SUMMER/FALL 2020
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CONGRATS, GRADS!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
16 UNIQUE FIRST DAY OF CLASS
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Letter from Head of School, Sean Murphy
6 10 11 16 20
Welcome New Faculty and Staff
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24 HOUSE POINTS AT HOME
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24 28 30
MID-WEEK MINDFULNESS
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LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Student Senate
Celebrating the Class of 2020
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Graduates from Class of 2020
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SAS Certamen Team Wins Big During Uncertain Season
College Choices Class of 2020 First Day of School from a Distance
COVID-19 Investments Professional Development Enhances Remote Learning
KEEPING CONNECTIONS TO CAMPUS
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Home Learning Makes Way for New Creativity Middle School House Program Goes Virtual Life in the Pod
SHOW GOES ON DESPITE COVID
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Wellness Wednesday
Campus Connection Our Beloved Community Horse-Sized Pills and Grizzly Bears Crossing Over the Sidelines What is the SPC? Alumni News SAS Alumni Helping Current Students Theater in the Time of COVID-19
Letter from the Head of School Dear St. Andrew’s Families, Alumni and Friends, I am so proud of our community, far and wide, and for the work we are all doing to uphold our mission to provide an enriched academic program within a Christian environment emphasizing the fulfillment of each student's potential. It is not very easy in the midst of a pandemic, but we have worked so hard these past nine months to build a strong Home Learning Program, bring our students and faculty back on campus in the safest way we know how, and support our families in need. It has been a long season of worry, of frustration, of confusion, but - mostly - of hope. How could we not feel hope, when we see our students learning how to make face shields on a 3D printer for hospital workers. Or when we witness our faculty delivering food to health care workers across the city. Or when we see our kindergarteners lighting up the room when their teachers send them on a scavenger hunt over Zoom. Or when our parents show up in full force for a firstday-of-school car parade. The lists of good things are endless, and that’s what I choose to focus on. We have hard days ahead, but they are infused by the hope that children innately bring to this world. This digital magazine is proof that despite a pandemic, amazing things can be done. I am grateful to our entire community and pray that we continue to support one another, cheer each other on, and work to build a better world for us all. Faithfully,
Sean Murphy
Mission Statement The mission of St. Andrew's Episcopal School is to provide an enriched academic program within a Christian environment emphasizing the fulfillment of each student's potential. Statement of Purpose St. Andrew’s seeks students of character and intelligence from diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The school strives to help young people achieve their potential not only in intellectual understanding but also in esthetic sensitivity, physical well-being, athletic prowess and moral decisiveness so that they may lead productive, responsible lives, not only for themselves, but also for their community. Diversity Statement of Purpose St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is committed to building a beloved community of learning that embraces diversity, champions justice, and honors the dignity of every human being. Core Values COMMUNITY — Based on trust, traditions, communication, appreciation, and support SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION — To develop moral behavior HIGH EXPECTATIONS — Reflected in both the knowledge base and behavior of the faculty, staff, students, parents, and board members CARING, CELEBRATION, AND HUMOR — Fostered by kindness and collegiality
ADMINISTRATION Head of School Sean Murphy Head of Upper School Ben Courchesne Head of Middle School Alice Nezzer Head of Lower School Kama Bruce Chair of Board of Trustees Jason Near St. Andrew’s Lower and Middle School 1112 31st Street Austin, TX 78705 St. Andrew’s Upper School 5901 Southwest Parkway, Austin, TX 78735
Statement of Nondiscrimination St. Andrew's is accredited by the Independent School Association of the Southwest (ISAS) and the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES) and is a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Head of School St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Cover photo: Sarah Wilson Photography St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 5
The Class of 2020 C
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US faculty members cheer on Sidney Marsh after she receives her diploma.
A Graduation Like No Other A treasured moment for any St. Andrew’s student is their graduation ceremony -- whether it is from fifth grade to the Middle School, from Middle School to Upper School, or from Upper School to the next chapter. When it was clear that the traditional ceremonies for our students could not take place, our faculty and staff sprung into action to create memorable days to commemorate these milestones. On Saturday, May 22, fifth graders marked their move to Middle School with a celebratory parade at the Lower School, with their teachers lining the streets to cheer them on from their cars. At the Middle School, eighth graders also had a drive-through parade with an outdoor distribution of diplomas by
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2020 GRADUATION
Amarion Hall and Patrick Wilson walk through campus to cheers of their teachers.
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Retiring Head of Upper School Dr. Todd Stephenson took his own final walk through campus after the graduates.
Though the ceremony was unusual, families were all smiles supporting their graduates.
Class of 2020 Ms. Nezzer. The evening before, Middle School faculty and students gathered virtually for the annual awards banquet. The three main Middle School Commencement Awards are the Faculty Award, given to Khamirah Maxwell, the Costas Award, given to Grace Tuhabonye and Price Daniel, and the Grooms Award, given to Anna Wayne. The Athlete of the Year awards went to Loula Aycock, Madeline Marks, and Sam Marsh, the Community Steward Award went to Ava Walrath, and the Kay Hart Service Award went to Bo Wieland. Finally, on Saturday, May 30, St. Andrew's Episcopal School proudly graduated 104 members of the Upper School Class of 2020. Although far from the traditional ceremony, the event was filled with love and celebration for our seniors. As cars decorated with balloons and streamers and filled with proud family members approached the DFAC driveway, masked seniors stepped out of their cars to have their name called and make their way across the stage to receive their diploma from Dr. Stephenson, who was celebrating his final year at St. Andrew’s as well. They then took a final walk through campus to the cheers and congratulations of the faculty 8
2020 GRADUATION
and staff who taught them, guided them, and journeyed with them through the last four years. Seniors entered the Chapel for a final blessing from Mother Whitney, and finished their journey through Nazro Green, later watching speeches by faculty speaker Matt Kelly and Class of 2020 speaker Kyla Thompson. In her speech, Kyla As is tradition, bagpipes rang through campus as seniors took remarked on her class’ their final walk. resilience and offered wise parting words for their future: “What has always made our class so special is that we defined ourselves by who we are, not by just what happens around us. At any given moment, you are not sure whether you are engaged in a “first” or a “last.” As a result, one has to think about each and every moment as the only one and truly savor it. I have savored each and every day that I have been at St. Andrew’s. I have savored each and every moment with each of you. Today is not a “last” but a “first”: the first day of the rest of our lives. A future shaped together by each and every day we have spent here, at St. Andrew’s.”
Jessica Liu and her family pose for a photo after the ceremony.
Although the spring of 2020 didn't unfold in the way anyone could have imagined, we hope the graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 left our students feeling the love and pride St. Andrew's has for every one of them. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! A video of the senior class’ graduation day can be viewed here and the photo gallery can be viewed here.
After receiving her blessing from Mother Whitney, Emma Hoelscher shows off her diploma.
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The Class of 2020 Esmeralda Bellanira Aguilar
Kenneth George Flores
Trey Alan Munson
James Alan Albright
John Michael Fontenot
Edward Coleman Nemec
Katherine Anna Andrews
Edward Townsend Gilman
Georgia Quin Northway
Jackson Taylor Averill
David William Goodman
Ava Elizabeth Nykaza
Caroline Rose Floralena Barron
Aaliyah Raquel Gutierrez-Cano
Miranda Harper O’Herron
Nicholas Otis Alton Barron
Amarion Hall
Georgia Kay Orchid
Amelia Grace Bast
Ethan Stewart Hanna
Thomas Josef Ostrom
Chelan Azriel Thompson Beavers
Virginia Jane Harrell
Rachel Stewart Owens
Ryan Elizabeth Bendetti
Alejandro Manuel Hernandez
Sarah Grace Payet
Barkley Claire Bennett
Lily Jane Hersch
Maddison Claire Binford-Wiggins
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Class of 2020 College Choices
American University (3)
Smith College
Baylor University (4)
Southern Methodist University (2)
Belmont University
St. Lawrence University
Bentley University
St. Olaf College
Brown University (2)
Stanford University
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (3)
Texas A&M University (2)
Carnegie Mellon University
Texas Christian University
Centre College
The University of North Carolina at Chapel
Allison Elizabeth Rauch
Chapman College
Hill
Joseph Alexander Hersh
Samantha Cecelia Rauch
Claremont McKenna College
The University of Texas at Austin (12)
Everett Craig Bradley
Emma Johanna Hoelscher
Maxwell Rice
Squeaky Buentipo
Jake Emilio Huggins
Michael Ross
Colorado College
The University of Texas at San Antonio (2)
Andrew James Buller
Lorelei Ing
Chase Alexander Samuels
Colorado State University
Trinity University (4)
Max Durante Burbey
Anna Loree Jackson
Kaley Elizabeth Schneider
Dartmouth College
Tulane University
Allie Maree Calcote
Jordan Elizabeth Kappler
Cade Curtis Scott
DNA Model Management LLC
University of California, Los Angeles
Christopher Kai Canada
Carson David Kroll
Savanna Noelle Scott
Eckerd College
University of Chicago
India Caramelli
Mackenzie Grace Kruger
Emma Jette Sharples
Elon University (2)
University of Cincinnati College-
Rawley Powell Casey
Fabio Gregory La Pietra
Jan-Paul Joseph Louis Simard
Furman University
Conservatory of Music
Sawyer Quinn Chandler
Benjamin Earl Ledet
David William Snider
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Colorado, Boulder
Elana Mykenzie Chhikara
Feiyue Liu
Alma Noa Snowhorn
Haverford College
University of Denver
James Davis Chibib
Elizabeth Madison Long
Pearce Kemp Strickland
Harrison Lyndon Chiu
Jacob Aaron Marcus
Angelo Nicholas Tassone
Hendrix College
University of Georgia
Eleanor Ruby Claman
Sidney Leigh Marsh
Kyla Gwynn Thompson
Lewis & Clark College
University of Iowa
Leah Skye Claman
Clay Grider McComb
Eli George Throop
Louisiana State University
University of Michigan (2)
Rachel Frances Clarke
True Richard McEvoy
Krystal Annemarie Valadez
Middlebury College
University of Oklahoma
Jack Walker Cowan
Grayson Connor McKinnerney
Patricia Claire Warner
Millikin University
University of Oregon (4)
John Everett Crouse
Owen Kempner McWilliams
John Roberts Weaver
New York University (2)
University of San Francisco
Henry Truman Cunningham
Stefaan Martzell Meinert
Patrick Odell Wilson
Northwestern University (2)
University of Southern California
Finn Gabriel Dickens
Luke Leinweber Merritt
Daniela Maria Youngberg
Pepperdine University (2)
University of Virginia
Kobe Alexander Dunbar
Hazel Rose Mitchel-Gevirtz
Samuel Walker Zapalac
Purdue University (2)
University of Washington (2)
Clifford Sterling Dunn
Sina Mohammadi
Niclos Datis Zarafshani
Henry Aidan Erlinger
George Wesley Moore
Paige Marie Ziebert
Reed College (2)
Virginia Tech University
Leonardo Esquivel
Coleman Kline Morehead
Jacob Lee Zivin
Rice University
Wake Forest University
Brandon Albert Farber
Grace Anne Moreland
St. Edward’s University (3)
Wesleyan University
2019 GRADUATION 2020 GRADUATION
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Class of 2024
Scenes from Middle School Commencement.
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Clockwise from top left: Middle School faculty members take a photo after a successful ceremony; Mr. Schmidt provides a soundtrack to the Middle School’s graduation; Eighth graders pose with their certificates of completion; Ms. Nezzer presents the diplomas; Eighth graders pose with their certificates of completion
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Class of 2027
Fifth graders pose for commemorative photos.
Special moments from fifth grade graduation.
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First Day of School ... from A Distance This year, the whole family could join in on the fun of the first day!
Lower School Head Kama Bruce welcomes students.
cars waved to teachers both old and new, and the familiar warmth of the St. Andrew’s community was felt even behind masks. The third grade team whooped and cheered for passing students.
our faculty, staff, students, and families came together on August 19 to celebrate the first day -- and what a unique first day it was!
Over at Eleanor Hall, our youngest Highlanders had their own drivethrough event. New kindergarteners were able to greet their new teachers, pick up their school supplies, and snap a photo at their own miniaturesized balloon arch.
At the Lower and Middle Schools, teachers lined the driveway with noisemakers, music, and pom poms to welcome students to a new school year. With everyone dressed in their best Highlander blue (including new SAS face masks), students received a Highlander yard sign and took commemorative photos underneath a balloon arch. Students in decorated
At the Upper School that afternoon, yard signs and yearbooks were distributed by faculty and staff, with seniors receiving a special gift bag organized by the Parent Association. Opportunities for togetherness these days are rare and treasured, so though this wasn’t our typical first day, the joy of finally being together -- even while far apart -- was enough.
Families decorated their cars for a festive start to the year.
Masked and distanced,
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Families held up encouraging posters to energize our students and faculty for an unusual school year.
Fifth grade teachers welcomed students new and old.
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Connor Roossien ‘26 picks up his yard sign and takes a commemorative photo.
Elias Ferng ‘31 poses for a first-day photo.
Major ‘25 and Asher ‘27 Jaimes pose in front of Dell Hall.
Kindergarten students posed with their new teachers from afar. Upper Schoolers were excited to see the Southwest Parkway campus again after so many months at home.
Seniors in the class of 2021 picked up gift bags and yard signs from the Parent Association.
ABOVE: Kathryn Culliton, Janice Gray, and Donna Hunt of the fourth grade team were thrilled to welcome their new students this year. AT LEFT: It wouldn’t be a first day at St. Andrew’s without bagpipes!
Kate Jones distributes school supplies and yearbooks to students via drive-through.
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Laney Goodrum ‘22 poses in front of the Garvey Gates.
Ms. Nezzer snapped selfies with students while distributing yard signs.
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Welcome New Faculty and Staff
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Selesha Subnaik
Rassy Carlson
Selesha Subnaik is a new member of our Middle School Science team. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and her Master of Science from Sam Houston State University. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing the “lightbulb moment” in her students. In her free time, she loves reading, hiking, and baking (because it is both an art and a science).
Rassy Carlson joins our Middle School English department. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University and her Master’s of Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education. She has taught at a Brooklyn charter school and most recently, St. John’s in Houston. Rassy spent her junior year of high school in Zaragoza, Spain and studied in Argentina in college -- she loves speaking Spanish and exploring other Latin American cultures. She spent her honeymoon hiking through and camping in Vietnam’s largest cave.
Science
Jeffrey Shoup
LOWER SCHOOL
Kenny Chilton Third Grade
Kenny Chilton joins us as a member of the third grade team. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas and his Master’s of Education from Texas State University. Kenny lives with his wife (kindergarten teacher Whitney Chilton), their one-year old daughter Eleanor, and their three dogs. He is a five-time National Quidditch Champion and travels within Texas and the US to compete. He loves theatre, especially local theatre here in Austin.
Latin
Julie Rodriguez
Mark Garcia
Julie Rodriguez is the newest member of our Chapel team. Currently a Seminarian at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, Julie is a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer with 20 years of service. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychobiology from University of California, Santa Cruz and her Master of Science in Quality Management Systems from the National Graduate School of Quality Management. She enjoys backpacking, surfing, traveling, and DIY projects.
Mark Garcia is a new member of our fifth grade team. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts and his Master’s of Education from University of Notre Dame. He is originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, but he has lived in Austin for 4 years. He loves reading new books and visiting new restaurants in Austin. His favorite subject to teach is reading because he loves seeing students both connect to stories they can relate to and also experience stories and characters that are unfamiliar to them.
Chapel
Fifth Grade
Jeffrey Shoup will be teaching Latin in the Middle School. Jeffrey earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas and his Master of Education from Concordia University. He is the proud parent of a toddler. In his free time, he loves reading nonfiction and spending time outdoors. His favorite memories as a student are reading Antigone and dissecting fetal pigs in science class.
UPPER SCHOOL (CONTINUED)
Coelina Edwards
Darcie Westerlund
Claire Canavan
Coelina Edwards needs no further introduction to many in our Upper School community. Coelina began her relationship with St. Andrew’s in the Visual Arts department first as an Artist/Mentor, then expanded her role as a half-time faculty member last year. We are thrilled to now welcome her on board as a full-time Studio Art teacher! Coelina earned her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees from Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University, respectively. She loves collecting vintage jewelry, textiles, and furniture and is passionate about highlighting the art of the African diaspora.
Darcie Westerlund is the newest member of our Publications department. She has been a professional photographer documenting Austin life photographing weddings, families, and events from Willie Nelson to Yeti Coolers. Since 2006, she has worked with St. Andrew’s Upper School as an artist mentor, working with students using analog film in the darkroom, alternative process printing, and studio and digital photography. She loves sharing her passion for photography and is excited to be an official part of the St. Andrew’s team.
Claire Canavan joins our US English department from Texas State University, where she taught courses in theater, drama, and creativity. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University, her Master of Fine Arts from University of Texas at Austin, and her Ph.D. also from UT Austin. She loves teaching because it allows her to continually learn new things. In her free time, she loves baking and making elaborate desserts.
Studio Art
Kate Fenner Fifth Grade
Kate Fenner joins our fifth grade team from The Dalton School in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and her Master’s of Education from the University of Virginia, and she has been teaching for 21 years. Kate is a fan of design and art, and she applies this deep appreciation while supporting her students’ creative thinking and self expression as they are problem solving. She is thankful to be part of the wonderful community vibes at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School.
UPPER SCHOOL
Omaira Pacheco Science
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Omaira Pacheco joins our Upper School Science Department for her 28th year of teaching. Omaira earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Polytechnic University (Barquismeto, Venezuela) and her Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Antonio J. de Sucre National Polytechnic University. In her free time, she loves to do science experiments with her grandchildren.
English
Publications
English
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COVID-19 Investments Planning for a Pandemic While there was no planning manifest available to any school ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Andrew’s quickly jumped into action last spring to prepare for the upcoming school year. This included an exhaustive review and search for all the necessary equipment to ensure a safe school environment. It required unanticipated and significant investments to prepare for the new health and safety protocols, along with a strategy to teach our students and faculty how to navigate in-person learning in the midst of a pandemic. St. Andrew’s Facilities and Health and Wellness teams, along with school administration and the Board and Parent Task Forces, spent the summer and fall procuring new technology and upgrades to our campuses to help with risk mitigation. With some creative and determined thinking, the
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school was prepared for its first wave of students when they arrived on campus in late September. Beyond investments of physical items, health and safety protocols including enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, daily health screens via an SAS app for every student, staff and faculty member, social distancing and mask requirements while on campus, SAGE food service adjustments (from buffet style to single use/”grab-and-go” style), faculty training for safe classroom practices and new policies related to outdoor play and playground use. As a school, devoted to the wellbeing of every member of our community, we remain committed to and invested in the health and safety of all our students, families, faculty and staff.
Risk mitigation upgrades ■ An isolation room was created on each campus, which provided designated sick and well rooms for students ■ Increase of one fulltime nurse to three fulltime nurses covering both campuses ■ Water bottle refill stations replaced all water fountains ■ Increased custodial staff with designated zones of cleaning throughout the day, including overnight deep cleaning ■ Improved filtration within our HVAC systems ■ Backpack cleaning sprayers and static cleaning foggers ■ Two face masks per student and faculty ■ Plexi Glass Shielding installed in areas where students and/or faculty and staff typically populate
Photo courtesy of Global Online Academy
Professional Development Enhances Remote Learning The pivot to Home Learning in the spring was rapid and unexpected, and our teachers had to get accustomed to online teaching quickly. After the whirlwind of spring, our teachers received professional development specific to online learning during the summer months. Over the summer, St. Andrew’s became a Member School of the Global Online Academy (GOA). GOA is a consortium of leading schools around the world committed to empowering students and teachers in online learning. Becoming a Member School gave St. Andrew’s teachers access to myriad professional development opportunities designed to improve online teaching and learning. Faculty spent the summer enhancing their online teaching with
courses like Designing for Online Learning, Wayfinding, Assessment, Student Agency, Competency-Based Learning, and Coaching Innovation. GOA hosted virtual discussion sessions for many courses, which gave participating teachers the opportunity to connect with and learn from thousands of educators around the world. Much work was done beyond faculty professional development to improve our home learning programming for the fall. These improvements include more one-on-one time between the student and teacher to enhance the academic experience, supporting individual student interest and engagement, instituting student interest-based afternoon electives, implementing better-constructed
community time, providing ample parent support, creating meaningful student-life activities, providing clear expectations, and investing in more project-based learning opportunities to reduce screen time and develop independent growth. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, remote learning will continue to be a part of many teachers’ lives, making this kind of professional development from Global Online Academy incredibly valuable to our faculty. As St. Andrew’s adjusts to a new way of teaching and learning, we’re grateful for the expertise of our immediate community of teachers and the wider network of GOA educators all around the world.
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Dining room tables became makeshift classrooms during Home Learning.
Home Learning Makes Way For New Creativity St. Andrew’s Home Learning Program
planning began in earnest in early March, when it became clear that the COVID-19 pandemic would be directly affecting Austin and area schools. A full team composed of five Curriculum and Instruction Directors, Division Heads, faculty, and Health and Wellness professionals, St. Andrew’s quickly worked to develop a three-series Home Learning Plan, with core academics, Chapel, P.E., mindfulness, music, and art all incorporated into synchronous and asynchronous teaching. Though the transition in the springtime was at first uncertain, our innovative faculty and adaptive students soon fell into a rhythm. Though they missed the benefits of being physically in the classroom with students, our teachers did a spectacular job at mimicking the classroom
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experience from afar. From Zoom sessions – regularly scheduled throughout the day at all grade levels – to musical theater performances, daily devotionals and Chapel services, fitness challenges and more, St. Andrew’s continued to innovate virtually while maintaining high expectations and compassion for its students. Said one Class of 2021 parent, “While our daughter definitely misses being on campus, we feel fortunate to have her at a school where she is getting more individualized attention and the faculty and staff are making evidence-based decisions related to the learning process.” Learning at home demanded creativity and flexibility, and our teachers delivered. In one unit, students in music class were asked to create musical instruments out of found household items, yielding creations like tissue box guitars and glass-
jar maracas. In art class, students made abstract sculptures from materials in the recycling bin and other students learned about characteristics of different animal habitats by creating a small-scale version from natural objects. Social distancing was used to teach fractions in math, employing a concept with which students were becoming more and more familiar. Our Directors of Curriculum and Instruction helped roll out technology like Otus and Seesaw to guide both learners and teachers -- these programs made students’ daily academic schedules clear and allowed students to post both the process and product of their learning. While simultaneously juggling their virtual academic work, students continued the time-honored Middle School House competition even while they couldn’t
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Sonia Singh ‘25 showing off a new skill for House points.
be on campus. Students submitted photos or videos of themselves getting active, doing an act of kindness, or showcasing a new skill they had learned to earn House points. From crafting homemade bird feeders to pulling weeds in the yard to creating a Rube Goldberg machine, Middle Schoolers kept the House points rolling in even while they were stuck at home, with the McGhee House ultimately winning the year’s House Cup. “Our students are amazing,” said 31st Street Chaplain Ashley Brandon. “Our seniors have lost their pinnacle moments on campus, our athletes and artists are missing their sports seasons and performances, and yet so much grace and new accomplishments are shining through our kids. They are making masks at home for healthcare workers, delivering food in coordination with our teachers to hospital workers, writing music and singing and reading to our youngest students, all while maintaining full course loads. It is proof that even in our darkest, scariest moments, we have the ability to create so much love and light.” 26
Students recreating famous works of art in the Getty Challenge.
Ethan Breed ‘31 works on classwork at home.
BTC music lessons went virtual.
Anna Yakabe teaches fractions through the concept of social distancing.
Christine Sloat and Jasmin Vara work with first graders over Zoom.
Our P.E. department created ways for kids to stay active while staying at home.
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Middle School House Program Goes Virtual The House Program is a highlight of the middle
school experience at St. Andrew’s. Students are assigned to one of four Houses — Bailey, Nazro, Wilson or McGhee — at the beginning of their middle school career and stay in that house for the duration of their time in the Middle School. Each house is made up of 6th, 7th and 8th graders all working together to earn points to win the coveted House Cup at the end of the year. Typically, House competitions take place at school, often with large group activities. These obviously came to a screeching halt when school moved to Home Learning in March due to Covid-19. That didn’t stop the middle schoolers from having a competitive, sometimes intense, push for the finish line to earn the title of 2019 -2020 House Cup Champion (McGhee House ultimately came out on top). Tim Moore, Middle School Dean of Students, and Annie Sykes, Middle School Dean of Student Services, quickly transitioned the program to allow students to earn House points on their own, at home by submitting a photo or video of them completing a task of some kind. Students could submit book or podcast reviews, a demonstration of learning a new skill, or something they did to stay active. They also used this change in format as an opportunity to tie in St. Andrew’s dedication to serving our community whenever possible. Community service completed by
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Nazro House gets into the spirit for the 2020 - 21 school year virtual kick-off.
ABOVE: Finn Dooner '27 bakes for a Community Day House challenge. AT LEFT: Colette Iwakoshi '26 earned house points by learning to barbecue a delicious family dinner. The McGhee House celebrates their House Cup win over Zoom.
students could also be turned in for points. Every Wednesday is Community Day when students take a break from classes and focus on participating in their St. Andrew’s community outside of academics. On these days, students can earn double House points when they participate
Decked out in their House color, the McGhee House was thrilled to win the House Cup in the house's inaugural year.
in the challenge for that week. One of the most popular to date, in honor of National Dessert Day, students baked a dessert treat of their choice! The House Program might look a little different right now, but the spirit of each student is the same as
it’s always been. The pride they have in their House — and their school — comes through in every submission, from making guacamole to giving back to their community. We can’t wait to see which house takes home this year’s Cup.
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Life in the Pod Getting students back on campus and into the classroom was something everyone had been looking forward to since we transitioned to Home Learning back in March. The 2020 - 2021 school year began in Home Learning but when it was time, students and teachers alike were excited to be in the classroom once again. After extensive research, implementing new safety measures and endless preparation, our three divisions incrementally brought students back to campus, offering both home and in person learning in what we called our Pod Model. Students were split into small groups or “pods” by grade in the Lower School and advisory in the Middle and Upper Schools. Students and their pod teacher spent each school day learning, playing, eating and adjusting to this new version of school together. Although certainly an adjustment, life in the Pod brought a lot of joy, laughter and unexpected adventures for our students and teachers. Enjoy photos and reflections of Pod learning from our teachers! Two thumbs up from US students for being back on campus.
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"I loved the pod experience! One of my favorite parts is being able to observe my advisees learning in real time - it's so cool to witness. I also enjoy watching them collaborate and help each other out (from six feet apart!). We have loved playing fun distanced games like "categories soccer" where we kick a ball around and you have to name something in the category when it gets to you. This has been hilarious. Recently someone panicked and said SHORTS when the category was furniture... big laughs all around." Annie Sykes
Middle School Advisor and Dean of Student Services
"For a brain break, our pod is playing a very
Science, at its socially heart, is about the thrill of discovery. Fueled distanced game of "Monopoly: by the wonder of whysGame and hows, scientific thinking brings Longest Ever". It's regular Monopoly amazement with and alters human history. At St. Andrew’s, a triple-sized playing board! Diceour are Episcopal values inspire us to and prepare the next of rolled virtually money andgeneration properties managed onprogress a whiteboard personal discoverersare to bring not only but alsowith compassion avoid any student and empathywhiteboard to a world ofmarkers social andtotechnological complexity. cross-contamination. We take our turns whenever weSymposium’s need a littleinaugural mentalyear, break, For the Science Research weso I think game will take quite celebrated the richthis complexity of discovery thatsome drivestime!" us to ask “Why? How?” Amanda Powell Upper School Physics Teacher
FROM TOP RIGHT (CLOCKWISE): (1) Takin' a break; (2) Lunch on Nazro Green.
FROM TOP LEFT (CLOCKWISE): (1) Students in Senora Meador’s pod welcome a classmate back to school; (2) Ready to get back to work; (3) Middle School Band Practice; (4) The Powell Pod’s never ending game of Pod Monopoly.
"My advisees really missed playing games with 'real people.' " David Barragan
Upper School Spanish Teacher
FROM TOP LEFT (CLOCKWISE): (1) Ms. Hunt’s 4th grade pod; (2) Ms. Gasco poses with her pod; (3) Ms. Sloat’s pod headed inside for the first day of Pod Learning; (4) Students get some work done while enjoying the beautiful Austin Fall weather; (5) Our Kindergarteners were excited to be in Eleanor Hall for the first time.
FROM TOP (CLOCKWISE): (1) Ms. Robinson’s students happy to be back in the classroom; (2) Students take a break in Mr. Barragan’s Pod; (3) Middle Schoolers excited to be back; (4) McGill Chapel transformed into a classroom for Ms Ross’ pod.
Student Senate
Hopes and plans for an unusual year
Ben Ingram-Eiser ‘22 and Grace McGrath '22, left, at trivia night. Senate Secretary Aislin Lyman ‘21, right, enjoys Student Senate's surprise popsicle party.
The Eclarinal advisory enjoy a socially distanced trivia night on campus sponsored by Student Senate
We asked some of the junior and senior
members of Student Senate what Upper School students can expect from Student Senate this year, how they are adjusting due to Covid-19 and what they’re most excited about for this school year.
What are your hopes, plans and goals for Student Senate this year? I think all of us really want to provide that connection that is so essential to the St. Andrew's experience- it's been a hard year and we want every student to feel like school is a safe and fun place for them to grow, learn, and have fun. — Laney Goodrum ‘22
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This year, more than most years, we are trying our best to create events and opportunities for the students to connect with each other and overall help improve our school in any way. We have already had a lot of virtual events where students can come and hang out with each other, and we will continue to create social distancing events and things of that nature moving forward. Senate's most well known for being the bridge between students and teachers in helping improve our school, but this year in particular we are trying to do this more than ever. — Brady Kurad ‘22
How have you had to adjust your plans for this year due to Covid-19?
I wanted to join Student Senate.
In the past, Senate's main project was planning and executing our three annual dances, but this year we've stepped into a different role where we really are serving as the bridge between students and administration, communicating important messages to our classes, and offering the student life component into everyone's life both remotely and in-person. We're lucky because we have a really great community who genuinely crave connection and we are so happy to provide that while the teachers and administrators are working so hard to solve logistical nightmares and keep us safe. — Laney Goodrum ‘22
This year I am most excited to possibly plan prom or even winter formal if everything is safe! — Mackenzie Soldano ‘22
This year we've had to change many things, like dances and get-togethers, to find more acceptable and safe alternatives for our students like our now weekly senate led activities like sport watch parties or drawing and coloring spaces. — Mackenzie Soldano ‘22 What Student Senate Event or Initiative are you most excited about for this year? I am looking forward to the competition events between each grade or advisory. In the past, people are always most excited for those activities and they remind me why
— Louise Lerner ‘21
What else do you want your classmates to know about Student Senate? This year is very wonky and strange, and Senate is trying, and will continue to try, to create enjoyable and safe events for everyone. — Brady Kurad ‘22 Each Senate member has done an amazing job adapting to the challenges this year brings and each member is putting forth their best effort to keep our community connected. — Louise Lerner ‘21 We LOVE St. Andrew's and all of us want to represent you as best as we can- if you have ideas for fun events and safe gatherings, we would love to hear them! I think I can speak for everyone on senate when I say we are so grateful to be a part of such an incredible and supportive community and to be surrounded by such great people while we endure this challenging time. Follow @sas_ senate on Instagram! — Laney Goodrum ‘22 St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 37
Whitney Nichols ‘29, left, with her Rangoli. Below, a Rangoli made by one student during Wellness Wednesday.
Since the springtime,
we’ve been spending more time on screens than ever. Noting the toll that so much screen time takes on students and families, the Social-Emotional Learning team and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging teams got together to create mindful and interactive activities for Wellness Wednesdays. Tailored to each grade
Wellness Wednesday level, the activities are meant to foster connection while apart and encourage the education of the whole child. Each week, both DEI and SEL activities are offered. Some DEI activities have been creating a Rangoli for the Indian festival of Onam, reading about Frida Kahlo and drawing a self-portrait in her style for Hispanic Heritage Month, and celebrating Mexican folk art by creating papel picado. SEL activities for our students have included creating a Gratitude Jar, writing encouraging letters to their teacher, and making a “Breathing Buddy” for mindful breathing exercises. The activities have been a hit with both students and parents. “The engaging off-screen activities give me hope that my kids are not going to turn into human iPads this year from so much screen time!” says Lower and Middle School parent Cynthia Korman. Social-Emotional Learning and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work are critical parts of the holistic St. Andrew’s education, and our fantastic faculty is continuing to make that work a priority for students even while apart. As the SEL and DEIB teams like to say, “We may be socially distant but we’re not emotionally distant.” 38 38
Olivia ‘26 and Paul ‘29 Korman enjoying screen-free time with chalk art.
Lillian Culliton ‘33 with a Kindness Tree she created for Wellness Wednesday.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 39
The Advanced Certamen team February 2020: Meyer Cohen, Bering Edwards, Will Snider, Lorelei Ing, Jack Cowan, and Emma Schmidt (Missing: Bunny Pease).
The 2019-2020 St. Andrew’s Certamen team
comprised some of the brightest Latin scholars in the entire state of Texas, and in the spring of 2020, they managed to exceed expectations even while going through virtual learning. Certamen is a quizbowl-style buzzer game that requires students to work together, process and synthesize information quickly and effectively, and use their knowledge of Latin, Greek, and classical civilizations creatively to answer questions. The St. Andrew’s team regularly competes in Latin competitions, but the semester of 2020 was, of course, unlike any other. Their year started strong, and the team won the Austin Area Certamen championship to advance to the state tournament. The week before school went virtual in March, the St. Andrew’s Certamen team played a tournament at Princeton University that saw them make the semifinals against the best teams in the country. When in-person school closed in March, the Certamen team didn’t give up on the momentum they had built throughout the year. They continued their practices over Zoom, working just as hard as they did on campus. They didn’t stop there -- the team used their technological expertise to help Ms. Luongo figure out a way that the national Certamen tournament could be held virtually.
SAS Certamen Team Wins Big during Uncertain Season 40
Working through several different technologies and inviting Certamen teams from all over the country to test out new methods for virtual tournaments, the St. Andrew’s team did not give up when things got tough. “Lorelei Ing and I hosted both a virtual Certamen tournament and academic testing for our senior project, which provided students all over Texas (and one team from Maine) with an opportunity to study, practice, and improve.” says captain Will Snider. Working tirelessly for not only their own team but for teams around the
country, the St. Andrew’s Certamen team proved why they are one of the best teams in the state. They placed in the top three at multiple online tournaments during April, May, and June, concluding with the state convention, where the team qualified to play at the National Junior Classical League Convention in late July. Though the summer brought an intense workload, it also brought the team new confidence as they prepared for the National Convention. After practicing at least twice a week and at times every day of the week with other Certamen teams from Texas, the state team felt prepared to take on teams from all over in their biggest tournament yet. At the National Junior Classical League Convention, St. Andrew’s players received a huge number of top-5 finishes in academic contests, including Bering Edwards with a second place finish in Ancient Geography, a fifth place finish in Roman History, and Cum Laude recognition in the Impromptu Art contest. Emma Schmidt finished with Magna Cum Laude recognition for her state scrapbook and Cum Laude recognition in the Impromptu Art contest, Bunny Pease received Magna Cum Laude recognition for the Impromptu Art contest, Lorelei Ing received a fifth-place finish in Roman History, and Will Snider received a thirdplace finish in Roman Life and a fourth-place finish in Advanced Grammar. The Certamen tournament was what the team was waiting for. After a victory over Washington D.C. and California in Round 1 and a great third-round performance against New York and Maryland, the Texas team went into the semifinal round tied for the third seed. Though Texas was narrowly defeated by Wisconsin, the team performed impressively and earned the respect of Classicists from around the country. Work ethic, innovation, and sharp intelligence defined the St. Andrew’s Certamen team this year -- their already-stellar reputation is sure to skyrocket from here. Congratulations to the team!
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 41
Campus Connection After many long months of Home Learning, students were craving time with their teachers and classmates. At the start of the school year, administration organized safe opportunities for on-campus fun.
At the beginning of the school year, when all St.
Andrew’s students were still 100% in Home Learning, the School knew that students needed opportunities for safe in-person connection. Faculty and staff started planning these opportunities so that students could have a chance for socialization before beginning in the Hybrid Pod Model. These connection days were important not only to get used to social distancing protocols on campus, but to enjoy time with their peers that they hadn’t experienced on campus in a very long time. Lower Schoolers enjoyed distanced outdoor games with their teachers and classmates, Middle School got to bond with their advisory, and Upper School decorated the campus and enjoyed breakfast tacos from SAGE. New ninth graders put together a time capsule detailing this unusual beginning to their St. Andrew’s Upper School journey, which they will open during their senior year. At the 12th grade connection event, seniors enjoyed a P. Terry’s food truck courtesy of Student Senate and had the opportunity to register to vote with Ms. Horne if they were turning 18 by Election Day. It was wonderful to see students on campus after so many months, seeing old friends and getting to know new ones.
Upper Schoolers reflect on an interesting start to the year in distanced advisory listening circles.
42 Middle Schoolers appreciate some advisory bonding time.
FROM TOP (CLOCKWISE): (1) Juniors and seniors enjoyed a P.Terry’s food truck at their respective on-campus events; (2) Sonia Singh and Liam Metschan demonstrate SAS mask protocol and lots of House spirit; (3) Hula hoops helped Lower School students stay distanced while they played outdoor games with teachers.; (4) Mr. Courchesne prepares to put his group’s reflections into the Class of 2024 time capsule.
Our Beloved Community:
DEIB Work In the 2020-2021 School Year Our Beloved Community: this is the theme that our Diversity,
Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging team selected for this year. During a year we’ve needed to lean on our community more than ever before, it seems especially fitting. After the senseless murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery (among so many others) sparked a national conversation about racial inequality and injustice this summer, our DEIB team jumped into action to guide our St. Andrew’s community through these difficult and critical conversations. As Co-Director of DEIB Kendall Evans said, “We must not lose sight of the fact that the year’s dual crises – one a health pandemic, the other racial upheaval – have helped to shed light on the gross inequities which have plagued our nation for much longer than any of us would care to remember. But remember we must.”
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Between compiling resources for anti-racism work and organizing monthly discussion groups for students, faculty, and parents, the team continues to work tirelessly to empower us to fight racism in America. There are a number of new upcoming monthly DEIB series with some of which the SAS community can get involved: Talking to Kids About Race Part 2 for LS Parents, Antiracist White Parents affinity group; Student, Faculty, & Parent Actualizing Beloved Community (ABC) groups; the Antiracist White Faculty affinity group; the Dismantling White Supremacy Faculty PLC; the Faculty of Color affinity group; and the New Faculty Cohort Orientation Series. These are spaces for reflection and action, education and support. Please be on the lookout for programming in your school newsletters. The DEIB team also introduced “Lived Experiences and the Power of Storytelling” earlier this school year. This is an initiative through the FOCUS (Families of
Cultural Understanding at St. Andrew’s) group, where parents are invited to share a reflection about an experience they’ve had along their journey of parenthood. DEIB Director Kendall Evans hopes that “each of these candid narratives will help to animate the concept of belovedness within our community in ways that enlighten, inspire, and above all else, connect.” Abby Jones, US Math teacher and mother to Abel ‘22, Simon ‘24, and Seth, wrote the first piece, a touching reflection on her experience as a white woman parenting two Black sons. The work of anti-racism is a lifelong commitment and a difficult, necessary journey. We are so appreciative to the DEIB team, our faculty and staff, and our larger SAS community for engaging in the work and having hard conversations -- both this year and beyond.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 45
Horse-Sized Pills and Grizzly Bears By Abby Jones, mother of Abel ('22), Simon ('24), and Seth and Upper School Math teacher Night was falling and two of my sons had still not returned home after walking to our
local CVS for some snacks. I asked my husband if he had heard from them. He said he hadn’t and opened his “Find My Friends” app to discover that they had apparently decided to take the scenic route home. Looking up from his phone, I saw an increasing terror. He jumped in the car and raced to their location and upon arriving home, I heard him speaking to them with a hardness I rarely, if ever, heard. “What if I hadn’t pulled up when I did? Do you realize how that could have ended? What were you thinking walking at night, wearing dark hoodies in this neighborhood? You’re…NOT…white.” Later that night, he described how, as he pulled up to our boys, a police officer pulled up at the very same time. My husband rolled down his window, smiled warmly, and in his kindest voice, explained that the boys in the dark hoodies were his sons, and he was picking them up to take them home. As he described it, the officer scowled, subtly shook his head, rolled up his window, and drove off. “Abby,” he said, “do you realize what could have happened if I hadn’t gotten there when I did?” And me? How did I respond to the man I love most in the world, the man confiding in me the knee-quavering fear only a parent understands when imagining harm coming to their children?
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“Are you sure the officer really scowled at you? Do you think you’re maybe being overly-sensitive?” Yep, it’s true. It most definitely was not my mostsupportive wife moment. My husband looked like I had punched him in the gut, and when he reached out to his older brother for support, the advice he got was, “She just won’t ever understand -- you can’t share that part of your life with her.” That had to be a horse-sized, bile-flavored multivitamin my husband was forced to swallow in that moment. Although I failed him at a time when he needed my empathy and compassion, it did prompt me to begin seeking more knowledge about the Black experience in the United States. This experience marked the first rumblings of awakening for me. Some months later, my oldest son was the passenger in a car with some of his friends. Pulled over for speeding, the officer was convinced there were drugs or tobacco in the car. Though gentle and polite with his white friends, the officer physically pulled my sensitive, perfectionist of a son from the car, pushed him against the passenger door and searched him…even not-so-gently pulling off his shoes in search of illegal substances that he did not possess. Now, it was personal. The grizzly bear that resides in the soul of every mom and dad, ready to defend their babies to the death, awakened, and I decided that something had to be done.
US Math teacher Abby Jones with her husband A.J. and her children Abel, Simon, and Seth.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 47
" ... my lived experience as well as the lived experience of my ancestors has been VASTLY different from the lived experience of a large majority of the black community – history unequivocally proves it.” Abby Jones
mother of Abel ('22), Simon ('24), and Seth and Upper School Math teacher
So, I soaked up every documentary, podcast, audiobook and article I could find to educate myself on Black history. I learned that soon after slaves were freed, they were arrested en masse for crimes as minor as loitering, and were often returned to their former owners as prison laborers. I learned that even as soon as 40 years ago, the war on drugs devastated the Black community. Possession of crack cocaine, which is almost identical to powder cocaine but cheaper and more widely used by Black people, had a mandatory 5-year prison sentence for only 5 grams. It took a whopping 500 grams of powder cocaine, used more widely by white people, to warrant the same sentence. And I learned that even today, despite the fact that Black people and white people have comparable rates of drug-usage, Black people are still disproportionately arrested for drug offenses and our prison population for drug offenses has grown by over 1000% since 1980. The multi-generational consequences of this cannot be underestimated. Also new to me were the predatory lending practices encouraged by the US government against communities of color. Beginning in the 1930s and spanning for decades, Black families who wanted to own a home were banned from living in certain communities. Just as bad was the fact that banks were very reluctant to loan money to the communities where they could, in fact, live. Even Black veterans who risked their lives for our country faced government-sanctioned housing discrimination, whereas white veterans were provided affordable home loans and other wealth-creating opportunities via the GI Bill. And then…to find that most of the wealth accumulated by American families today had its beginnings with home ownership generations ago. The result of these tragic inequalities remain with us to this day. I listened to the audiobook, “Black Like Me,” an account of journalist John Howard Griffin who, in 1959, disguised
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himself as a Black man and lived the Black experience in the South. He described the hardness of his interactions with the white community who, in his natural form, welcomed him warmly into their restaurants and stores. He wrote about having to walk for miles simply to find a bathroom not designated for whites only. Later, as a result of the book’s release, Mr. Griffin was beaten with chains by a group of white men and even relocated his family to Mexico for a time in order to keep them safe. I often wonder at the visceral rage that arises even today when individuals simply talk about inequalities in the Black experience. Why is the emotion so deep?
someone else doesn’t reach their own goals it’s got to be because they just didn’t work hard enough. And how dare they blame “the system” for something they were responsible for.
I read that even today Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. I took the Harvard implicit bias test and found that I (who couldn’t be racist…I mean, I married a Black guy!) am moderately biased against Black people…My heart began to shatter. I was and am…part of the problem. How is it that I could have gone decades of my adult life and been so indifferent to the experience of our Black community? I believe at least a part of my answer came from a quote I heard at a teacher training.
My experiences with police officers have been largely positive and I’ve felt protected and served, so that must mean that if someone has a negative, even fatal, experience with law enforcement, then they had to have done something to deserve it.
“What you hear, you forget; what you see, you remember; what you do, you understand.” Let me reiterate…What we do…what we EXPERIENCE… we understand, incorporate, into the deepest parts of our world-view. I believe that a driving force of my failure is that I automatically, and largely subconsciously, assume that the personal experience of everyone around me will mirror my own. So, I work hard and reach my goals, or maybe don’t work hard and don’t reach my goals. That naturally means that if
I didn’t grow up in poverty because my parents worked hard and were responsible with their money, and they were able to support me financially as I transitioned to adulthood. If someone else grew up in poverty, couldn’t afford higher learning and had no help as they transitioned into adulthood, it has to be because their parents either didn’t work hard enough, were irresponsible with their money, or both.
And on, and on and on…I discount the stories I hear from the Black community because, since they are different from my own, they must be inaccurate, or at the very least, exaggerated. But my lived experience as well as the lived experience of my ancestors has been VASTLY different from the lived experience of a large majority of the Black community – history unequivocally proves it.
subtle injustices they face. ■ I will expect myself to unintentionally make mistakes, act within my biases, say or do the wrong thing and when I do… ■ I will be willing to accept correction and do my best to make amends ■ I will keep learning, keep self-assessing, keep making amends…and repeat and repeat and repeat because I will never have arrived. And for you? To my white brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers and grandparents. Do better than I have, who stayed ignorant and apathetic until it involved a biological instinct to protect my own children. Some of you have already done better than I have, and I am inspired. I relish the opportunity to walk alongside you to fight against racism in our world. But if, on the other hand, you find yourself indifferent or even offended by what I’ve shared, I urge you to learn more about Black history, be open to perspectives other than those that are in line with your personal experience, and to turn your gaze courageously inward in search of biases that I believe are an unavoidable result of living in a biased society. And if you see areas where you can do better, then do better and lead your children to do better. Our children, in just a few short years, will lead our world and the depth of our influence on their lives is immeasurable. Let’s lead by example so that they will change our world for ALL people, for the better.
So this is my new mantra. ■ I will accept the fact that I have not experienced difficulty due to the color of my skin, but others have and do. ■ I will lean into the discomfort that comes from ideas that challenge my ingrained world-view. ■ I will be committed to being non-defensive and nonjudgemental when listening to the Black community and believing them when they describe the subtle and not-so-
Abby Jones is the mother of Abel '22, Simon '24, and Seth, and an Upper School math teacher. If you're a parent at SAS and are interested in submitting a reflection on a personal experience, please email Kendall Evans (kevans@sasaustin.org) and Bridget Dugan-Sullivan (bdugansullivan@sasaustin.org) summarizing what you would like to share.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 49
By Josh Blumenthal | Associate Athletic Director
What Is The SPC? Many people around St. Andrew’s are familiar with the acronym SPC as our Upper School athletic conference, but are often surprised at its rich history, notable high-achieving alumni, and large footprint throughout Texas and Oklahoma.
Jack Wallace '10 at work as Associate Athletic Director (Grades 5-8).
Crossing Over the Sidelines By Josh Blumenthal | Associate Athletic Director If you ask many people around the St. Andrew’s community about alum Jack Wallace ’10, the word that seems to most often resonate is “proud”-- proud of how he competed, proud of how he carried himself, and most importantly, proud to call him an alumnus. “Jack Wallace was the quintessential student-athlete,” current Athletic Director and [his] former coach Jeff McCrary shared. “He had a tremendous work ethic, and that can still be seen, as evidenced by his individual and team accomplishments.” A seventh grader when he entered the school community, Wallace went on to compete in numerous sports, and remained an all-around shining presence throughout his years in the white and blue. 50
Wallace owns several school track and field records, was a member of the first cross country team to claim a SPC Championship, and remained close to the community during his collegiate years as a basketball and track & field coach for SAS. Following his graduation from St. Edward’s University (Austin), he embarked upon his journey (and desire) to cross over the sidelines to become a coach and mentor. After teaching physical education for two years at nearby Hyde Park School, the Minnesota native made a complete 360 degree turn as he returned back to the halls of the 31st Street campus serving in the same role. His determination and ambition
Member Schools: ■ Awty International School in Houston, Texas ■ Casady School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ■ Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving, Texas
to break into the world of athletic administration was realized this past May, when he graduated from Concordia University-Irvine with a Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration. Almost simultaneously, he entered the world of athletic administration with the new title and role of Associate Athletic Director (5th-8th grades). “Coach Wallace is incredibly organized and is a very hard worker. Due to his multi-sport background, both as an athlete and as a coach, he has a great understanding of how each sport has its own needs and challenges,” McCrary added.
■ Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas ■ Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas ■ Episcopal School of Dallas in Dallas, Texas ■ Fort Worth Country Day School in Fort Worth, Texas ■ Greenhill School in Addison, Texas ■ Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas ■ Houston Christian High School in Houston, Texas ■ The John Cooper School in The Woodlands, Texas ■ The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas ■ The Oakridge School in Arlington, Texas ■ St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Austin, Texas ■ St. John's School in Houston, Texas ■ St. Mark's School of Texas in Dallas, Texas ■ St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin, Texas
Did You Know? OFFICIAL NAME: Southwest Preparatory Conference WEBSITE: spcsports.org SCHOOLS: With 18 schools spanning the Southwest CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT: A variety of weekend season-ending tournaments take place each year and rotate on a yearly basis. PRESIDENT: Athletic Director Jeff McCrary serves as the President of the Athletic Directors, a threeyear elected term by a vote of his peers.
■ Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, Texas
With Wallace heading up the athletic department of the lower and middle schools, more proud moments will most certainly continue to occur. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 51
Notable SPC Alumni: EMMANUEL ACHO
NATHAN LIETZKE
St. Mark's School University of Texas Football (NCAA DI) Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Stanford Men’s Volleyball (NCAA D1) Team USA Collegiate Volleyball Team
SAM ACHO
TY MONTGOMERY
St. Mark's School University of Texas Football (NCAA DI) Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
St. Mark's School Stanford University Football (NCAA DI) Green Bay Packers (NFL)
JARRETT ALLEN
SAM SELMAN
St. Stephen's School University of Texas Basketball (NCAA DI) Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
St. Andrew's Episcopal School Vanderbilt University (NCAA DI) San Francisco Giants (MLB)
KELSEY BING
WILL WEAVER
St. John's School Stanford Field Hockey (NCAA D1) Team USA member BARRETT GUTTELL St. Andrew's Episcopal School University of Mississippi Women's Volleyball (NCAA DI) TORI HARRISON St. Andrew's Episcopal School University of California Women's Lacrosse (NCAA DI) MEGHAN HOUSTON St. Andrew's Episcopal School University of Texas-Austin Diving (NCAA DI)
St. Andrew's Episcopal School Graduate Assistant Coach, University of Texas-Austin (NCAA DI) Head Coach, Long Island Nets (NBA G League) Head Coach, Sydney Kings (NBL) Assistant Coach for the Houston Rockets (NBA
Isabelle Kerr
SAM ROMANO Episcopal School of Dallas Syracuse University Men's Lacrosse (NCAA DI) RAEVYN ROGERS Kinkaid School Silver medal at the 2019 world championships in the 800M Track & Field Barrett Guttell
TAYLOR JENKINS
TAYLOR THORNTON
St. Mark's School Head Coach of Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
Hockaday School Northwestern University Women’s Lacrosse 2012 Lacrosse Honda Sports Award winner (national player of the year)
ISABELLE KERR St. Andrew’s Episcopal School University of Texas Women’s Soccer (NCAA D1)
JAYLEN WADDLE (ALABAMA), WALKER LITTLE (STANFORD), MARVIN WILSON (FLORIDA ST.) Episcopal High School Likely to be taken in the 1st round of the 2021 NFL draft.
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Will Weaver
Sam Selman
Meghan Houston
Nathan Lietzke
Tori Harrison
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 53
ALUMNI NEWS ST. ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL
WINTER 2020
Laura Milton Garza ‘04
and her husband, Upper School teacher Gustavo Garza, welcomed Benicio “Benny” David Garza on October 18.
Before the pandemic, the Class of 1965 got together for lunch! Kathryn Miller Anderson ‘65 shares photos from her early days at St. Andrew’s! “Here we are in first grade. Our teacher was
Mignon Henry who was also the Principal
of St. Andrew’s. She sat in a rocking chair right by our classroom door. The first word she taught us to read was “look.” The mailman delivered the St. Andrew's mail to our classroom every day, and I remember that he was so tall, he had to stoop when he walked into the classroom to hand the mail to Mrs. Henry. Our room was the first room on the right as you entered the current first grade wing. The other first grade classroom, for those younger than us, was right across the hall from our room. Many of those children were 5 years old when the school year began, and so would not have been allowed into the first grade in AISD, so they came to SAS, which allowed 5 year olds in first grade. The first grade was the only grade with 2 classes. Second through sixth had one classroom each.”
Katherine Boehm ‘06 writes, “I recently got married to
Udit Mahajan. We had one of our weddings in India just before the pandemic started. Udit and I met in graduate school at Parsons in 2014. In addition to marriage, I have gotten a new job, as Professor of Digital Communication at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) in Atlanta. Udit and I will be moving to Atlanta in December.”
Ryan Bishop ‘08 writes, “I was chosen to be a chief
pediatric resident at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Texas. I’m currently applying for a fellowship in pediatric cardiology, and I’m so thankful for my education at St. Andrew’s!”
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ALUMNI NEWS
Here we are in second grade, which was usually a larger class than first grade classes, as both first grade classes were combined to make the second grade. Our teacher was Lucette Sharp, and many of us were scared of her, as she was very strict! (I enjoyed being her friend as an adult, though!) She used to sit in the front of our classroom and knit.
Esteban Serrano ‘14
writes, “I commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Marines in November of 2018 and have been training to become a naval aviator. I still don't know what platform I will be flying, but that should be determined at the end of this next phase of training (8-10 months). I am working hard to get jets and fly the F-35C.”
I remember very distinctly how we learned the times tables in second grade. The four in the classroom who knew the times tables best were asked to stand in the four corners of the room. Each of the remaining students went around to the four students in the corners, and tried to say the multiples as quickly as we could. I remember each year at Christmas, many of us brought gifts for the janitor and placed our gifts on the counter next to our window. A popular gift was cigarettes! Times have changed!
Back row -Peggy Phillips Singleton, Tracey McCullick, Ginny Volterra. Front row - Beth Barclay Burton, Kathy Hartwell, Kathryn Miller Anderson
Back row - Mark Reifslager, Billy Hoffman, Ruth Jonas, Hannah Johnson, Tracey McCullick, Ginny Volterra, Peggy Phillips, Louise Heiligenthal, Mitch Flower. Second row - Sally Smith, Eleanor Van Buren, Jane Winters, Marilela Donnelly, Kathryn Miller, Ann Collum, Hallie Gammon. Front row - Charles Motz, Mitch Flower, Unknown, Christian Ritschl, Bill Pope, Eddie Butler, Chris Gee
Back row - Eddie Butler, Billy Hoffman, Louise Heiligenthal, Peggy Phillips, Tracey McCullick, Barbara McIntyre, Karla Stewart, Ginny Volterra, Mark Reifslager. Second row - Kathy Hartwell, Hallie Gammon, Eleanor Van Buren, Kathryn Miller, Jane Winters, Amy Alsup, Marilela Donnelly, Beth Barclay, Sally Smith. Front row - Marc Shattuck, Chris Gee, Unknown, Bill Pope,Unknown, Bill Pulkingham, Charles Motz, Christian Ritschl
Anderson writes, “I am happy to report that we added another family member to the 10 of us already connected to SAS! Our granddaughter Charlie Kathryn is now in the kindergarten, and one of her teachers is our niece Kathryn! Our daughter Emily teaches Spanish at SAS and our other granddaughter Tati is in 2nd. Other family members connected to SAS are my parents (Genie and Bob Miller), my sister Margaret and my brother Tom, our daughter Nancy, and our son Benjamin. Four generations of our family love SAS!”
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Elizabeth Birdsong ‘11 and her new husband, Zander,
Caroline Graves ‘16 is
McKenna Kuhr ‘84 shared this photo with us from her days at
a senior at the University of Texas studying Government and Public Relations. She was recently featured in the UT Alcalde, the university’s official alumni magazine, as one of several students sharing experiences heading into the fall 2020 semester. Caroline was scheduled to be working as an intern with Google in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this summer, but the pandemic has changed those plans. Read more here.
St. Andrew’s!
Barbara LeDoux Levesque (formerly Breckinridge) ‘02 “We
just had another baby boy— Jules Joseph. My husband Dominique and I already have a three year old son, René.“
Ava Cole ‘07 writes, “I had a baby! My wife, Erin Resso, and I’s first. Our baby is Billie Louise Cole Resso, and she was born Jan 26, 2020. She loves our cats, swinging at the park, and bath time. We are so happy she is here.”
Will Weaver ‘02 is heading back to Texas! After serving as head coach of the Sydney Kings in the NBL (Australian Basketball League) since 2019, Will has accepted an assistant coaching position with the Houston Rockets. You can read more here!
2015 SAS Football Team Reunites on “Horns Up” Zoomcast On October 21, our 2015 Football team reunited to
talk about their winning season. Seven members of that season went on to play NCAA football: Cole Baker '16 (MIT-D3), Blais Herman '16 (Bucknell-D1), Keaton Drummer '16 (Adams-D2), Michael Thomas '19 (Rhodes-D3), Max Cummins (Texas-D1), Evan Marshman (Rice-D1) and Adam Myers '16 (Rhodes-D3). You can listen here!
Rita-Marie McFadden Raach ‘02 welcomed a baby boy named Joseph Byron Raach on August 20, 2019.
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eloped on July 11, 2020 at the Travis County Courthouse in a socially distanced celebration. She writes, “My husband, Zander, and I had been dating for close to eight years when we got engaged in Aix-en-Provence summer of 2019. Following in my parents' footsteps, who got married under the Eiffel Tower, we decided to get married in Paris, France on July 11th, 2020. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, as many have, we had to postpone. However... We loved our original wedding date so much that we figured we'd keep it and eloped anyways, masks and all, on July 11th. We are officially married, but our wedding will be next year in Paris on July 17th, 2021.”
Micah Wiener ‘03
writes, “I started a podcasting consulting company called MWBK Creative + Sales. We are in Austin but help clients across the country including Yeti and SAP. I've also launched a free subscription newsletter called "Micah's Read of the Week." New editions drop every Monday around noon. Subscribe here.
Clara ‘08 and Andrew ‘06 Heimsath had a baby girl, Vera Scott!
Haddie Cooke ‘08 writes, “Just became Creative Director at Fireside.fm, the podcast hosting platform! It is the sister company to 5by5.tv (podcast network) where I've been working since 2012 as Account & Sales Director and Producer (I'm still in that role for now too, I wear many hats)!”
Taylor Thompson ‘17
is a senior at the University of Virginia this year, and is living on the lawn, a great honor for students at UVA. The Lawn is part of the original grounds designed by Thomas Jefferson, and fourth year students must apply and be selected to live there. He’s also joined at UVA by his younger sister, Kyla ‘20!
Chad McLaren ‘10, newly appointed Alumni Board President, held a “Fireside Chad” on October 22, with new Head of Upper School, Ben Courchesne! You can watch the interview here! Paige Patrick ‘14 received her Master’s Degree from
George Washington University in Security Policy, and presented her Master’s Capstone to a bureau of the State Department. She has since started law school at Tulane University. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School // sasaustin.org // 57
Laney Howard ‘15 is in the middle of her second year at Baylor Law School .
Giving Back SAS Alumni helping Students In March, when schools and colleges across the country moved to online learning, many of our juniors and seniors were left with few options on college visits. The Alumni Relations and College Counseling Offices teamed up to provide a platform for our current students to hear from alums on all things college in this new world.
Max Frost ‘11 performed a concert this October for the
Love and Lightstream Drive-in Series, a socially distanced concert series benefitting Austin’s Music Community.
Chelan Beavers ‘20 is a freshman at
Millikin University, and is a Middle Blocker on their Men’s Volleyball team. He’s studying Physics and Civil Engineering.
Catherine Chlebowski ‘10 and her husband, Greg Henson, welcomed their first child, Leland Wolf Henson, on September 2, 2020.
Nicolas Creus ‘14 is working for a tech startup in New York called Feedback Loop!
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Merritt Bury ‘09 has been
working for EverlyWell, an Austin startup company that offers athome testing for a multitude of panels. “EverlyWell's goal is to make lab testing easy. We have 30+ at home kits -- from fertility to food sensitivity tests -- ordered by you. Our tests offer simple sample collection, free shipping and physician-reviewed results and insights sent to your device in just days,” says Merritt. She is joined by Irfan Alam ‘14 and former SAS student, Willa Jolink.
In early August, as our Class of 2020 was getting ready to attend their first year of college, Taylor Thompson ‘17, Christian Erben ‘17, Sophie Crawford ‘19 and Pouya Mohammadi ‘17 served on a Zoom Webinar titled The New College Experience. They offered their take on transitioning to online classes, staying connected with friends and professors, and advice for our most recent graduating class. You can watch that webinar here! On October 19, alums Sarah Doonan ‘11 and Isabel Cunningham ‘16 gave great insight into exploring the arts in our College Admissions Process: Fine Arts Zoom. Sarah is currently enrolled in online classes at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design studying Design and Landscape Architecture. Isabel just graduated from Seattle University with a BA in Arts Leadership and Strategic Communication and is currently living in Seattle. Listen to what Sarah and Isabel had to offer here!
Zoom webinar The New College Experience.
College Admissions Process: Fine Arts Zoom.
We’re looking forward to hosting more virtual sessions in order to provide as many resources as possible for our current students, so they can make the best decisions in their college application process. Are you interested in helping out? If so, fill out this form here!
Events
Sam Selman ‘09 has been
playing for the San Francisco Giants as a lefty pitcher since he made his MLB debut in 2019, and he’s off to a hot start! Sam was interviewed by his cousin on 105.5 The Roar, a radio program from Clemson University. You can listen here!
True Blue Alumni Network Have you joined St. Andrew’s first Alumni-exclusive networking site? Find a mentor, connect with alumni, and promote your business. Check out class photos (and add more!), join groups, and discover new contacts in your area! Join today at https://truebluealumni.org/
St. Andrew’s Alumni Events are always popping up around the country. Make sure you’re on the list by updating your contact information here.
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Theater in the Time of COVID-19 Christian Erben ‘17 knew she’d be taking on a challenge when she was accepted into the rigorous Sarofim School of Fine Arts at Southwestern University. As a freshman, she quickly got involved with the Theatre Club called Mask & Wig, the university’s longest running club on campus. She decided to major in Theatre, specializing in Directing and Stage Management, among other things. Slowly, she started to direct scenes in plays, gaining more experience in collegiate theater.
Her love of the arts started long before, during her St. Andrew’s days. Choir and her love of singing was her gateway into acting in Middle School. When she arrived on the Upper School campus, she gravitated more to directing and tech theater.
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However, in the beginning of the school year, the young director was given a choice: scrap it all, or put it together, safely, in only two weeks. “I said yes because of my four actors. I did it for those four,” Christian said, noting that luckily, all four were cast as freshmen and sophomores, so they were eager and able to do the show. “So in only two weeks, I reblocked the whole show, with six foot distancing, outdoor staging, actors in masks, and minimal props and set, to produce our show in September for the SU community,” Christian said. Album contains scenes of intimacy not easily reconstructed with six feet of distance between actors. “It’s hard because I think we’re all craving intimacy right now,” she says. In order to still give her audience an idea of what they were supposed to be seeing, Christian had the actors say the stage directions out loud. As for the actual stage? They used the school track, which is now the new location for the main stage until further notice.
During her junior year at SAS, she decided she wanted to pursue the arts beyond high school. Of course, her teacher and mentor, Rick Garcia, had an enormous impact as well. Her directing debut was for Rabbit Hole, her senior directed play. In the fall of 2019, Christian was excited to learn that she had been selected to direct a main stage show at Southwestern; Album by David Rimmer. The play revolves around two teenage couples, figuring out life, love and sexuality in the 1960s. Getting selected to direct a main stage show is an honor, and counts as her Capstone project for her major. “The coming of age part is what resonated with me,” Christian said, of one reason for selecting the play. Another was for her potential audience. The show is deeply rooted in music from the 60s, with artists like The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys. Southwestern is within close proximity of a nursing home, and oftentimes the residents are big fans of the Sarofim shows. “They connect memory to music, which I think is really cool,” Christian said. The show was scheduled for April, and Christian was able to squeeze in just 5 rehearsals with her cast before she would be faced with her biggest challenge she never expected: theater in a pandemic. 62
Christian (middle) with her actors prior to the pandemic.
Christian posing with her actors on the Southwestern University track, now home to theatrical performances!
The arrival of COVID-19 and the closure of in-person classes immediately caused the cancellation of her April show. A glimmer of hope returned when the University announced it would happen in the following season, but was again canceled, leaving Christian, her cast and crew to “mourn its death twice.”
The two weeks leading up to opening night were unlike anything Christian or her actors had ever done. There were so many new rules they had to follow: wearing masks, staying socially distant, time restraints, and more. “This was not a realistic play anymore,” she says. Album explores the idea of boundaries and personal space, so the actors were able to incorporate their social distancing with at least one of the themes. The biggest challenge, she says, was the intimacy, as there was hardly time to experiment. There was so little time, in fact, that opening night was the first time the cast and crew had a full run through with microphones. Then,
the community, before the final show was rained out halfway through.
the rain came, and they were forced to cancel their first show. They successfully produced two shows for
Overall, Christian was proud of all they had accomplished. The arts have been heavily affected by the pandemic, but Christian has found that teamwork and creativity go a long way. She is now the President of the Theatre Club and is prepared to graduate in May. This spring, she’ll be working as Assistant Scenic Designer for Everybody, a play by Brendan Jacobs-Jenkins, which will take place on the track, serving still as the “main stage” that she built. Congratulations, Christian! We can’t wait to see what you do next!
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