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Patterns
2014
The Magazine of St. Martin’s Episcopal School
Performing arts take center stage
Bishop Wright visits • Reaccreditation • Alumni News
It’s time to tee off! St. Martin’s 12th Annual Golf Tournament St. Marlo Country Club Monday, May 5, 2014 11:00 a.m. check-in 1:00 p.m. shotgun start All proceeds will fund St. Martin’s Episcopal School Endowment.
Click the QR code to register!
For online registration, sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact Tina Haas at (404) 228-0711 or thaas@stmartinschool.org.
Patterns Editor Christina Mimms Director of Communications
Contributors Allen Barbee The Rev. Dr. James Hamner IV Shelly Manuel Dr. Mary McPherson Printing: Graphic Communications Corp. Photography: Mark Adams, Jeff Frantal, 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
contents
SPRING
2014
departments
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l e tt e r s
From the Headmaster and the Editor seen & heard
News and happenings in the school community i n c l ass
A look at the 5th grade band and chorus programs
c l ass n o t e s
News from SMES alumni
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On with the show: 10 years of performing arts at SMES
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.
On the cover: Jake Anderson and Victoria Gronczewski perform in the musical “Seussical Jr.” View this magazine on your tablet at issuu.com.
letters from the headmaster Twelve years ago, Charlie and Cynthia Hendon launched the “Hendon Challenge” to create our drama, public speaking and Elementary School Spanish programs, which have tremendously enriched the learning experiences of literally thousands of SMES students. The visionary leadership and support of this campaign illustrates SMES’ continuing tradition of crafting an excellent and substantive learning environment which sparks creativity and deepens understanding. We are blessed with excellent teachers whose passion and skill in eliciting creativity and performance from our students is truly amazing. The ability to communicate clearly, thoughtfully and effectively, whether using the written word or in speaking to and with others, is essential for success, both personal and professional. From our earliest grades, students practice speaking in front of their classes, learning the skills necessary for communicating their thoughts and
ideas. I often hear from the high schools our students attend how impressed they are that our students are able to communicate clearly and well in their admission interviews. Our drama productions also allow students to learn the skills of stage production, managing light and sound systems, and other non-acting skills. Our students’ learning also is deepened through their exposure and practice of music, whether instrumental or choral. The discipline and hard work of learning, whether in speaking, acting, singing, performing, gives our students experiences which will serve them well the rest of their lives. Enjoy reading more about these wonderful programs in this edition of Patterns. I hope many of you will join us for our Honors Day assemblies and our celebratory graduation service at the Cathedral of St. Philip on May 23 starting at 10 a.m. A wonderful way to honor the class of 2014 and conclude another great school year.
from the editor Each year, Celebration of the Arts completely transforms our school. Walking inside on Monday morning that week, the school feels like an art gallery. The creations of our students are absolutely beautiful and I know parents treasure them for years to come. You can also witness a transformation in some of our students when they take the stage to perform in the Middle School musical. I remember feeling so amazed and impressed by the singing voices of our students, never realizing that one had such talent or that another could hit a challenging note. In particular, I remember one student several years ago who stammered his way through the annual Spelling Bee and then took on a lead role in the musical, singing and dancing on center stage. I had to tell Heidi Cline McKerley that I couldn’t believe it was the same student.
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This is what happens to students in our Speech & Drama program — they overcome their shyness, they become incredibly selfconfident and they bring the “wow” factor to their performance. They tap talent that perhaps they didn’t know they had. Our teachers Heidi Cline McKerley and Spencer Stephens possess the right skills to mold these students, use their best talents and empower them to get up on stage and perform for 500-plus people in a packed gymnasium. It is such a delight to watch these students bloom and grow right before our eyes. It’s also great to see the students take what they have learned and get on stage in high school and even college performances. Perhaps, one day, we will be able to say we knew that Hollywood or Broadway star when he was a 13-year-old in a lion costume on the St. Martin’s stage.
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seen & heard Bishop Wright visits SMES, meets with student vestry St. Martin’s welcomed the Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, to a combined Elementary and Middle School chapel on Feb. 18. In his address, he first asked students about what they are thankful for. Students replied with things such as “family,” “friends,” “food,” “technology,” “home” and many other things. Bishop Wright said that God has blessed the students in many wonderful ways, with many wonderful things and that students should “do good in the world, in response to all the good God has done for us.” He also reminded students that “God
board of trustees releases new strategic framework The Board of Trustees has updated the school’s strategic plan in order to provide the necessary framework for carrying out the school’s mission. The goals set forth in the framework cover educating students, developing and retaining excellent teachers and administrators, stewarding, governing and community building, with specific priorities and measures for each area. It includes a summary of the school’s identity as an Episcopal School as well as its unique configuration as a Pre-K–8th grade school. The document is available for download or online viewing on the school’s Web site at www.stmartinschool.org/about/ strategic. Printed copies are also available on campus for anyone who desires a print version.
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At left, Fr. McCard, Dr. Hamner, Bishop Wright and Mother Taylor. Above, Bishop Wright, Mother Taylor and Patti Pitoscia with the student vestry.
is real, God is able, God is good and God is generous.” Both choruses performed at the service, after which Bishop Wright met with the student vestry, who provided a report about their work at St. Martin’s. They also had the opportunity to ask the bishop a variety of questions about his
work, his background and their faith. “Bishop Wright was very down to earth with the students and it was wonderful that they had generous access to someone in such high authority in the church,” said Mother Taylor. “He really empowered them to be role models in the school and reminded them to be the hands and feet of Christ at St. Martin’s.”
SMES staff celebrations
Fifth grade teacher Kate Larsen and her husband Rob joyfully welcomed baby Robert McClatchey “Mac” Larsen Jr. on Feb. 3, 2014. He was 7 lbs., 10 oz.
Second grade teacher Susanne Teegarden, her husband Stewart and daughter Mary Wade were delighted with the arrival of baby Ann Thomas on Feb. 26, 2014. She was 6 Ibs, 6 oz. and 19 in. long.
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Students named to GISA All-Select Band & Chorus
Speakers enlighten parents
St. Martin’s students participated in the annual GISA All-Select Band & Chorus program, held the weekend of February 8-9 at Mount de Sales Academy in Macon. Students auditioned and were selected to perform in either the band or the chorus, where they joined with more than 100 students from other schools throughout Georgia. The band students were Casey Barbee, Zoe Demetry, Will Sjostrom, Danny Holmes, Ben Voorhies, Robert Wilson, Lauren Young, Watson Coker, Gerald Filmore, Nicki Green, Erika Kaivani, Canon Lynch, Jacob Reading, Ansley Reese and William Roberts. The chorus students were Julia Steck, Paige Demba, Charlie Albert, Jordan Ricketts, Issy Regas, Bailey Lusk, Philip Thornton, Adam Poroch, Leilani Mitchell, Coleman Murphy, Olivia Tavolacci, Jasmine George, Deaja Dunbar, Maggie Sjostrom and Gavin Guest.
Is it more important where your child goes to college or who he is when he goes to college? That thought was among the topics raised at recent workshops held on campus for parents.
EC brings home national award
Dr. Keith Campbell (photo below), a leading researcher and University of Georgia professor, spoke to parents on Dec. 12 about children in the digital age. While young people today have more self-confidence and a sense of individualism, there is also increased narcissism and a higher
At the annual conference of the Southern Early Childhood Association, St. Martin’s Outdoor Classroom received an Honorable Mention in the Exemplary Outdoor Contest. EC Principal Cindy Alexander accepted the award, which is now displayed in the EC Science Lab. At left, science teacher Elizabeth Beckwith shows the award certificate.
SMES premieres Film Festival Giving students another opportunity to flex some creative muscle, St. Martin’s launched the first-ever Film Festival Jan. 23 and 24. Students in 5th through 8th grades were invited to create and submit short films using the theme of “change.” With a few guidelines on length (max. 3 minutes) and music (only royalty-free), students worked on their own time exclusively with their own equipment to develop original stories, film their scenes and edit their films. Participants and their families were invited to a Premiere Night on Jan. 23, where they viewed each of the six films that were submitted. On Jan. 24, students in 1st-8th grades attended a Film Festival Assembly, where they watched each of the films and an awards ceremony. Each participant received a certificate and awards were presented for Most Creative Film (William Stovall, 5th grade); Best Use of Theme (6th graders Abby Gillin, Shy Padgett, Charlie Olson and Jenna Bertschi, photo above); and Best Picture (6th graders Taylor Rand and Margot Haidet). The awards, created to look like movie scene chalkboards, were donated by Awards Atlanta. The films were judged on their story, sound, lighting, editing, use of theme and overall quality. Teachers Mr. Bartholomai, Mr. Morris, Mrs. McKerley and Ms. Pease served as judges, along with professional film producer Scott Hartman of Jackson Spalding. Ms. Mimms, Mr. Nama and Mr. Stephens coordinated the Film Festival.
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desire for fame. “We’ve raised everyone’s views of themselves but we’ve made the world a lot harder,” Campbell said. “People are less connected to each other and more focused on their individual needs.” Counselor Eugenia Wattles, who conducted a three-part parenting workshop in January and February, discussed ideas based on “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee,” “The Five Love Languages” and “Intangible Gifts.” She reminded parents that “being a parent is the greatest investment you will ever make. You are the leader and children are following you,” she said.
seen & heard Honor Society inducts 27 new members The St. Martin’s Honor Society held its induction ceremony on Feb. 7, welcoming 27 new 7th and 8th grade members. The students were selected based on their grades and their community service work. All members also are expected to follow a code of conduct. They received a pin to wear as part of their uniform each day. Honor Society President Ansley Reese and Middle School Principal Skeeter Lee both spoke at the ceremony. The
SMES represents at ThesCon
At the 8th Annual Georgia Junior Thespian Conference held Feb. 22 at Columbus State University, 43 students performing in six different entries represented St. Martin’s. The non-musical entry of “On the Verge,” performed by Abby Ray, Caswell King, Emily Schmitt and Victoria Gronczewski received a Superior ranking and qualified for the national conference. Sophie Beck also qualified in costume design and Robin James in theatrical lighting. Two other SMES entries scored just shy of the 270 points needed for a national spot. In addition to performing at the conference, students also participated in a variety of workshops presented by theater professionals and educators from the Atlanta and Columbus areas. “Our entries represented St. Martin’s beautifully,” said Heidi Cline McKerley, director of speech & drama. “The kids had a great time, had wonderful workshops, met students from other theater programs across the state and were able to feel very good about the work they did in the competition.”
new members are 7th graders Gracie Ackaway, Sophie Beck, Shea Fleming, Lily Francour, Eliza Griffin, Francesca Herrera, Danny Holmes, Maddy Houk, Grey Kenna, Caswell King, Garrett McCarthy, McKenzie Miller, Challen Morgan, Abby Ray, Issy Regas, Emily Schmitt, Chandler Sharp, Lindsey Smith, Amanda Stigaard, Sarah Beth Stovall and Lauren Young; and 8th graders Jake An-
derson, Charlotte Hermann, Charlie Nicholson, Knox Pittman, Julia Steck and Sarah Van Duser.
SMES prepares for reaccreditation One look at recent news reports on school accreditation shows just how important the process is to schools, including Georgia’s large public school systems. Most parents are familiar with the accrediting body the Southern Associations of Colleges and Schools (SACS) but for independent schools, there is an additional accrediting agency, which is the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). St. Martin’s has been accredited by both SACS and SAIS for the past 15 years, and is currently undergoing a five-year self-study as the school prepares for its reaccreditation team visit in November. Accreditation is important because it represents St. Martin’s commitment to maintain only the highest principles and values, while holding true to the mission and philosophy. The process involves an in-depth self-study and peer review by educators from independent schools around the United States. The school conducts surveys of stakeholders and prepares an extensive report to submit to the accrediting bodies. Each faculty member and administrator was involved in compiling information for the report, which covers the school’s compliance with the following standards: • Mission • Governance and Leadership • Teaching and Learning • Stakeholder Communication and Relationships • Resources and Support Systems A reaccreditation team will visit the school for three days in November to take an in-depth look at programs and operations to ensure the school meets the rigorous standards to earn reaccreditation. The team will write a review of the school’s selfstudy and provide commendations and recommendations for the school to consider over the next five years.
Remembering Corinne Luisi
St. Martin’s was deeply saddened by the loss of former P.E. teacher and coach Corinne Luisi, also a 1st grade parent, on Feb. 24, 2014. She was a dedicated teacher and coach, a friend to all, a passionate promoter of health and fitness, and a loving and devoted wife and mother. Alumnus Jon Walsh ’11 called her “one of the most inspiring people in my life. I am proud I was able to have her as my coach, and I thank her for making me push myself in everything that I do.” A memorial service was held at St. Martin in the Fields Church on Feb. 26 and was well attended by family, faculty, friends, SMES students, parents and alumni. patterns
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in class Faculty Profile
Music for the soul
By Allen Barbee, director of bands and fine arts coordinator
Fifth graders build skills in chorus and band for future music education. Music is an important element of the St. Martin’s curriculum. In 5th grade — the fulcrum point of the grade school years — it can usually be referred to as “the Golden Age of Childhood.” Children realize or approximate a certain harmony and balance in their physical and emotional development. Children strive toward this harmony, and their musical activities reflect and support this. At the end of the 4th grade school year, SMES offers the opportunity for students to try out band instruments for the first time. These children are able to actually play on a flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone to see which they may like to pursue. They then choose either chorus or band for their 5th grade music class. Fifth grade chorus enables students to expand their voices with new harmonies and songs that fit their growing tastes. Choral music teacher Kathy Kelly-George began teaching at SMES in 2012 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the grade. Basic melodies advance to split parts of soprano, alto and baritone as students advance. If students choose band, they will then choose their instrument and begin the fun process of learning to care for it while making beautiful sounds that will surely delight everyone. Simple rhythms advance to full band arrangements for woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. This new dedicated chorus/band
curriculum for 5th grade began with the 20122013 school year. Students meet once a week for their respective chorus or band classes. Ms. Kelly-George and I collaborate on the fundamentals and music theory to be covered. Composers and music history are also taught. The students take field trips, when available, to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to help reinforce their music education. They also plan to take a field trip where the whole 5th grade chorus can perform. The students perform concerts together at the end of each semester as well as for Elementary School Grandparents Day in the fall. They may also perform at other school events, such as Veteran’s Day or for chapel services. This year, five of the 5th grade students auditioned and were selected for the Gwinnett Young Singers, which is a beginning choral group that feeds into the Atlanta Symphony Children’s Chorus. The students (Grace Demba, Deaja Dunbar, Jasmine George, Bridgett McCarthy and Matilda McCard) are performing at various events around town and have performed at SMES events such as Open House. All this work is to prepare the students for the Middle School co-curricular program where they continue to advance their music skills. The human being is a musical being, and the making of music is essential in experiencing what it is to be fully human. Music in the St. Martin’s curriculum awakens and nurtures the deep inner life of the child.
Top: Band Director Allen Barbee with the 5th grade band. Bottom: Choral music teacher Kathy Kelly-George. At left, 5th grade chorus students rehearse during music class.
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feature
On with the show SMES Speech & Drama program prepares students for life’s peformances. By Christina Mimms, Editor
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T
en years ago, a hushed audience of parents and students sat in the darkened gymnasium, waiting for the musical “Godspell Jr.” to begin. While the school had produced spring musicals for many years prior, this was the beginning of a new era in performing arts at St. Martin’s. Heidi Cline McKerley was hired as the first-ever director of speech and drama for the 2003-2004 school year. She brought with her years of experience as a director, actor and singer, and everyone was anxious to see the results of her many months of planning and rehearsing. From the back of the gym, the audience heard the young voice of then-6th grader Chaz Duffy ’06 singing the opening line, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” He slowly made his way from the rear theater to the stage. Upon his arrival, the set lit up to reveal the colorfully clad cast who joined their voices and, following their well-practiced choreography, established a new standard for school performances.
The big show
The musical shows at SMES have included Schoolhouse Rock, Aladdin, Mulan, Bye Bye Birdie, The Wizard of Oz and The Little Mermaid. All are titles offered by Music Theater International, and many are the “junior” version of the Broadway titles, which are shorter in length and include a simplified musical score. SMES shows are appropriate for all ages and there is no cost to attend. “I think very much about our audience, which is age 3 to 93 potentially, in
Godspell Jr. 2004
choosing the musical,” McKerley said. “I am looking for the widest appeal and the best opportunity for our kids.” Audiences have packed the gym to capacity to see the Middle School students bring stories to life on stage. McKerley started her SMES career with about 12 performers and a couple of students helping with lighting, sound and sets. As interest and excitement about the performances grew, casts now number about 40 students and at least a dozen who help with stage management, lighting, sound, costumes and sets. McKerley recruits her professional colleagues in sound, lighting and costume design, who work with students as well as parent volunteers. “The kids have these incredible interactions with the professionals,” McKerley said. “The musical is an enormous victory and a collaboration of more than 100 people when it’s all done.” That collaboration includes performing arts teacher Kathy Kelly-George, who directs the Elementary School chorus who sing in support of the vocal work on stage. Band instructor Allen Barbee directs Middle School instrumentalists as well as professional musicians, who play in a “pit band” for each performance, similar to a live band in a Broadway-style musical. The production also receives help from parent volunteers such as parent Dana Ray, who has worked on the sets for the past five years. It’s not glamorous work but it’s a lot of fun, according to Ray, mother of 7th grader Abby and Harrison ’12 and her partner-in-paint Susan Caceres,
Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. 2005
Aladdin Jr. 2006
mother of Nicholas ’13. “I’ve always done crafty things and I was involved with drama in high school,” Ray said. “I started painting when Harrison had a small role in 2009 and I’ve enjoyed it every year. I like seeing the kids and I like being part of the production.” “Dana keeps us moving,” said Caceres, who continued to volunteer this year even though son Nicholas is now at St. Pius, where he is involved with the drama program. “It’s a lot to do in a short amount of time but we have fun doing it and I like the camaraderie at St. Martin’s.” Both moms have also enjoyed witnessing first-hand how much work goes into the musical and how much their children have benefited from participating. “The teachers treat this like a professional show,” Ray said. “It’s great for the students to be in costume and act silly but they also gain a lot of self-confidence. My children are not afraid to speak in front of people, they can talk to adults and they know how to carry themselves. You don’t know what you can achieve until you push yourself outside your comfort zone.” The musical is just one of many “victories” for McKerley’s program, the core of which is to build the students’ skills through speech and drama classes, taught to 3rd through 8th grades. “We teach acting but we also want to enhance other areas of the curriculum,” McKerley said. For example, as 3rd grade students learn about Native American history in their core classes, they study folklore in Speech & Drama and perform “potlatch” plays.
Pirates of Penzance Jr. 2007 patterns
Mulan Jr. 2008
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feature Bands inspire self-discipline The band program at St. Martin’s requires a significant commitment from all involved. Students commit to band classes for both semesters as well as the many performances scheduled during the course of the school year — sports assemblies, Veteran’s Day, Christmas programs, Open House, Honors Day, School Sunday and occasional chapels. Students may audition for the GISA All-Select Band, which is a statewide event attended by more than 100 students. Selected band students may also participate in the spring tour, now in its second year, to play at theme parks in Orlando. In 2013, the group played at Disney World and this year went to Universal Studios. As part of the tour, they perform for 30 minutes at the park entries as well as at a community center in the Orlando area. “Our first Disney tour was fun for everyone but very rewarding for me as a teacher,” Band Director Allen Barbee said. “It’s a great experience and a great bonding time.” Only 7th and 8th graders may go on the trip, which will alternate between Universal and Disney each year. The trip gives the younger students a goal for the future. Band classes are offered to 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Middle School teachers Ahmed Najm and Spencer Stephens assist with the classes, which allows Barbee to divide the students into smaller groups or even work one-on-one with a student. For the events, students will play songs by grade as well as other songs all together. All the classes learn the school fight song, “Onward Warriors,” written by Barbee. The classes learn and play songs appropriate to their skill level. “I love when it all comes together after so much work,” Barbee said. This year, Barbee formed a flute ensemble that plays for certain events, such as Open House where not all students are needed and space is limited. “It’s easy to pull a small group together and students learn a lot being in a small group,” Barbee said. He hopes to continue the flute ensemble and also add a percussion ensemble in the coming years. Of the 50 students in the Middle School band and the 31 in the 5th grade band, Barbee hopes that some will continue with music in their high schools or elsewhere. At minimum, they will take away some creative skills and learn more about self-discipline. In recent years, at least five alumni have joined their high school bands, including Collin Reese ‘12, who plays in the St. Pius High School marching band and pep band. Bryce Weber ’13 is in the honors orchestra at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. “I’m not here to make them all music majors but they will always look back on their music classes as a creative outlet,” Barbee said. “It makes me proud to know that St. Martin’s was an important part of their school career.”
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The power of speech
All students partake in public speaking through Speech & Drama classes as well. They start with basic speech skills, such as enunciation, projection and memorization. They also learn impromptu speech, interview skills, body language and more. “I like that we offer some life skills and public speaking gives students tools for life,” McKerley explained. Students put their tools to the test in the annual Speech & Drama Showcase, where they perform in short scenes from plays, sing solo or group musical numbers and practice improv skills. Some of those same acts go “on the road” at the Georgia Junior Thespian Conference (ThesCon), where SMES students compete with other students from around the state. They also participate in workshops taught by seasoned professionals. Seventh grader Gracie Stovall enjoys participating in all aspects of the Fine Arts program at St. Martin’s. She performed in both solo and group acts for the Showcase and at ThesCon, is an active member of the Drama Club, had a lead role in “Seussical Jr.” and also plays bass guitar in the band. She and her family even helped paint sets for the musical this year. “I really like to sing and dance and I love acting, too,” Stovall said. “The Drama Club is an awesome community and the drama teachers have helped me so much, especially with choreography. All the teachers at St. Martin’s are very encouraging.” The Veteran’s Day program, which has transformed into different configurations over the years, gives students an opportunity to practice many of the practical speaking skills learned in class. The “living history” component, in which students interview a veteran, allows them to create a presentation to show at the program. Several students also serve as emcees to introduce their veteran or presentation at the program. “Kids often get emotional on Veteran’s Day,” said McKerley. “They have to overcome their nerves and fears to honor someone. They learn a lot from the experience. They really learn that history is just history without a personal story attached.” Veteran’s Day provides a chance to hear stories, but no event more so than the World Storytelling Celebration, which highlights cultures from every continent — a virtual trip around the world in a few hours’ time. Students enjoy the opportunity to perform on stage in a short-term commitment that also does not require perfect memorization. “There are some beautiful moments seeing 1st and 2nd grade students coming out of their storytelling performances,” McKerley said.
Hendon Challenge launched new programs
Alumni in the spotlight
Few students will shape their experience in theater into a career, but McKerley’s goal is that all should take with them life skills, memories and an appreciation for the arts. “My hope is that some will keep going [with acting], but I hope that all of them will be lifelong supporters of the arts,” she said. Many SMES alumni have continued their interest in the performing arts, in high school and beyond. Several of the casts of shows at Pace Academy have included SMES graduates. Colin Barham ’08 took lead roles in Pace per for mances and even directed a middle school production there. He is now attending the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Florrie and Clementine Alumni Sam McCard are among SMES Downey and alumni who have continued Cory Bush, both to pursue interests in theater. seniors at Pace, Above, they performed in recently earned ‘The Wiz’ at Saint Mary’s. acceptances to the Tisch School as well. Out of 1,500 applications, NYU accepts only 80 students each year. Sam will study acting and Cory will be in the musical theater program. Downey said that he first caught the “acting bug” at St. Martin’s starting back in Elementary School. He remembers watching the Middle School students in the musical,
In 2002, St. Martin’s Episcopal School, along with Cynthia and Charlie Hendon, saw an opportunity to expand the school’s offerings to begin a speech and drama program and add a Spanish curriculum. The Hendon family launched a fundraising effort with a $50,000 gift while challenging the St. Martin’s community to contribute an additional $250,000. As a result, nearly $340,000 was raised and the school was able to begin what has turned into a premier speech and drama program as well as teach Spanish to generations of St. Martin’s students. We would like to thank the following donors for their generous support in The Hendon Challenge. Mr. and Mrs. Alec Alexander Alexander Haas Mr. and Mrs. John K. Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Greg M. Autrey Mr. and Mrs. Merriell Autrey Mr. and Mrs. W. Thomas Barham Mr. and Mrs. John W. Baumstark Ms. Mary Evelyn J. Beeland BellSouth/AT&T Telecommunications Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Bennett Mr. and Mrs. James K. Bidgood, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steven Boor Mr. and Mrs. Gregory S. Broms Mr. and Mrs. Bryan M. Brum Mr. and Mrs. William C. Buss Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Caverhill Mr. and Mrs. D. Michael Chambers Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Christman Citigroup Matching Gifts Program Mr. and Mrs. Melvin L. Coheley Dr. and Mrs. David D. Cooper Mr. and Mrs. David A. Culley Mr. James A. Demetry and Ms. Donna J. Jennewine Mr. and Mrs. Daniel F. Downey Mr. and Mrs. David E. Duke Mr. and Mrs. John C. Ethridge, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Ferguson, III Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Ford Mr. John A. Fortuna Mr. and Mrs. James M. Gallo
Mrs. Glynn S. Gamble Mr. Stephen D. Gillespie Ms. Bobbie B. Golden Mr. Jim Graddy Mr. and Mrs. Len Al Haas The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. James Hamner IV Mr. and Mrs. Richard K. Harpole The Healey Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Hendon Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Hoff The Home Depot Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus J. Huetteman Dr. and Mrs. Ben W. Jernigan, Jr. Kimberly-Clark Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. David H. King Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Laird Macy’s/Federated Department Stores Mr. and Mrs. Mark M. Maloney Mr. and Mrs. Richard McKeon Mr. and Mrs. Mark G. Millsaps Mr. and Mrs. Matthew G. Moffett Mr. Brian K. Morris Mr. and Mrs. Douglas A. Nail Mr. and Mrs. William R. Olsen Mr. and Mrs. Thorleif A. Orndahl Mr. and Mrs. Anthony S. Perez Mr. Tony G. Powers The Prudential Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Regas, II Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rushing Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Spears Mr. and Mrs. Ronald G. Spencer St. Martin’s Parent Teacher Organization Mr. and Mrs. James J. Stathis Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Stickney, IV Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Story, III Mr. and Mrs. John M. Suddes SunTrust Bank Atlanta Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David K. Thomas Dr. Lorie H. Thoms and Dr. William W. Thoms Mr. and Mrs. John A. Towers The UPS Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Alan E. Wesa Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Whittemore Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Williams Mr. and Ms. John H. ZumBrunnen Mr. Cameron Zurbruegg
The Wizard of Oz Jr. 2011 Beauty and the Beast Jr. 2009
Bye Bye Birdie Jr. 2010
Into the Woods Jr. 2012 patterns
The Little Mermaid Jr. 2013
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feature Chorus: Music to our ears
Parents Dana Ray and Susan Caceres have volunteered together for the past five years in the drama program to paint sets, assemble props and support their children.
envying their roles. In 3rd grade he earned the chance to take the stage in the Native American potlatch plays. “I got a speaking part and I had so much fun,” he said. He continued to participate in the Showcases and the World Storytelling Celebration until he got to 6th grade, when he auditioned for “Mulan” and fully immersed himself into the world of theater. “Mrs. McKerley was a hard director and she definitely made us work,” Downey said. “I really learned the teamwork of theater at St. Martin’s and how real actors are expected to perform.” Downey was well prepared for Pace Academy’s high calibre drama program and feels ready for what will be a demanding schedule at Tisch and a challenging career ahead. Chaz Duffy took his talents to the stage at Marist School and now majors in theater at High Point University. He performs in the college’s musicals and plays each semester. He also is a member of the High Point University Chamber Singers and an a capella men’s chorus. While a St. Martin’s experience in performing arts may inspire a career for some students, for others it will provide them with a foundation of skills that will help them later in life — public speaking, teamwork, following directions and facing challenges are events that will come up in many situations. “We have high expectations of our students in their performances,” McKerley said. “They are part of drawing a community together and what happens between a performer and an audience is very special. They make everyone extremely proud.”
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Unlike band or speech and drama, choral music is offered to St. Martin’s students from Beginners up through 8th grade. Starting at 3 years old, students entertain their parents and others with their vocal talents and even some sign language skills. As part of the music curriculum, students also learn about history, theory and composers. In teaching each of her classes only once per week, however, choral music instructor Kathy Kelly-George found that she “spent a lot of class time teaching songs and not enough teaching music curriculum,” she said. In addition, in previous schedules, her 6th and 7th grade classes met only for one quarter and her 8th grade classes for only one semester. With requests for 3rd-8th grade students to perform at school events such as Grandparents Days, Veteran’s Day, chapel, Christmas programs, Open House and graduation, though, she needed time to prepare her singers properly. “I couldn’t see a way to build vocal talent with that choppy schedule,” she explained. Kelly-George solved the problem in several ways and, as a result, has built a robust vocal music program in which students enjoy the opportunity to build their skills, express their talent and serve the school’s needs. For Elementary School students (3rd-5th grades), she formed a volunteer chorus, which currently totals 64 students. They meet after school once per week where they rehearse songs for upcoming school performances. They did Christmas caroling in-town and they are serving as a supplemental chorus for the spring musical. Five of her students auditioned and were selected for the Gwinnett Young Singers. “They are getting some great experience,” Kelly-George said. She meets with her Middle School students for a minimum of one semester but students have the option to take music for two semesters, which has its own reward. Full year chorus students in 7th and 8th grades may participate in the spring tour, which traveled to Universal Studios in Orlando this year. She has made many other improvements to the choral music program in her two years at St. Martin’s, including building a choral library and adding to existing literature. The school also purchased new risers for the chorus to stand on during the in-house shows. With fenced backing and wheels, the new risers are safer, accommodate more students and are easier to move around campus. “I’ve met most of the goals that I set and now we will improve the quality of singing and the music itself, giving students more challenging pieces to sing,” Kelly-George said. She also hopes that one or more of her students will be able to audition for and earn a place in the All-State Chorus, a prestigious honor for talented students in Georgia. Kelly-George is particularly excited about a performance scheduled for September 2014. The entire chorus, 3rd through 8th grade students will sing the National Anthem at a home Atlanta Braves game, which will be their first large-scale performance.
class notes rently reside in Baltimore with their new daughter, Charlotte McCall Miller, who was born on Jan. 9, 2014. She was 7 lbs, 1 oz and 18.5 in. long (photo below). Amber is a senior sales executive at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront and Nick is a mechanical engineer at AAI Corporation. In late spring, they will move into a 100-yearold historic row home they are renovating near Baltimore’s waterfront. Amber and Nick are so in love with Charlotte and are enjoying every minute Beth Kytle ’92 married Zeb Chandler on Aug. 24, 2013 at Callaway Gardens. with her.
Jeff Hogan is a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch. He graduated from Marist and the University of Missippi. He and his wife Kara, his high school sweetheart, live in VirginiaHighlands.
2001 Kyle Carroll married Preston Oglesby on Oct. 5, 2013, at the Roswell Mill Club (photo below). They relocated to Greenville, S.C., where Kyle
1995 Derrick Remer and his wife
Katie welcomed baby Margaret Isabelle Remer (Maggie) on Nov. 16, 2013, at 1:20 a.m. She was 7 lbs, 8 oz. Adam Crighton received an acceptance from Kent State University for a Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and Chattahoochee High.
1999 Claire Boozer 1996 Elisabeth Varner recently
passed her national board exams in veterinary medicine. She is a student at Western University of Health Sciences in Los Angeles.
1997 Amber Vacheenas Miller
and her husband Nick cur-
married Noel Cruse on Jan. 4, 2014, at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery (photo at right). She is a graduate of Marist and University of Georgia. She also has a Master’s in public health from George Washington University. She works for Deloitte in Washington, D.C.
Estate in December (photo below). She graduated from Marist and Auburn University.
teaches Kindergarten at Summit Drive Elementary School and Preston is a project manager for Brasfield Gorrie. They took their honeymoon trip to Antigua in spring 2014.
2003 Claire Cantrell married Blake
Wood on Jan. 18, 2014 at St. Mark United Methodist Church (photo below). A reception was held at Ansley Golf Club and the couple honeymooned in Jamaica. Andrew Cantrell ’01 was a groomsman and Katie (Urbanek) Davignon ’03 was maid of honor. Claire graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2011 and is an executive assistant at MarketSource in Alpharetta. Blake is a 2009 graduate of Georgia Tech and works as a chemist in Atlanta. The couple lives in Buckhead.
Katie Watts and Jamie Renell got engaged at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in December. Kelly Steed is engaged to Ash Pait. The proposal took place on a trip to the Biltmore
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class notes
Class of 2006 alumnae Eleanor Woodward, Kristi Oltman and Haley Barnes Lt. Mike Jeffers recently completed basic helicopter training with the U.S. Army and was selected for Apache long bow training at Ft. Rucker, Ala. He is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 2012. He has a B.S. in engineering and holds a U.S. Coast Guard 3rd class license, which enables him to serve on any ship in the world as a 3rd mate. He earned his Army Airborne wings at Ft. Benning, Ga., in 2009 and his Army Air Assault wings at Ft. Smith (West Point), N.Y., in 2010.
Chase ’04 and Clare ’07 Williams at the Dec. 18 Alumni Social. Class of 2006 alumni Burke McCarty and Chaz Duffy pleting his undergraduate degree at Emory University. .
Nadine Najjar recently earned an acceptance to medical school at University of Miami. She will graduate from University of Georgia in May.
ceptances to both University of Louisville and University of Michigan’s dental schools.
Grace Alexander is on the swim team at Rollins College. She graduated from Pace.
2004 William Watt received ac-
2014 studying abroad in Namibia and Cape Town, Africa. She is a senior English major at Wofford College (photo below). Chaz Duffy ’06 performed with the High Point University chorus, directed by Marc Foster (in photo above), at St. Martin in Fields Church on March 4. The chorus did a short tour around the Southeast with a stop in Atlanta.
Katie Cuadrado graduated from Drexel University School of Nursing and Health Professions and is working as a family therapist at Child Guidance Resource Center in Philadelphia.
Richard Cuadrado is com-
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tion to the football team (photo below). To qualify for the award, a player must take part in every workout session, practice all 15 days of the spring, make every workout after G-Day, never miss part of practice from August until the end of the season and attend every class, study hall and tutor session.
2006 Sarah Affleck spent January
Peter Talluto was named regional salesperson of the year for the south central region with Burndy, a manufacturing company, in 2013.
Andrew Cuadrado spent a year in Spain and is now in Charleston working on his Master’s degree in a joint program through the College of Charleston and The Citadel.
active galactic nucleus.
Tara Thomas ’07 and Patti Pitoscia
Peter Rhodes is a junior at Brown University, where he is on the track team. He recently
2007 Sarah Bonaparte is a junior Caroline Roberts attended the 223rd annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Washington, D.C., in January, where she presented her research on the photometric monitoring of the
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at Belmont University in Nashville, majoring in biology. She traveled to Belize in May 2013 to study tropical ecology and environmental science. Patrick Beless received the Seniors Trey Oates and Anna SandIron Man Award at University ers, both ’10, visited SMES 8th graders on Dec. 4 to talk about Marist. of Georgia for his dedica-
Lili Byce attends Marist, where she is on the academic team and the Georgia law academy & mock trial team. She is a member of National Honor Society and French Honor Society. She studied AP U.S. History and AP French this year. Lillian Haas and Charles Mixon, ’07 won the heptathlon at the Ivy League Indoor Track & Field Championships.
Dr. Mary McPherson with Jackie Florence ’06 Georgia this fall. He has also been invited to try out to participate in the U. S. Water Polo Olympic Development Program.
2010 William Boor recently earned his Eagle Scout award. He is a member of Troop 764 at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church. A scout for 11 years, he has served as senior patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader and troop guide. For his Eagle Scout project, he built and installed three sixfoot benches around Silver Lake. He attends Holy Innocents’, where he plays varsity lacrosse and is a member of the Integrity Council and the peer leadership program. Alex Bonaparte is a senior at Marist. He earned his varsity letter in swimming both freshman and sophomore years. He played on the water polo teams sophomore through senior years and was selected as goalie to the 2nd All State Water Polo team for
Hannah Rose Adams has received an early acceptance to Guilford College. She attends Westminster. Kirstie Caverhill and Alex Magee were inducted into National Honor Society in the fall. They attend Marist. Florrie McCard helped to organize a volunteer day of service at Saint Mary’s School on MLK Day in January. She was featured on WTVD, the ABC-TV affiliate in Raleigh, N.C.
2011 Allison Griner, Zachary
Taylor and Claiborne Wilson were inducted into Marist’s National Honor Society.
Michael Matthews has made honor roll every semester at St. Pius. He currently is taking AP U.S. History and was chosen to be a Lion Leader. He was selected to play in the Georgia Football Jr. Elite Classic in December. He was the kicker for the North team, scoring 12 points. (North won 20-17 vs South.) He serves as acolyte team leader at St. Martin in the Fields Church and is training to become a Eucharistic Minister. He also helps teach 5th grade Sunday School. Ripley Fricano is in National Honor Society at Greater Atlanta Christian. She runs varsity cross country and track, and is on the swim team. Trey Blasingame is on the varsity football and soccer teams at Westminster. He was named National Soccer Player of the Week by Student Sports magazine the week of March 6. Jon Walsh is on the honor roll at Mount Vernon Presbyterian. He played the role of the dentist in “Little Shop of Horrors” and also received the Good Samaritan Award. Alex Magee is on the cross country and wrestling teams at Marist. His classes this year included AP U.S. History and AP Art History.
2012 Marist School recently held
honor society induction ceremonies. Caitlin Hubbard, Molly Harrell and Meagan McDowell were inducted into the French Honor Society. Connor Larkin and Lindsey Warnock were inducted into the Spanish Honor Society. Carson Coker and Caroline Hudak were inducted into the German Honor Society. Victoria Arenz submitted two photographs that were accepted for the Women’s Art and Design Exhibition at Brenau University. She attends St. Pius. Caitlin Hubbard attends Marist, where she is on the honor roll and plays varsity tennis. Her classes this year included AP European History and advanced chemistry. Brittany Walsh attends Mount Vernon Presbyterian, where she is in the Livefully club. Her classes this year included Honors English, Honors Algebra II, Honors Chemistry and AP World History. She also made the Head of School’s List. Ming Byce made the dean’s list for the fall semester at Mount Vernon Presbyterian. She plays varsity volleyball and tennis, and is in the robotics and art clubs. Erin Barnes and Caroline Barnes both play varsity volleyball at Mount Vernon Presbyterian. Laura Sundal is a varsity football and varsity basketball cheerleader at St. Pius. She also is on the varsity competition cheerleading team. She
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class notes
Class of 2011 alumnae Hannah Christopher, Ripley Fricano and Sarah Belisle at the Red & Blue Alumni Dinner on March 20. has made honor roll all three semesters so far. Through junior diplomats, she hosted a French foreign exchange student last summer and will travel to France to reciprocate this summer. She went on a mission trip to Nicaragua last summer and served as a staff instructor at Camp Hope. Her classes this year included AP World History. Andrew Stovall is on the varsity golf team at Mount Vernon Presbyterian and is a Top 10 Atlanta Junior Golfer. Alexandria Cannon is on the dean’s list at Holy Innocents’, where she plays JV lacrosse and is a member of the Model United Nations Club, the Di-
Caitin Hubbard, Laura Sundal, Meghan Clark and Kaitlin Hehir from the Class of 2012. versity Club. and French Club She is in the National French Honor Society and was named a 2013 delegate to the National High School Model United Nations Conference. Olivia Leviton is at Rabun Gap-Nacooche School. She plays varsity volleyball and varsity soccer and she will be competing in August 2014 in the Equestrian Mounted Games in England. She made the headmaster’s list in the fall semester. Nicholas Stigaard is on the cross country and soccer teams at St. Pius. He is in AP World History this year and has made honor roll for the last three semesters. Scott Kuhlke attends Lovett. He plays guitar in a band, The
Keep in touch!
Please send your news, photos and updates to alumni@stmartinschool.org Deadline for summer issue: April 30 Visit our Alumni pages online at www.stmartinschool.org and on Facebook and Twitter!
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Class of 2013 alumni Teddy Ewing, Ty Feng, Nathan Little, Will ver Meulen and David Cooper at the Red & Blue Dinner. Centennials, and also works at Chick-fil-A. Meghan Clark is on the dean’s and principal’s lists at St. Pius. She is a football cheerleader and is involved with National Charity League. Kate Moffett attends Marist. She is a JV football cheerleader and a varsity basketball cheerleader. She also runs track.
Devin Cochran plays football and JV basketball at Greater Atlanta Christian. He is on the dean’s list and is in the Beta Club.
country team at Marist.
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Maria Bonaparte is a freshman at Marist, where she played JV volleyball this year. She also made the 2014-15 National Volleyball team for North Atlanta Volleyball Club and is traveling all over the Southeast this semester.
Nick Covington is on the honor roll at St. Pius. He is on the cross country team and has completed AP World History. Next year he will be in AP English and AP chemistry. He also plays guitar.
2013 Anna Negus is on the cross Sarah Belisle ’11 and Mollie Belisle ’13 both play varsity soccer at Holy Innocents’. Sarah is a goalie and Mollie is a top scorer on offense.
Witch in Saint Mary’s School production of “The Wiz.” She also played JV volleyball this year and is on the swim team.
Dazz Riggins is at the Baylor School, where he plays basketball and pre-football and is on the track and field team. Clementine McCard recently played the part of the Wicked
Conor Croft is on the wrestling team at Marist. Will ver Meulen plays football and basketball at St. Pius. Teagan Thompson is on the varsity soccer team at St. Pius. She was in Honors English, science and math this year.
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.) Ages Pre-K through 8th grade 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
On campus At far left, the St. Martin’s Honor Society volunteered at the Atlanta Community Food Bank in the fall. At left, children’s book author Sahar Simmons visited students in the Library on Feb. 21. Below left, puppeteer Peter Hart performed an international puppet show for 5th graders on Feb. 27. Students participated with a Chinese dragon puppet. Below right, the January snowstorm left a memorable impression on the campus.