to Dallas for the Texas Thespian Festival, where she attended conferences and performances. She was cast in the HITS production of Footloose

that performed at Miller Outdoor Theatre. She is active in her National Charity League chapter as recording secretary and the Nehemiah Center. She was recently inducted into the Lamar Chapter of the National Honor Society. 24

Jeffrey Scales (Lamar ’19) actively participates on the debate team and the Hospitality Program at Lamar Senior High School. He was selected into the National Honor Society this past fall. He ran for homecoming court this year and won the title of “Duke” for his class. He looks forward to participating in the annual FFA cook off. Samiyah Sims (Shadow Creek High School ’19) found a passion for dance rooted at Presbyterian School. She has found a new way to express herself without saying a word. She is now part of the dance team and performs modern, jazz, and hip hop. David Southerland (Strake Jesuit ’19) is taking multiple advanced courses at Strake Jesuit. He is on the honor roll and participates in the choir and on the quiz bowl team, which has won multiple tournaments and awards.

Mallory Jenkins (Houston Christian High School ’19) is a student ambassador, class president, varsity girls basketball player, and Camp Mustang counselor. She is looking forward to an exciting summer.

2016 Kaitlyn Carroll (St. Agnes ’20) was recently selected to be a part of the elite choir next year at St. Agnes called Triple Trio. There were two spots available and 20 girls auditioned. Kaitlynn was the only freshman selected. The choir has traveled to Boston for its annual tour, performing at schools, chapels, and a nunnery. She looks forward to performing at the Renaissance Festival in the fall. In addition she welcomed a new niece and joined the Student Leadership Academy at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, helping students get more involved with events. Mia D’Andrea (St. Agnes ’20) participated in the St. Agnes dance team, Tiger Girls. The team won over

20 awards at various competitions, and she was honored to dance with such wonderful girls. 25 Jacqueline Heal (St. John’s ’20) recently applied and received the position to serve on the community service board at St. John’s. She hopes to bring more serving opportunities to the school. She has also found a passion for art and will have host her first show of oil and acrylic paintings. Gloria Flowers (Episcopal ’20) played the role of Hymen, the God of Marriage, in Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It, at Episcopal High School. She has also joined the admissions club and finds herself more confident because of it. She looks forward to Honors Latin II next fall.

master classes and attending fantastic performances. She received Highest Honor for her academic performance and has been nominated for an Arts Pillar Award. This last February she competed in the Young American Grand Prix dance competition in ballet and contemporary. Russell Pokluda (Second Baptist ’20) is completing his freshman year at Second Baptist High School, where he received 2017 recognition for his academic leadership in World & Geographical Studies. Outside of school Russell is a carnival game master! He thrives on the thrill of conquering the challenge, and as a servant leader, donates his prize winnings to local charities. 26

Hayden Hanslik (Episcopal ’20) has had an amazing freshman year at Episcopal. She is a member of Repertory Dance and will be a member of Impact Dance next year. She also cheered on the junior varsity squad and looks forward to being on the varsity team in the fall. She recently traveled to New York City with the Fine Arts Department at Episcopal and had an amazing trip taking Broadway

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STAY CONNECTED Alumni Board Blair Bradford: blairrbradford@gmail.com Ben Clemenceau: bclemen@gmail.com Clark Jacobs: clark.m.jacobs@vanderbilt.edu Katy Odom: kodom@utexas.edu Chris Winters: cs14@comcast.net Class Agents Class of 2017 Maddie Mahoney: maddie2013@yahoo.com | Robert Gonsoulin: robertgonsoulin19@gmail.com Class of 2016 Lauren Erasmus: erasmuslauren@gmail.com | David Nunez: dnoony@yahoo.com Class of 2015 Hannah Windle: hannahwindle15@gmail.com | Jackson Williams: notjackson.c.w@gmail.com Class of 2014 Grace Graubart: gracegraubart@gmail.com | Sachin Jaggi: sjballer999@gmail.com Class of 2013 Julia Calaway: jcalaway123@gmail.com | Cooper Lueck: cwlueck31299@gmail.com Class of 2012w Aubrey Calaway: aubreycalaway@gmail.com | Suman Atluri: sumatluri@gmail.com Class of 2011 Katherine Ten Eyck: katteneyck@gmail.com | Akshay Jaggi: akshay.x.jaggi@gmail.com Class of 2010 Kelly Buckner: kbuckner14@gmail.com | Phillip James: psjames3@aim.com School Website Alumni Portal www.pshouston.org/alumniportal Go to the portal for our alumni directory, alumni updates, and alumni events. Send alumni updates to Ryan Hertlein, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at rhertlein@pshouston.org.

Facebook www.facebook.com/ PresbyterianSchoolAlumni

YouTube www.youtube.com/c/ pshoustonorgmain

Twitter www.twitter.com/pshoustontweets

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

Instagram www.instagram.com/pshouston

Pinterest www.pinterest.com/pshouston

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PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL 5300 Main Street Houston, Texas 77004 www.pshouston.org 2016-17 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dorian Benn Brady Carruth Michael Casey Kim Clark, Chairman Catherine Crain Nora Dobin Martha Erwin Jonas Georgsson Julia Harris, Secretary Sharon Henry, Treasurer Laura Higley Joe Karlgaard William Lee Adam Peakes Taylor Reid Kelli Rhee Jenn Rustay Claudia Stewart, Vice Chairman Chandler Sulton Patrick Trask 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

Alumni Events & Reunions Each year we host a summer reunion for college and older alumni (August), a winter reunion for high school, college and older alumni (December), and a spring alumni moms reunion (April). Dates for our events will be emailed to all alumni and posted on our alumni Facebook page. Please make sure we have your updated contact information so we can keep you connected with all our alumni events. Email updates to Ryan Hertlein, at rhertlein@pshouston.org.

THE WINDOW Andrea Lawless, Editor Jessica Wright, Photography Nancy Baltodano, 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. Alumni Class Notes | 87â&#x20AC;&#x192;

P R ESB Y T ER IA N SC HO O L

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