WINTER
Patterns
2014
The Magazine of St. Martin’s Episcopal School
20 years of Warrior sports
Student vestry • Farewell to Mrs. Nama • Alumni News • Voices
Grandparents’ Days St. Martin’s welcomed grandparents to campus on Nov. 25 and 26. Early Childhood and Elementary School students performed songs and storytelling and the 5th grade band performed. Annual Fund Grandparent Chairs Lesley and Don Robertson (Finn Manuel, Pre-K) and Pam and Joe McKenney (Luke Cannata, 5th grade) spoke at the events to thank grandparents for their many contributions to St. Martin’s.
Patterns Editor Christina Mimms Director of Communications
Contributors Betsy Boone The Rev. Dr. James Hamner IV Kathy Koporec Printing: Graphic Communications Corp. Photography: Mark Adams, Jeff Frantal, Stanley Leary, Greg Miller, Christina Mimms Administration The Rev. Dr. James E. Hamner IV Headmaster Cindy Alexander Principal, Early Childhood Dr. Mary McPherson Principal, Elementary School James “Skeeter” Lee Principal, Middle School
The Rev. Dr. John McCard Church Rector Patterns is published quarterly by St. Martin’s Episcopal School. Please direct any letters, comments or news items to: St. Martin’s Episcopal School 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319 Attn: Christina Mimms (404) 237-4260 www.stmartinschool.org cmimms@stmartinschool.org
Mission Statement : St. Martin’s Episcopal School is dedicated to providing a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere, which fosters lifelong learning.
contents
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departments
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letters
From the Headmaster and the Editor seen & heard
News and happenings in the school community in class
‘SMART’ learners
class notes
News from SMES alumni
voices
The joy of running
features f e at u r e
Mary Ann Nama: On eagles’ wings
f e at u r e
Warrior Athletics
On the cover: Basketball player Joey Ferguson shoots and scores for the A team.
letters from the headmaster Great schools have great teachers and administrators. At St. Martin’s Episcopal School we are blessed with both. My colleagues, with their extensive depth and breadth of learning, skill and experience share a passion for our school, our students and our mission. They embody the qualities which animate and mark our school as a community of learning and teaching, a place which strongly engages the development of the life of the mind, body and spirit. A school which cultivates the discernment of wisdom and the practice of caring and service. A school in which each student is known, loved, challenged and nurtured. In this edition of Patterns, we honor and celebrate the extraordinary career of Mary Ann Nama. Mary Ann has served St. Martin’s for nearly 40 years as an integral and
from the editor In this issue of our magazine, we are celebrating some milestones. Looking back on 20 years of our athletics program, it’s amazing how far we have come. The program started with just nine cross country runners and three coaches. Now we have 17 teams, plus six intramural sports. More than half of our Middle School students play at least one sport; some play a sport each season. St. Martin’s is a true contender in its conference. The trophy cases keep filling up, as do the banners in our gym. The home of the Warriors is a great place to be. Another milestone that has been reached this year is our Director of Finance Mary Ann Nama’s celebration of 38 years of employment. Some of you may not know her. Her office has always been a little bit tucked away on our campus, but she has been a presence on our campus longer than anyone.
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essential part of its growth and development. As our director of finance and plant operations, Mary Ann has been a vital part of every major project and advancement undertaken for the past four decades, generously sharing her extensive knowledge and infinite passion and dedication to our school. It has been my privilege and pleasure to have worked with Mary Ann the past 14 years, and I can say no one loves St. Martin’s more than she does. The good news is that Mary Ann will continue to be with us as a grandparent and I know she will be at school often. I want to welcome everyone back to school for our second semester. I also want to thank each of you for your continuing support of our school, financial and otherwise, which allows us to serve the students, your children, who are entrusted to our care.
When I first met her, I noticed a small sign in her office that reads, “It’s hard to be an eagle when you are surrounded by turkeys.” Mary Ann is definitely an eagle — a leader, a powerful figure and an example. I so admire her honesty and I enjoy her sense of humor. She has played a hands-on role in every achievement at our school. In fact, a lot of things would not have happened around here without Mary Ann’s backing. She has supported me, and many others at our school, through personal losses, triumphs and more. “Mama Nama” takes care of every one of us, from students to teachers to administrators. I can’t believe she is going to retire at the end of this school year but she told me she accomplished everything she wanted to do here, so we can’t ask for more than that. I am happy that she is leaving on a high note, on eagles’ wings, and I will always think of her as an eagle.
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seen&heard First Student Vestry members named St. Martin’s has formed its first Student Vestry under the leadership of Mother Stefanie Taylor. The vestry members, all in Middle School, will work on various projects, such as coordinating all the chapel volunteers, planning one chapel and one Eucharist each year, and writing an annual letter to the Bishop of Atlanta. They will meet weekly with Mother Taylor and will meet annually with Dr. Hamner. The students must maintain a B average and must volunteer for chapel duties, but their larger purpose is to serve as spiritual leaders and role models in the school. They are expected to be leaders in chapel and in community service, as well as in their daily lives. They are expected to study the scripture and participate in prayer. The students applied for the vestry by completing three essays and obtaining a recommendation from a teacher. Twelve students were selected for the vestry: Casey Barbee, Caroline Brown, Paige Demba, Lily Francour, Jack Inhouse, Lewis Jaynes,
Erika Kaivani, Coleman Murphy, Ansley Reese, Issy Regas, Gracie Stovall and Phillip Thornton. “I hope that having spiritual leaders will create an atmosphere of Christ-like attitudes and behaviors, and that the students will learn to love the church by being more involved,” said Mother Taylor.
Veteran’s Day program celebrates our heroes St. Martin’s held its annual Veteran’s In his winning essay, Charlie Day assembly on Nov. 8. Students sang told the story of his great-granda variety of patriotic songs, including father, Will Couric, who was de“God Bless America” and “America the ployed to Germany in World War Beautiful,” as well as “The Star-Spangled II. His unit set up camp in a GerBanner.” The Elementary School chorus man castle still occupied by an sang “For the Good of the Many” and the elderly countess, who also was band performed “Onward Warriors.” an accomplished artist. Because Students and faculty were invited to Couric was fluent in German, he submit essays for a writing contest on was able to communicate with the topic of “The Veteran I Most Admire” the countess and eventually EC students sing ‘Thank You Soldiers’ at the assembly. and then read their essays during the asbefriended her. Couric ended sembly. The winners were Brayden Ebert up marrying a former British intelligence different worlds, who fought oppression for Elementary School officer whom he met in Eng- and tyranny in World War II and reaped and Charlie Albert for land and moved home to the benefit of a deep love for each other Middle School. Jacob Alabama. One of the keepand the freedom that we enjoy today.” Reading, Ansley Reese, sakes that has been passed U.S. Army officer Lt. Col. Chris Auclair, Joey Ferguson and through Charlie’s family is a who recently returned from Afghanistan, Katie Crofton received painting from the German gave the keynote address. “All veterans honorable mentions. countess, who presented it have done something special. We have Faculty members Kathto Couric before his unit left all been scared and gotten through ryn Hechenbleikner and Germany. Charlie called it something we didn’t think we could,” he Mother Stefanie Taylor Lt. Col. Chris Auclair with cousin “a reminder of two patriotic said. “And fighting is not what we want Patti Pitoscia, dean of students also participated. young people from two to do. We want to help others.”
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Teachers lead teachers at GISA St. Martin’s faculty attended the annual Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Conference on Nov. 4, held at Woodward Academy. Teachers had the opportunity to learn from other teachers based on their classroom successes. Four SMES teachers presented sessions: Religion teacher Whitney Pierce spoke about “The Psalms as Transformative Prayer,” Middle School science teacher Susan Potenza presented “Differentiated Learning Opportunities in the Science Classroom,” and Explorers Director Morries Walker presented “10 Must-Haves for a Successful After-School Program,” with Pre-K teacher Jennifer Lennon.
SMES at gaetc conference In November, technology instructors Mike Morris and Kinshasa Msola had the opportunity to attend the Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC). This is an annual conference dedicated to the professional development of educators. It has played a key role in helping educators increase their understanding of the important role technology plays in schools. This year’s conference featured more than 250 one-hour concurrent sessions, 219 exhibitors and 20 full-day workshops. Both teachers attended conference session
Animals in the library The SMES Green Committee and the Library have teamed up to highlight endangered animals with a display at the library’s entrance. Every two months, a new animal, books related to the animal and other information will be available for students to view. Orangutans were the first to be spotlighted. Like Oliver (at right), orangutans are endangered because of destruction and degradation to the tropical rain forest for logging and conversion of forest to palm oil plantations. During the past decade, orangutan populations in the wild have decreased by about 50 percent. Look for more displays and facts to learn in the coming months.
topics ranging from useful apps for the classroom to in-depth Google Drive tips and tricks. “Trying to attend everything was the hardest part! I wanted to learn so much with so little time,” Msola said. The exhibit hall’s vendors showed off their tech goods, including a SMART pavilion with many products that SMART offers. One of the more interesting exhibits was by a company that provides wireless networks to schools and facilities. They used tablets to stream a video/commercial at the same time. “I enjoyed the many vendor exhibits and brought back great ideas for St. Martin’s,” Morris said.
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Fun times with flutists St. Martin’s welcomed 90 flute players in five choirs for the 3rd Annual Flute Choir Extravaganza on Nov. 10, under the leadership of Band Director Allen Barbee. SMES students Shelby McIntyre, Canon Lynch, Erika Kaivani, Anna Crofton, Katie Crofton, Emma Sloan, Julia Metz and teacher Ahmed Najm performed three songs — “Nimbus 2000” from Harry Potter, “Believe” from The Polar Express and “Imperial March” from Star Wars. They joined with other flutists from the Atlanta Metro Youth Flute Choir, Columbus State University, Mercer University and the Atlanta Flute Choir as all performed “Let There Be Peace on Earth” together.
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seen & heard
Multicultural education takes students far east and far west In multicultural education, students enjoyed some unique opportunities in November. The 2nd grade participated in the annual exchange with students from Seigakuin Atlanta International School on Nov. 15. Twelve SMES students spent the day at their campus, where they took part in language, art, math and other classes at the Japanese school. Other SMES 2nd graders played host to 10 students
from Seigakuin, who enjoyed language arts, P.E. class, indoor games and an American lunch of cheeseburgers. On Nov. 14, Native American storyteller Lloyd Armeach shared tales about animals, nature and “first man and first woman” with students.
Flipped classroom puts students in charge Traditional teaching calls for a teacher to be at the front of the classroom, leading a lecture or other instruction. With the concept of the flipped classroom, students take the opportunity to step into the teacher’s shoes. For those students who have trouble understanding some lessons, it is very helpful because they might not feel comfortable asking for help in class. The flipped classroom allows students to rewind concepts and teach each other through different methods, such as videos, Google or PowToon presentations, and games. Spanish teacher Thais Diaz has used the flipped classroom idea and assigned students to make short videos to help each other review vocabulary, tenses and other language lessons. “The flipped classroom allows students to work on concepts at their own pace,” Diaz said. “Creating a video with another teacher or student helps to engage the audience. The class is able to review a concept over and over, but each presentation and each video is different so it makes it more interesting.” A very important lesson is that not everything in the classroom needs to be flipped. The teacher can be selective about what should be taught through this model. Of course, nothing can replace the hands-on teaching and learning that goes on in a classroom. The flipped classroom is just a way to help reinforce learning for those who need extra help.
smes students participate in honor chorus The Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) held the statewide Elementary Honor Chorus on Nov. 8-9. Top elementary singers were selected by their music teachers and choral directors to represent their school at the event. Six St. Martin’s students were selected for this prestigious honor: Arden Adams, Grace Demba, Jasmine George, Matilda McCard, Bridgett McCarthy and Melissa Rubiano. These students are in their third year as members of St. Martin’s ES chorus. Approximately 500 students descended on the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro and were separated into two choruses. They all had a wonderful time learning new reper-
toire with two clinicians: Dr. Julie Skadsem, associate professor of choral music education and conducting at the University of Michigan, and Dr. Rollo Dillworth, noted choral composer and associate professor of music education and department chair at Temple University. Included in the weekend events were two concerts. The first was a performance by the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir under the direction of Martha Shaw. The second concert was the main event with students singing. For the finale, all 500 singers and their teachers joined in singing “Let Me Rise” and were met with thunderous applause.
Using technology for good As part of the 6th grade Technology I class, students recently created public service announcements (PSAs) using Flip cameras and iMovie. Working in small groups, students selected a topic that affects them or their age group. They researched the topics and filmed a PSA, which included two pertinent facts about the subject. All members of the group were required to appear on camera. They also developed a tagline related to their topics, which included animal abuse, cyberbullying and volunteerism. Students presented their finished PSA to their class. They were evaluated on their research and meeting the time limit (45 seconds to 1.5 minutes) and their overall execution, according to Director of Technology Chris Nama. The project took place over a twoweek period in the Tech I class.
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in class Faculty Profile
SMART learning in EC
By Kathy Koporec, EC reading and technology teacher
Students are enjoying a new technology tool with a SMART Table. Early Childhood students are getting “smarter” every day thanks to the new SMART Table. While teachers are already making use of SMARTBoards and iPads in their classrooms, the addition of the SMART Table gives students access to another interactive experience with engaging lessons. It supports up to 40 simultaneous touches, allowing eight students to gather and work collaboratively. Teachers in Early Childhood schedule time to bring their students in small groups to use the table in the hallway outside the EC Science Lab. Science teacher Elizabeth Beckwith also schedules time to use the SMART Table in the Science Lab. “I am so excited to have the SMART Table to enrich my science lessons,” she said. “Students are able to work together in small groups to sort and label different species of animals and plants. The collaboration and teamwork that occurs between the students while working together on the SMART Table is just as important as the lesson itself because it helps to strengthen their communication skills.” The SMART Table is versatile. The primary activities are comprised of apps. There are a variety of apps including Paint, Hot Spots, Media, Hot Spaces and Multiple Choice. An activity can be created using these apps to teach a particular skill or concept. There are many activities that are made available through the SMART Exchange. Since the table is wifi-accessible, teachers can search the Exchange to find ready-made
lessons that they can use with their students on a variety of topics. There are more than 1,500 lessons to choose from, or they can create their own. Teachers can also use the table in ways similar to the SMARTBoard by accessing interactive web sites and utilizing SMART Notebook lessons. Teacher training for this new technology tool is ongoing. Kinshasa Msola, director of academic technology, said the table is an outstanding addition to the technology curriculum at SMES. “Coming from SMART Technologies, I have trained many teachers on the SMART Table,” she said. “I have seen the expression on teachers’ faces as they realize what an interactive tool the table is. The possibilities are endless and I can’t wait to see what our creative EC teachers come up with!” Students benefit not only by having the opportunity to practice skills and learn new content, but also to work collaboratively. Cindy Alexander, early childhood principal, appreciates how “the SMART Table develops problem-solving skills including the important skills of taking turns, patience and teamwork. Small group activities provide students time to develop cooperative learning strategies that they will use throughout their lives.” Early Childhood is a place where active learning is taking place in classrooms, outdoors and even in the hallways. There is always great excitement surrounding the SMART Table with SMART learners hard at work.
Students ‘glow’ with excitement over the SMART Table. At left, Mrs. Koporec guides Pre1st students using an app on the SMART Table.
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Mary Ann Nama:
On eagles’ wings By Christina Mimms, Editor
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hree children, five heads of school, countless board and staff meetings, and 40 years of service later, Mary Ann Nama is retiring from her many roles at St. Martin’s: school parent, volunteer, director of finance, trusted colleague and friend. “Mama Nama” is an indelible part of the history and her departure marks the end of an era at St. Martin’s. In the early 1970s, with her sons Chris and Tim enrolled in St. Martin’s preschool, Nama and her husband Charles were active parishioners and volunteers. She served on the Board of Trustees for several years and managed finances for the school out of her home on a volunteer basis. She joined the administration in a salaried position in 1975. The preschool was a thriving ministry of the church. People lined up before dark on registration day to sign up their children. Millie Foote served as the director from 1979 until 1986. She and Nama often talked about continuing the good work of the school by adding an elementary program and even a middle school. Together, they recruited families to support the new elementary school and opened the first 1st grade with 16 students in 1983. Nama’s daughter Ann was the first student registered. “We absolutely started from scratch,” Nama said. “Starting with a little bitty preschool and watching it grow step by step is pretty dynamic.” Nama has served an integral role in each “first” for St. Martin’s — Mary Ann and Charles formed the first PTO in 1985 and hosted the first Fling; they chaperoned the first field trips; she helped to start the Explorers Extended-Day Program; and she has been
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highly involved with each construction project and school expansion. No job was too big or too small: Nama and Foote personally cleaned and painted all of the classrooms each summer. Mary Ann, Charles and Foote cooked beef burgundy for the Fling attendees that first year; Charles cooked steaks for the teachers on a teacher appreciation day. Nama scraped up a used copier and fax machine for the school office. She let her house double as the finance office while buildings were under construction and office space was not available. “At critical junctures in our school’s history, Mary Ann always pushed for the school to move forward,” said the Rev. Dr. James Hamner, headmaster. “Her stalwart advocacy of our school, her understanding of our school’s history and mission is deeply impressive, and she has always had the best interests of the school at heart. I’ve treasured Mary Ann’s friendship, counsel and support over the years.” Her knowledge of finance, investments, records and budgets, and shrewd business sense are greatly valued. Even in the early days when the church first started the school and later, in economically challenging times, St. Martin’s has never operated in a deficit. “Mary Ann is a visionary,” said Elementary School Principal Mary McPherson. “She has always seen the growth potential but never jeopardized the school. The financial viability of the school is one of her greatest contributions.” While everyone appreciates her financial management, Nama’s intangible qualities of honesty, care and respect are priceless in the eyes of her family, colleagues and friends. Former chair of the Board of Trustees
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Marianne Fortuna always valued Nama’s business skills as well as her friendship. “We lived through some big decisions together and she always kept the school on firm financial ground,” Fortuna said. “She is the school’s best friend and she is one of the most generous, kind and loving people to have as a friend and colleague.” “Her love for the school permeates everything,” said Jan Swoope, who once shared offices in a small house on Lanier Drive with Nama. After 23 years of working with Nama, Swoope has seen that “every headmaster has sought her counsel on everything important, and we have all relied on her.” Nama treasures that role. “I’m glad that people trust me,” she said. “But if you want to ask me a question, then I am going to tell you the truth. I’m honest to a fault and if I don’t agree with someone, I will tell them.” She has offered her financial expertise to colleagues both for work and personal matters. “I had the opportunity to learn a lot from Mary Ann when I helped start our Professional Development committee,” said Middle School social studies teacher Jennie Paulsen. “A large part of the project included setting and maintaining the budget. She was extremely supportive of my efforts, helping me streamline the budget categories and checking my math. I learned a lot from that experience, and still use much of that knowledge today.” Paulsen later went to Nama for advice when she was planning to purchase a condo. “I was afraid to take the plunge, but she neatly explained the benefits and pitfalls which helped me make the decision to go ahead,” Paulsen said. “I am very grateful for the time she took to point me in the right direction.”
Above, Mary Ann Nama will retire as Director of Finance after 38 years. Above right, Mary Ann with son Chris, husband Charles, son Tim and daughter Ann at the administrative offices named in her honor in August 2012.
Nama has always made the appropriate distinction between money well spent and money better used elsewhere. Dean of Students and former Athletic Director Patti Pitoscia once dressed up as the Warrior to sell T-shirts to raise money for basketball uniforms. She recalled that “Mary Ann came up to me slowly. She took a long look, and in her very dry way said, ‘I think it’s time you got out of the fundraising business.’ Mary Ann wanted our kids to make a positive impression of our school on the community. The uniforms were paid for. Long live Mama Nama,” Pitoscia said. Nama is as much a part of the church and school as the very bricks that hold it together. She knew teachers Janet Hurlburt and Carol Roberts through the church long before they joined the faculty. Hurlburt has taught Nama’s grandchildren Katie (3rd grade) and Gabby (Kindergarten). “When Katie was in Kindergarten, the whole class went to visit Mary Ann in her office,” Hurlburt said. “I asked Mary Ann to tell the class what her job was and what she did all day. She replied, ‘I count all the money here at St. Martin’s.’ Then we had a spirited conversation about how much money each student had in their piggy banks.” “When I think of someone who embodies the spirit of St. Martin’s Church and School communities, Mary Ann immediately comes to mind,” said Church Rector the Rev. Dr. John McCard. “Working often behind the scenes, she has helped our church and school to grow and flourish. Mary Ann is the sort of person who gives it her all. Looking back over these past decades of service, we can indeed say to her, ‘well done, good and faithful servant.’” While Nama is well known in the SMES
community, others also seek her counsel. She is a founding member of the Mid-South Independent School Business Officers and she has been recognized for her many years of service by the Georgia Independent School Association. She has been involved with the Elementary School Research Consortium, a national organization. She also is well known and respected among the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools. St. Martin’s was the first independent school in Atlanta to contract with Sage Dining Services back in 2002, and many other schools have since signed with them for food service. At that time, Nama insisted that Sage hire the existing long-time and beloved kitchen staff, several of whom still work at SMES. Nama also negotiated the recent contract with TMS for custodial services at a cost savings to the school. Her immediate colleagues in the Finance Department, Diane Oliver, Karen McAlinden and Patsy Beckwith, have relied on her immeasurably. Beckwith calls her “the go-to person.” “She has taught me a lot,” Oliver said. “We have shared many laughs and many memories over the years. Her laugh is contagious.” “She is always calm, even when other people are not,” McAlinden said. “And she doesn’t forget anything.” “When you speak with Mary Ann about the history of our school, it is like listening to a museum curator,” said SMES parent and former chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Jodie Guest. “Her institutional knowledge is our complete history and her love for the school is obvious.” While Nama will no longer attend board meetings or staff meetings, her presence still will be felt at St. Martin’s, perhaps in one place more than others.
“As Board Chair during our new building and construction phase, it was my privilege to be able to name a room in her honor,” Guest said. “We chose the administration office suite as a fitting tribute to her decades of work. The naming was a surprise and unveiling it was one of my favorite parts of our ribbon cutting. It is hard to surprise Mary Ann since she knows everything! I am grateful her entire family was present to watch us honor her.” Nama’s legacy lives on in her family as well. With two of her seven grandchildren at SMES and son Chris (a SMES preschool alumnus) serving as director of technology, visits to campus are not out of the question. “Her retirement is especially bittersweet,” said Chris Nama. “St. Martin’s has been her life for 40 years. She’s been here through all the stages and seen it grow. She’s done so many things for so long and she has always been the voice of reason. She has a sense of history about her and it will be hard not having her readily available.” Reflecting on her time at St. Martin’s, Nama pauses regularly to think about her friend and cohort Millie Foote, who passed away in 1988. Their dream of creating the St. Martin’s of today — a highly successful, sought-after school with premier facilities and an outstanding academic program — has become a reality. A pivotal moment for Nama came during the recent construction when students and faculty signed the final beam to be placed in the new Middle School building. Nama signed Foote’s initials. “I promised her I would be here to see it all happen,” Nama said. “It’s been a great run and I don’t think I would change a thing.” patterns
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Power players By Christina Mimms, Editor
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With a rich, 20-year history, St. Martin’s Athletics Program provides opportunities for students to learn skills, form friendships, develop relationships with coaches, promote school spirit and grow as young people. Athletic lessons often prove to be lessons for life.
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he Duke of Wellington, in 1856, allegedly was quoted as stating that “The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton,” in reference to his alma mater, Eton College near London. True or not, the phrase speaks to the idea that athletic venues serve not merely as places to hone skills in soccer, baseball, volleyball and basketball, or perhaps cricket, for our friends across the pond. Athletics, and St. Martin’s as a whole, teach young people valuable lessons for life. Using the concepts of teamwork and leadership, lessons in athletics contribute to the education of the whole person in different and spirited ways. That goal was at the forefront from the initial launch of St. Martin’s athletic program in 1992 and continues today. “Being a participant on a team is important to the growth of a person,” said Patti Pitoscia, dean of students and former athletic director. “I believe in athletics for that experience, and students also get to know each other in different ways.”
Teamwork equals success
Eighth grader Canon Lynch, who has played volleyball, soccer and basketball at SMES, said that being part of a team is the top reason why she plays sports. “You get to meet people in different grades and have different relationships outside of class. You form really close relationships with your team,” she said. The girls’ volleyball teams in particular demonstrate their close bond, cheering for each other and supporting every teammate, no matter what happens. “We teach teamwork and sportsmanship starting in P.E. class in 1st grade and that carries over to the teams,” said Coach Ellen Kufel, whose A girls volleyball team brought home the conference runner-up trophy this
year. “Heart got us to the finals this year,” Kufel said. “These girls had fun, they were determined and they encouraged each other all the way.” St. Martin’s enjoys a great tradition of participating in the conference finals in many of its sports. In fact, St. Martin’s is the first school in the Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC) to bring home a championship trophy, with the boys’ cross country team earning 1st place in October 2006, the year of the MAAC founding. Since that time, St. Martin’s has earned 25 MAAC championships and 17 runner-up placements. Five of the 1st place trophies are for golf, four for girls’ volleyball, and the Warriors earned their first-ever basketball and baseball championships in the 2012-2013 season. The start of the MAAC took St. Martin’s athletic program to a new level, bringing competition with 18 middle schools of similar size and skill level, record-keeping and championships. SMES is a founding member of the conference. “That was a very proud moment for me, personally and professionally,” Pitoscia said. St. Martin’s also keeps records of its teams who go undefeated in their regular seasons. To date, 27 teams have earned a place on the plaques that hang outside the gym. Participating in sports at the Middle School level and in the MAAC also allows students to participate in multiple sports, if they choose. With little overlap between seasons, students may focus on one sport at one time and leave themselves time to participate in other clubs and activities as well. Some students may play a fall or winter sport and then perform in the school musical in the spring. “We demand commitment but not at the cost of other opportunities,” said Athletic Director Mark
Above: Boys’ soccer players work on new strategies at practice. Coach Amanda Walker reviews some plays before a girls’ basketball game.
Warrior Athletics Undefeated Teams: 27 MAAC Championships: 25 MAAC Runners-up: 17
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Above: Knox Pittman in a MAAC cross country meet at Blackburn Park. Canon Lynch and Lizzy Walls at an A girls’ volleyball practice.
McDaniel. “We don’t want kids to burn out on a sport at this age.” Students also enjoy the opportunity to work with different people. “Each coach has a different style,” Lynch said. “I like all the coaches and it’s fun to work with different people.” Being “coachable” is one of an athlete’s most important qualities, according to McDaniel. “Students need to listen and be able to take in the information,” he said. “And they have to be pretty quick to take an action and react to different situations.” The relationship between coaches and athletes is crucial for development, both in terms of skills and mental fortitude. “I enjoy coaching the mental side,” said Wade Hanse, cross country coach. “I want to coach kids who are willing to work hard, not just kids who are fast runners. So much of cross country is mental.” Hanse acknowledged 8th grader and cross country team captain Knox Pittman as an example of a successful athlete — one who respects coaching and accepts challenges. While Pittman improved his race time from 13+ minutes for a 2-mile race to a personal best of 11:50, and also took 1st place in the MAAC Championships and 3rd place in the Georgia Middle School State Cross Country Championships, he accomplished many goals this season. “Knox’s biggest development wasn’t just his physical growth but his mental growth,” Hanse said. “We set a race plan each time and he followed it well.” Pittman said he really enjoyed working with SMES coaches Hanse and Amanda Walker. “The coaches have a lot of experience and they know what they are doing,” he said. “We had a lot of camaraderie.” In fact, often at practices, Hanse and Pittman raced each other. Somewhat to Hanse’s dismay, Pittman beat him on several occasions this year.
Calling all captains
With the many accomplishments that SMES athletes experience in their competitions, there is no room for ego. All students are
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trained to be leaders, whether they serve as captains or not. “We expect our students to be good ambassadors and show moral character,” Pitoscia said. “Knox is someone who leads by example,” Hanse said. “He was always good about talking with younger runners and helping the boys out on the race course.” Students know that the team comes first. “I’ve learned that it’s not most important for me to get better but for the whole team to get better,” Lynch said. Often, when the students finally meet their goal, it signals the end of the season. For 8th graders, their Warrior playing days are over but some have gone on to play at competitive high schools and even in college. Their passion for sports such as volleyball, soccer, golf, tennis and baseball has continued, while other students directed their athletic skills to new sports such as football or lacrosse. (See more in the alumni news section.) Pittman, who continues to train and compete year-round in events such as the Foot Locker South Regional Cross Country Championships, hopes to run cross country in high school and in college, following in the footsteps of his father, Frank, who was captain of the Washington & Lee University cross country and track teams and is a former Nike Pro runner. Pittman, his older brother and his dad regularly train and run together. Lynch said she hopes to play volleyball, soccer and basketball in high school but looks forward to being involved in school activities. She advises all students to do the same. “Don’t be afraid to get involved, just jump in and have fun,” she said. “Tryouts are kind of scary but whatever team you are on will be fun.” Pittman said he truly enjoys running, not just to spend time with his dad and brother but also because he has found a sport where he is successful. That may not be the case for everyone. “I suggest doing a sport for fun and not just to be good,” he said. And since SMES students are unlikely to encounter another Waterloo, they can enjoy sports not just for teamwork and leadership development but for what they are at the heart: school spirit, fun, games and friendships.
class notes 1992 Alex Hilley is the general
manager at Safety-Kleen, an environmental services company. He graduated from Auburn University and lives in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., with his wife Shawna.
1993 Russell Walker is a portfo-
lio analyst at Atlanta-based GV Financial Advisors. He graduated from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
1995 Betsy Thompson Oliver
and her husband Louis welcomed son Louis Henry “Hank” Oliver on Oct. 1 at 8:44 a.m. He weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz., and was 22 in. long. (photo below)
ing Engineers in Boston. He graduated from the University of Cambridge.
2000 Alexis Marianes success-
fully defended her doctoral thesis, “How to bust a gut: physiological and stem cell compartmentalization in the Drosophila midgut” and earned her Ph.D at Johns Hopkins University.
1996 Craig Webster is an
associate at BR+A Consult-
As part of the magazine’s focus on St. Martin’s Athletic Program, several current college athletes are profiled here.
registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. She is engaged to Mathis Wilkens.
Caroline Roberts ’06 cross country
2003 Deborah McClean is a
2002 Payton McCarty graduat2004 ed from University of Geor- Sean Kennedy is workgia in 2010 with a degree in child and family development. For three years, Payton was an intern with the Wesley Foundation, a campus ministry, and is a founder of a nonprofit organization, Dance Upon Injustice, in Athens. Since finishing her internship last May she has been working at Dancefx Dance Studio and Athens Link Fellowship while she is preparing for an extended mission trip to Mozambique in early 2014. (photo below) Emily Shaver recently earned a Master’s degree in middle grades
Aimee Campolucci is a costumer working in the Atlanta theater community. She graduated from the Pride Institute of New York.
education. She is thankful to her St. Martin’s middle school teacher, Mrs. Charlotte O’Keefe, who contributed to her love of English. Emily is currently teaching middle grades language arts.
ing on a Master’s degree in public health at Emory University. He graduated from Mercer University and St. Pius.
2007 Savanna Ford is a junior at Valdosta State University. She is majoring in education with an emphasis in English. She is the social chair for Alpha Delta Pi sorority and is on the committee of the Dance Marathon for VSU, which is a school-wide fund-raiser. Charles Mixon attends Valdosta State, where he is a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. This past summer he worked as a whitewater guide on the Chattahoochee in Columbus and in marketing the new venue for Whitewater Express.
2009 Austin Schriner is a
freshman at Southern Polytechnic State University pursu-
Caroline Roberts ’06 is a senior at Sewanee: The University of the South. Her love of running started in the 6th grade on St. Martin’s cross country team and continued through high school at Miss Porter’s School and now in college. She is a physics major and recently completed a third summer astronomy internship, the most recent one at Georgia State University, and has presented her research at the American Astronomical Society. She plans to apply to doctoral programs in astronomy and hopes to start graduate school in the fall of 2014.
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class notes
Patrick Beless ’07 football
ing mechanical engineering. He pledged Kappa Sigma fraternity and is involved with the school newspaper and cancer charity fundraising. He is a member of the paintball and formula SAE teams. Anna Akins was accepted to the staff of Ring-Tum Phi, Washington & Lee University’s student-run newspaper. Daniel Kamman is attending Auburn University. He is majoring in international business while also pursuing his passion for aviation at the Auburn flight school. He pledged Phi Kappa Tau fraternity this fall.
Patrick Beless ’07 is a story of perseverance. Known for his academic accomplishments at St. Martin’s and at Marist, he also was a lifelong soccer player. Recruited to be a kicker for Marist’s football program, he walked on to University of Georgia’s team last year and ended up as the starting kicker for the first two games this season. He is in the Honors Program and is a HOPE scholar at UGA. He is a risk management major and was recently accepted into the Terry College of Business.
Keep in touch!
Please send your news and updates to alumni@stmartinschool.org Deadline for spring issue: March 1 Visit our Alumni pages online at www.stmartinschool.org and on Facebook and Twitter!
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Maddie Ford attends Georgia Tech. She is a business major and a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
2010 Olivia Haas is on the girls’ cross coun-
Austin Sprague won the AAA state cross country championships with a time of 16:08. His win also secured the fourth consecutive team title for St. Pius. Kayla Feng was chosen to represent Riverwood High School on Superintendent Dr. Avossa’s Student Advisory Council. Each high school in Fulton County may nominate one student to serve on the year-long panel. Kayla will be one of 17 students meeting with Dr. Avossa twice during the year to provide feedback on important issues facing the school district.
Brigid Mary McDonnell ’07 swimming
try team and is co-captain of the girls’ crew team at Westminster. She is senior class president and is a member of the National Honor Society. John Morrison is a senior at Pace Academy. This summer, he attended the Top 12 and Event Elite Camp, an invitational football camp for the nation’s top high school kickers, punters and long snappers. He recently was named a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist. Robert Beeland was named a commended student in the National Merit Scholarship Program. He is the president of Holy Innocents’ French Club and a vice president for the Model United Nations Club. He also plays on the varsity golf team. Hannah Rose Adams is a senior at Westminster. She is president of the environmental campus organization, head editor of the literary magazine, and a member of the leadership group Girls Empowered Through Relationships, Leadership and Service. In addition, she is a flautist in the wind ensemble, a secretary of the band and an officer of her Thespian troupe. This fall, she played the role of Paulette in Westminster’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”
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Brigid Mary McDonnell’s ’07 swimming career started at age 7 at Dynamo Swim Club. After graduating from St. Martin’s, she attended Marist and joined the swim team. She received a swim scholarship to Millersville University in Pennsylvania, where she holds the school record in the 100 breast, 200 breast, 200 individual medley and 200 medley relay. She was on the Dean’s List and was an Academic All-American. She also served as the swim team representative on the Sports Council. This school year she transferred to Georgia State University and is now coaching young swimmers.
Burke McCarty ’06 track & field
community as leaders. Members must have at least a 3.0 GPA, must be involved in extracurricular activities and must be an example to others. Madison Mischik was named a commended student in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. She attends St. Pius.
2011 Reed Ferguson released her first
music CD “So We Beat On” on Nov. 2. She is a junior at Marist.
Burke McCarty ’06 is studying exercise and sports science at the University of Georgia, where he is also a discus thrower for the track and field team. In 2012 and 2013, Burke received an Academic All-American award and was UGA’s male athlete nomination to the SEC Community Service Team for the 2013 season. He placed fourth at the SEC Championships in 2012 and 2013 in the discus, and he made the Bulldog Top Ten Record List. Burke graduated from Marist, where he earned many honors at both the state and regional level for track & field.
Florrie McCard recently was selected as a member of the Beacon Organization at Saint Mary’s School. She was chosen by her peers and approved by the administration for this senior honor organization, which recognizes girls who serve the
Representing Holy Innocents’, Iain Thomas and Mollie Belisle, both ’13, visited SMES 8th graders on Nov. 20.
Jon Walsh is a wide receiver and corner on the Mount Vernon football team. He is vice president of the junior class and is president of the Mount Vernon business club. Riverwood High School’s National Art Honor Society recently held its induction and exhibition reception. Caroline Albright ’11 and Emma Smith ’12 were inducted. New and existing members of the Honor Society had at least one piece of artwork displayed at the Binders Limelight Gallery in Buckhead.
Maggie Mixon ’13 (above, front row, second from right) is a cheerleader at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. She is in three honors classes and is on the debate team.
Mary Walker Mixon ’09 tennis
2012 Charlotte Spaeth was selected for
the 2013-14 Youth Leadership Sandy Springs program. The 23 high school students in the program will spend the year learning and practicing leadership skills while studying the Sandy Springs community and government. The group will complete a joint service project. Charlotte attends Riverwood High School.
Representing St. Pius, Ryan Connor and Abby Thomas, both ’13, visited SMES 8th graders on Oct. 23.
Mary Walker Mixon ’09 is on an athletic and academic scholarship at Gardner-Webb University. She is in honors classes and plans to major in business and minor in sports management. At St. Martin’s, she ran cross country and played volleyball, basketball and tennis. She was on the tennis team at St. Pius and later played at Baylor School. In her last tournament this season, she finished 5-1 (2-1 in singles, 3-0 doubles) and she and her partner won the division.
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voices
betsy boone, 2nd grade teacher
I have always been an active person. When I was young, I was involved in cheerleading and gymnastics all the way through high school. In college, my sport of choice was a little more relaxed. I loved tailgating and attending University of Georgia football games. I started running when I first started teaching, and now I try to run 7 to 10 miles on an average day. Running before school helps to energize and prepare me for the day of school ahead of me. Running after school helps to re-energize me after being inside the classroom all day. I never liked running when I was younger. I figured if no one was chasing me then what was the point of running? As an adult, I started running because I realized that my runs would be one of the only times during the day that I could think clearly. Running has helped me to be a better teacher because when I run, my creative juices flow. I start to think about things going on in my classroom that day or that week. Whether it’s how I can help a student understand a concept more clearly, or how I can shake up a lesson to make it more exciting, or what cute bulletin board idea will be the day’s craft activity, I do my best thinking when I am running. Running is a great way for me to relieve stress, increase my energy and clear my head. Running has helped me to look at a problem or a scenario in a new light and I can usually come up with a better solution than if I had just thought about it at school. Some of my best lesson plans have been created as I have been running. I don’t consider myself an athlete. I don’t run marathons or triathlons and will never have the desire to be the next Ironman winner. I run to make myself feel better both physically and mentally. When I am feeling my best, I teach my best. One thing that athletes and teachers have in common is endurance. Athletes endure hours of tough training to be and perform the best. Teachers endure hours of tough training to perform our best every single day to teach our students. If I look at it this way, then I will claim to be an athlete since I do strive for my best every time. I look at other faculty members who, in my eyes, are super runners and dedicated to the sport. I can’t even begin to compare with them, but they inspire me. It pushes me to run a little faster and a little longer when I think of them. Depending on how you look at it, you could say I am a runner who teaches or a teacher who runs, but I have found a great way to help my health and my career.
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The Camp at St. Martin’s returns this summer! New camp hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Drop-off at 8:30 a.m.) Camp Session I: June 2 – June 27, 2014 Camp Session II: July 7 – August 1, 2014
2014 r e m m Su amp
A n ew c ES for M S t a e c experien ages Pre-K children d) through s ol (4 year grade! 8 th
Golf, tennis, baseball, soccer, yard sports, volleyball, cheerleading, football, dance, karate, choir, art, chess, musical theater, robotics/LEGO Bricks, cooking, edible art, puppetry, jazz music, science, zoology, fashion design, typing, computer, filmmaking, app design and academic brush-up camps. Registration opens Feb. 1. Visit our camp page online at: http://www.stmartinschool.org/campus_life/summer Mark McDaniel, Director of Summer Programs
St. Martin’s Episcopal School 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30319
Alumni save the dates! The Red & Blue Alumni Social for the Classes of 2011-2013 Thursday, March 20, 2014 6:30-8:00 p.m. on campus Senior Dinner for the Class of 2010 and their parents Sunday, April 27, 2014 5:30-7:00 p.m. on campus Invitations for these events will be mailed to alumni. Please make sure we have your current contact information on file. If you have suggestions or questions about alumni programs, please contact us at alumni@stmartinschool.org.