The Pride | Spring 2024

Marksmen Find Their Paths

When their direction on the Path to Manhood changes, boys can find extraordinary new journeys that they never expected.

p. 24

ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS Spring 2024

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JAN. 26, 2024

: After school, Middle Schoolers observe the turtles in the recently thawed waters of the Grandparents’ Courtyard pond.

UP CLOSE

Frozen?

‘I knew there was a turtle but I was pretty amazed that it could survive when the pond froze over. I think it might have frozen. Its head was sticking out so it could still breathe. Or maybe they can breathe in some kind of special way.’

— CHRISTOPHER FLANAGAN ’31

The Pride is a publication of St. Mark’s School of Texas and is produced by the School’s Office of Development & Alumni Relations. Inquiries should be directed to Ray Westbrook, director of Communications (westbrookr@smtexas.org), 10600 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75230.

Marksmen Find Their Paths

34

LEADERSHIP LOOPS

Insight into the Middle School Character and Leadership program.

40

NEW HEADS OF LOWER AND UPPER SCHOOL

After a thorough and lengthy search, the heads of Lower and Upper School have been named.

42 BACK TO SCHOOL

Alumni members of the faculty & staff share what means the most to them about life on campus.

Story

A PATH LESS TRAVELED

Alumni share their unique paths to manhood after leaving 10600 Preston Road.

From the editor

Of paths and passions — in college and in life.

To some outsiders, it may seem obvious: Go through the St. Mark’s admission process.

Get your son admitted. Support him through years of rigorous studies.

Get him into a great college or university. Then, see him graduate and enter the professional world — finance, medicine, law — providing him stability, happiness and success.

Some might say there’s nothing wrong with that.

And, there isn’t. Not at all.

have taken a less than conventional path. We’ll also visit with members of the outstanding College Counseling team to learn how they engage with students to inform them of the many possibilities for life beyond 10600 Preston Road.

However, for some, that path is not quite as linear and might take several unexpected turns, causing the Marksman to take a more unconventional path — different college options, twists and turns and, ultimately, happiness and fulfillment.

And that’s certainly all right, too.

It’s all about following your passion. And that’s what our cover story is focused on this issue: profiling those Marksmen whose lives

All these alums, while armed with that exceptional St. Mark’s education, found interesting pathways to fulfillment and happiness.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a St. Mark’s education is its emphasis on developing the whole boy. Through Character and Leadership education which was implemented in 2005, the School is intentional in its desire to produce good, productive citizens — men who will go out in their community and serve others, leading courageously and contributing positively to society as a whole.

In Middle School, Character and Leadership education is presented through Leadership Loops, a program

presented in advisories with weekly topics discussed through the week in class meetings.

Check out this issue for an interesting feature on how Middle School educators are planting the seeds of leadership and service to others in these young Marksmen.

For decades, one of the most distinguishing characteristics of St. Mark’s is that it is always in motion, moving forward with strong leadership to advance the mission of the School. In February, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini announced two key administrative positions, and both of these appointees have deep roots at 10600 Preston Road.

Newly named head of Upper School William Atkinson ’95 is the second alum to be named to that post. And, Marion Glorioso-Kirby, who served this year as interim head of Lower School, will take over that job permanently. I hope you find this edition enjoyable and satisfying.

Ray Westbrook, director of Communications

What’s happening...

April 18-20

More than 1,200 alumni and guests attended Alumni Weekend 2024 Events ranging from the annual golf tournament to the Spring Alumni Dinner were offered to welcome alums from all across the world. www.smtexas.org/alumniweekend.

July 2

Join alumni across the pond for the London Alumni Event at Royal Automobile Club, hosted by Fraser Marcus ’72.

July 20

May 30

Help celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the 96 students of the Class of 2024 at the School’s annual Commencement ceremony. The Ida M. and Cecil H. Green Commencement Theater, 8 p.m.

If you’d like to participate in fulfilling community service work, join us at the annual Young Alumni Community Service Event benefitting Austin Street Center.

SCAN TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE WEEKEND.

Making their mark

Presidential Scholars

Three Marksmen artists –photographers Hudson Brown ’24 and Patrick Flanagan ’24 and chorister Lukas Palys ’25 — were named “Winners of Distinction” in the 2024 national YoungArts competition. YoungArts is the exclusive nominating body for the Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

Additionally, two seniors received the “Winner” designation: Nathan Meyer in photography and Charlie Hill in design arts.

Brown, Flanagan and Palys traveled to Miami in January for National YoungArts Week. This intensive program offered master classes taught by world-renowned artists and exhibition opportunities for students to showcase their work.

Student accolades and athletic achievements over the past few months.

Boys collect and deliver for Clothing Drive

Thanks to the hard work of the Community Service Board, St. Mark’s donated more than 3,760 pounds of clothing to local community centers.

On Sept. 29, boys loaded up a bus with bags of donations and delivered them to North Dallas Shared Ministries (NDSM).

After unloading the clothes, the boys received a tour of the facility from NDSM CEO and St. Mark’s grandparent Judy Rorrie.

MARKSMEN EARN EAGLE RANK

Four Marksmen earned the highest attainable rank in the Boy Scouts of America. New Eagle Scouts are juniors Roman Childress and Henry Roden, and freshmen Tripp Schoellkopf and Peter Clark.

Debate team places nationally

In 2023, Sid Bidare ’24 and Anish Guddati ’24 earned a second-place finish at the prestigious Montgomery Bell Academy debate tournament. Their colleagues Ashrit Manduva ’24 and Ahsan Tahirkheli ’24 reached the semifinals and were walked over by Bidare and Guddati. This solidified a Top 10 national ranking for both teams.

SOPHOMORE BUILDS GO-KART

An astonishing sight appeared outside the Winn Science Center in January 2024: a wooden go-kart powered by what looked like a lawn mower motor. The unlikelylooking vehicle was the brainchild of Mason Bosco ’26, who challenged himself to build the go-kart with as few pre-made materials as possible.

Luckily, Makerspace Director Stewart Mayer was happy to provide expert guidance and access to the Addy Family Makerspace’s array of 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC machines.

“My thought is just to continue driving it until something breaks,” Bosco said. “Then I can come back and fix the weak point. If I ever get to the point where nothing breaks, I believe I will start on a new project that is more challenging.”

Publications earn national acclaim

The ReMarker newspaper won its 15th Pacemaker award in 19 years in Boston on Nov. 5, 2023. The prestigious Pacemaker is the highest recognition given by the National Scholastic Press Association and is presented at the organization’s annual conference and award ceremony.

The 2022-2023 ReMarker was led by editor-in-chief Shreyan Daulat ’23 and was advised by Jenny Dial Creech, who joined the journalism program in Aug. 2022.

In addition, the 2023 Scientific Marksman was awarded a Pacemaker in the specialty magazine category. The 2023 issue of the annual student research journal was edited by Michael Gao ’23 and Aaron Liu ’23 and advised by Dr. Dan Lipin and Fletch Carron.

ROBOTICS TEAM WIRED FOR SUCCESS

Of 71 teams competing, the St. Mark’s Robotics Team placed second in the BEST Robotics Texas Championship (non-UIL division) held at Dallas’ Fair Park Nov. 30 – Dec. 3. The team also won “Top Exhibit and Interview.”

Separately, the boys’ robot competed in the First Tech Challenge, winning first place in the North Texas Semi Regionals competition. They also received the first place “Think Award” for the team’s engineering portfolio, and the second place “Inspire Award,” the overall inclusive award covering robot competition, presentation, portfolio, judging and sportsmanship.

Fall and Winter athletic results

FALL

Cross Country

The cross country team secured a fifthplace finish at the SPC Championships. Notably, this season saw 14 of the team’s 20 runners break their personal records.

Football

The Lions opened the season 3-0 and ended the season 4-6. Despite some setbacks and disappointments, the varsity football team held strong in its homecoming game against rival Greenhill with a resounding 51-9 win.

Volleyball

The Lions enjoyed an undefeated season in counter play, including nine 3-0 sweeps during the regular season. At the SPC Championship, the Marksmen swept their first two rounds before a narrow 2-3 loss to EHS in the final match.

Water Polo

The water polo team is a four-peat champion. The Lions defeated Cedar Park, Houston Rebels and Dallas Consolidated en route to the team’s fourth straight TISCA (Texas Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association) championship. (more on pg. 9)

WINTER

Basketball

At the SPC tournament, the Lions beat Kinkaid (55-24) and Houston Christian (70-53) on their way to the finals. In the championship against EHS, the Lions played valiantly, but eventually fell 5562, finishing second in SPC.

Soccer

After a tough 2-3 loss in the quarterfinals to St. Andrew’s, the varsity soccer team rebounded with a gritty 1-0 win over St. John’s and a 4-2 win over John Cooper to take fifth place in SPC Boys 4A.

Swimming

The swim team successfully defended its title as the SPC 4A boys champions. (more on pg. 9)

Wrestling

The wrestling team took second at the SPC Championships, its highest finish since 2016. Additionally, Quina Perkison ’24 (106), William Taylor ’26 (150) and Wyatt Loehr ’25 (175) all won their weight classes and six wrestlers earned All-SPC.

Making their mark

Ceramicists featured nationally

Ceramic pieces by three Marksmen were featured at the National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition in Richmond, VA, in March. The annual juried competition is designed to showcase the best ceramic work in the country. Of the 1,169 entries submitted, only 150 pieces were selected, including those by Mason Briscoe ’24 (right), Leo Scheiner ’25 (below right) and Burke Gordon ’25 (below.)

Students facilitate diversity dialogue

The concept of freedom of speech serves as a fundamental democratic tenet and remains a subject of important conversations. Arranging and leading

potentially charged discussions, with varying perspectives, can be challenging. The St. Mark’s Dallas Area Diversity Youth Organization (DADYO) took on the task Oct. 18, 2023, as it organized an event for more than 130 Dallas area students.

“We formed thought-provoking questions designed to challenge attendees’ beliefs regarding the right to offend or censure those with controversial opinions,” Ethan Singleton ’24 said. “I enjoyed witnessing guests’ genuine enthusiasm and passionate engagement with our discussion questions. My motivation for joining SMDADYO stemmed from a desire to empower voices often underrepresented and silenced in today’s quick-to-condemn society. In DADYO, I foster a greater sense of understanding and tolerance.”

REMARKER GOES ONLINE

For decades, The ReMarker has consistently been ranked as one of the most lauded student newspapers in the country. On Friday, Sept. 22, the paper took its next step by launching an online version: smremarker.com.

This new online publication provides fresh content and a timely offering of school news and feature stories written and produced entirely by journalism students. The website supplements the printed newspaper with a digital platform, allowing more responsive and robust reporting. The site’s launch also coincided with the publication of the first newspaper of the 2023–2024 school year.

“We will be able to release upto-date stories twice a week,” said Ben Adams ’24, the first digital editor of smremarker.com, who worked throughout the summer to bring the new publication to fruition. “There is a lot of video and photo content we could not offer before because of the limitations of print, and everyone is excited to cover more school events.”

JUNIOR SCORES 1,000TH POINT

With one more year of varsity play still ahead of him, Luke Laczkowski ’25 netted his 1,000th point for the Lions. Laczkowski is looking forward to his senior year and chasing the all-time school record of more than 2,000 career points set by his older brother Andrew ’20.

Seniors honored

Twenty-five members of the Class of 2024 were named National Merit Scholarship program semifinalists and an additional 26 were named Commended Scholars.

WATER POLO WINS STATE

The varsity water polo team defeated Cedar Park, Houston Rebels and Dallas Consolidated en route to the team’s fourth straight Texas Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association Championship. It was a group effort from the get-go, with all classes doing their part. Freshmen scored five goals, sophomores scored 15, juniors scored 24, and seniors scored eight during the championship run.

STUDENTS ARTISTS SHOWCASED

Fine artists Holden Browning ’24, Preston Laird ’24, Anderson Selinger ’24, Ethan Xavier ’24, Carson Bosita ’25, Aidan Moran ’25 and Hale Peterson ’25 were featured in the Sixth Annual Dallas Young Artist Exhibition at the Blue Print Gallery in Dallas. Xavier also received a scholarship and Honorable Mention for his painting “Static Void.”

COLLEGE BOARD HONORS SENIORS

Seven seniors earned College Board National Recognition Program honors for hard work and academic performance in testing programs. Ethan Bosita, Matthew Gomez, Christian Neisler, Carson Ness and Alex Soliz received recognition from the National Hispanic Recognition Award program. Noah Cathey and Ethan Singleton received recognition from the National African American Recognition Award program.

Sophomore publishes research paper

Richard Wang researched the connections between ethnicity and breast cancer screening. His final paper, “Breast cancer mammographic screening by different guidelines among women of different races/ ethnicities,” was published in the Aug. 2023 issue of the Journal of Emerging Investigators.

SOPHOMORE GOLFER CONTINUES TOURNAMENT SUCCESS

Swimming retains title

This June, Duff McKay ’26 tied for first place shooting 2 under par at the All American Tour sponsored by the North Texas PGA. The finish qualifies McKay for regional and national junior golf championships.

The swim team successfully defended its 4A boys title at the SPC Championships at the University of Houston. All 17 athletes set personal bests in at least one event at the meet. Swimmers took first place and set a new SPC and School record in the 200 freestyle relay. St. Mark’s earned 30 out of a possible 32 final swims a team can claim at the meet. The School won the championship by earning 154 total points.

Last summer, McKay sunk an impressive hole-in-one on a 316-yard par 4 while competing in the Lanny Wadkins Junior Championship, securing first place in the 14 & under division.

Holidays

Winter holiday traditions bring the spirit of giving and good cheer to campus.

‘These traditions are moments that allow us to reflect, take stock of how the year has been and what’s ahead.’

— B.A. Cullum ’99

TEAMWORK.

Above, seniors decorate campus for the holidays. Left, boys gather for games and treats to support McDonald’s Week.

CONNECTIONS.

Left, students serve meals at Austin Street Center. Above, Marksmen spend the day with their special guests on Grandparents’ Day.

Around the Quad

‘Just like the famous statue facing the quad, we carry our buddies on our shoulders to hang ornaments at heights they couldn’t normally reach, symbolizing all the great things they will achieve on the backs of the boys who came before them.’

— Alex Soliz ’24

REFLECTION. Marksmen display their homemade banners during Banner Chapel.

FRIENDSHIP. Left, Lower Schoolers decorate the tree with the help of their Upper School buddies.

LESSONS & CAROLS. Choristers sing nine traditional carols during the evening’s candlelit service.

THE MARKSMAN ATHLETIC COMPLEX

TAKES SHAPE

Just over a year ago, the northeast quadrant of campus sat empty, with only a small pond of water remaining where the October 2019 tornado had destroyed the Hicks Family Athletic Center. Since then, the bones of the new

77,000-square-foot Marksman Athletic Complex have risen from a concrete slab. Crews are hard at work preparing the facility for its early 2025 grand opening, with many of the key features now plainly visible.

SECURITY & PHYSICAL PLANT OFFICES

ATHLETIC OFFICES VARSITY & VISITOR LOCKER ROOMS

AQUATIC LOCKER ROOMS

ALUMNI ROOM

Around the Quad

FAST FACTS

• The swimming pool has been poured and is ready to hold 53,000 cubic feet, or almost 400,000 gallons of water.

• Nine trusses will form the backbone of the building, with each weighing nearly 20,000 pounds

• The locker rooms, which also serve as storm shelters, were built with more than 1,000 cubic yards of concrete — enough to fill almost 100 cement trucks.

• In total, the Athletic Complex Project encompasses 8 acres of redevelopment.

ATRIUM

POOL GYM

TENNIS CENTER

Made by a Marksman

‘I’ve started thinking of how I can design things for the future.’

—GABE MASINO ’28

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE.

A collection of student creations across campus.

Marksmen build sets, confidence and camaraderie.

Amid the sawdust, screwdrivers and paint, some Marksmen discovered that the magic of the stage extends far beyond the spotlight. Starting this school year, seventh and eighth graders can choose the elective Technical Theater, with students planning and building sets to support St. Mark’s drama productions.

“We are the behind-the-scenes people,” said Ward Beasley ’29. “You do not really see us, but I feel like we make the play a better production.”

THE CLASS FIRST DEVELOPED out of the desire of Fine Arts Department Chair Marion Glorioso-Kirby to grow the technical theater program. Technical lighting instruction was integrated into the sixth-grade theater class in 2020, which sparked enthusiasm among Marksmen. Prior to the class, drama students and a small student technical crew were responsible for set construction.

“Many of those sixth-grade boys expressed an interest in the other technical elements involved, so it made sense to offer a class to the seventh and eighth grade art rotation,” said Seth Magill, Middle School drama teacher. “Now, the seventh and eighth grade acting class can focus more time and energy on acting and less on setting lights and sound or set construction.”

ASIDE FROM LEARNING basic construction and sound and lighting skills, students maintain deadlines, creatively solve challenges and work

successfully as a team while practicing personal responsibility. The class regularly exercises these attributes to overcome obstacles and improve their capabilities for subsequent projects.

“I’ve started thinking of how I can design things for the future,” said Gabe Masino ’28. “With managing deadlines, I’ve learned I can sometimes postpone stuff for another day and still be able to get the entire project done on time.”

A SMALL CREW of Upper School Marksmen supplement the efforts of the Middle School class, usually by completing the final touches on sets and helping run the production during performances.

“During my sophomore year I signed up for the tech crew of our winter play, The Return of Edwin Drood,” said Kai Belvin ’25.

“I was operating the show’s special effects, which ended up being one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had to this day.

I’ve learned how to be a leader, the idea of being able to show my own worth, while also being able to assist others is a skill I will never take for granted.”

For the 2023-2024 school year the drama program produced Romeo and Juliet in November and Spamalot in February. Both productions required a lot of ingenuity and innovation.

“I like to tell them they are a living Rube Goldberg machine,” Magill said. “We all work together, in unison, as the ball or the story moves forward in real time.”

Above, George Erwin ’29 drills a railing together.

Upper right, Kai Belvin ’25 poses with the Spamalot set.

Right, Drama students perfom on the set built for Romeo and Juliet.

Around the Quad

1, 2, 5.

Kai Belvin ’25 puts the finishing touches on the ‘Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch’ prop for the production of Spamalot.

HANDS ON. Middle School students pose on the Romeo and Juliet set during construction.

CAMELOT, ’TIS A SILLY PLACE. Drama students perfom on the set built for Spamalot.

Conversations

EMPATHY.

Dr. Vaughan’s students read works like A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Absolutely True Diary of a PartTime Indian, which highlight everyday life for people in Afghanistan and on Native American reservations, respectively.

Around the Harkness Table

Earlier this year, a special guest was invited to speak to seniors in Dr. GayMarie Vaughan’s “Literature of Human Rights” class. This person is in the United States doing post-doctoral research and unsure if or when they can return to their home country. For their safety and the safety of their family, this person is referred to as the “Young Doctor.”

Standing at the head of the Harkness table, the “Young Doctor” shared in broken English their harrowing story of life under an oppressive foreign regime. While they had miraculously secured a visa to study in the United States, the “Young Doctor” told the class of Marksmen about family still living in their home country on the other side of the world.

“They have no hope,” the “Young Doctor” said. “The only destiny for my sisters is to be mothers and housewives and they may not even get to choose who they marry.”

With the utmost respect and genuine curiosity, Marksmen asked questions about the guest’s life, from personal relationships to the stark contrast of life in America.

“My brothers don’t know if they’ll be able to finish school because the schools aren’t always reliably open,” they said. “It’s hard for my family back home to dream.”

Brutal authoritarian regimes.

Mental illness and the death penalty.

The historical impact of the Holocaust.

It’s hard to imagine more weighty subjects to discuss with teenagers. And yet, each year, Dr. GayMarie Vaughan fills her Harkness table with boys eager to learn about these important topics.

“The Literature of Human Rights” is just one of many senior English semester courses offered across a wide range of topics, from Gothic horror to creative writing. These unique classes are both a way for students to explore diverse interests and an opportunity for teachers to share a favorite subject – while also continuing the foundational lessons of reading and writing.

Dr. Vaughan’s class was born out of her own graduate work, focusing on ethics and human rights.

“Each year, I’m amazed at the level of interest in these pretty tough topics,” Dr. Vaughan said. “My goal is to educate, not indoctrinate. The boys think

‘Evoking empathy and turning empathy into action is probably the central mission of the course.’

—DR. GAYMARIE VAUGHAN

critically about these issues and their possible solutions.”

The notion of human rights is difficult to pin down, as students readily admit.

“Being a boy at a private school in the United States can lead to ignorance of how deep human rights issues are,” Caleb Maddox ’24 said. “While I understood governments and laws were different around the world, my framework of human rights was based on what I had studied, like the U.S. Constitution. I had no idea how human rights were being constantly violated around the world.”

Throughout the semester, Dr. Vaughan’s students read works that highlight everyday life for people around the world. Each week, boys are required to bring in a current news story relevant to human rights. Surprisingly, even with more than a dozen boys in class, they rarely picked the same articles.

“This class made me so passionate about educating my friends about current events and struggles going on in the world,” Maddox said.

Dr. Vaughan sees her class as a natural progression from English 10, a course all Marksmen take that examines literature through the lens of character and leadership.

“Evoking empathy and turning empathy into action is probably the central mission of the course,” Dr. Vaughan said.

“Since beginning high school, I have really understood the privileges and blessings I have being at St. Mark’s and living in America,” Maddox said.

“Yet this class has further boosted my appreciation for everything I have endured in this country, good or bad.”

RECENT GUEST SPEAKERS

Beverly Hill, President and founder of Gendap (the Gendercide Awareness Project), enlightened boys about “gendercide,” or the deliberate killing of females. In 2019, boys were so moved by her work, they formed a St. Mark’s Gendap Club and even spoke at the club’s annual luncheon.

Pithou Nuth, father of Andrew Nuth ’21, recounted escaping the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. His experience added a personal perspective to First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung.

Pastor Garland Dunlap visited and spoke about his brother Nathan, a convicted murderer who was sentenced to death despite a history of mental illness and abuse. His sentence was later commuted to life in prison after Colorado overturned the death penalty.

The “Young Doctor” shared their experience living under and eventually escaping an oppressive foreign regime.

FIRSTHAND.

Pithou Nuth spoke to the class about his life in Cambodia.

Continued from previous page

BACK AND FORTH.

Last year’s class visits with its guest speaker, Pastor Garland Dunlap.

‘I’m not just reading about an issue on a piece of paper or watching on a screen. In this class, I physically meet and get to know people who are affected.’

—CALEB MADDOX ’24

To further bring these lessons to life, Dr. Vaughan regularly arranges visits from people who are living and breathing these issues. Beverly Hill, president and founder of the Gendercide Awareness Project, enlightened boys about the deliberate killing of females. Pithou Nuth, the father of Andrew Nuth ’21, shared details of his escape from the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.

Pastor Garland Dunlap visited and spoke about his brother, a convicted murderer who was sentenced to death despite a history of mental illness and abuse. His sentence was later commuted to life in prison after Colorado overturned the death penalty.

“I’m not just reading about an issue on a piece of paper or watching on a screen,” Maddox said. “In this class, I physically meet and get to know people who are affected.”

Some guests offer perspectives closer to home.

Alumnus and admission officer Korey Mack ’00 spoke to the class about his tragic personal experience with crime and the justice system – his brother Kasey was killed during a robbery attempt a few years ago. At the time, the perpetrators were just 17 and 18 years old.

“In sharing my story, I hoped to convey the internal struggle that I faced not to hate these people who took someone away from the world and my family that could never be replaced,” Mack said.

Mack shared with Marksmen the process of crafting and delivering a victim impact statement at the conclusion of the trial. Both defendants pled guilty to first-degree murder and were sentenced to decades in prison.

‘In sharing my story, I hoped to convey the internal struggle that I faced not to hate these people who took someone away from my family that could never be replaced.’

—KOREY MACK ’00

“Though I resent the choices that they made, I prayed for them and hoped that they would use the opportunity to turn their lives around and never take away from another family what they had taken away from ours,” Mack said.

For Dr. Vaughan, the value of these guests – and the class – is clear: “They bring to life what we’re reading about.”

Literature of Human Rights is meant to do more than educate. Dr. Vaughan hopes these boys will think critically about ways they can help solve these complex problems as they head out into the world. And while the class is relatively new, the results can already be seen.

“This class reinforced that we live in a bubble, and, as privileged young men, we need to help fight the abuses that we see happen,” Ben Adams ’24 said.

“The issues that we deem so far away can quickly present themselves right next to us, and we can’t ignore them.”

While life in their home country is not an option under its current regime, the “Young Doctor” hopes to return one day to help their people. For now, they will continue to study and work in America while exploring all the opportunities available here – including how to ride a bicycle.

In gratitude for the visit, Dr. Vaughan’s students gave the “Young Doctor” a two-wheeled scooter on which to practice balancing. The gift, while simple, was deeply meaningful.

“I didn’t really have a childhood, so I’m excited to learn how to ride,” the “Young Doctor” said. “It’s weird as an adult to feel free for the first time in your life.”

EXPERIENCE. Mack shares his personal story with the class.

First person

Director of Athletics Sean Lissemore

‘It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.’ —Rocky Balboa

When Sean Lissemore arrives at his office each morning he is greeted by this quote, which hangs on the wall above his desk.

Next to it is a framed St. Mark’s flag, weatherworn from age and use.

“This flag hung over all the recent building projects on campus, on top of the crane, so that’s why it kind of looks a little bit burned and ragged,” Lissemore said.

These two items represent a spirit and philosophy that Lissemore brings to his work as athletic director every day.

Lissemore played football at the College of William & Mary.

“William & Mary had the combination of everything I was looking for in a college: great academics, great culture and strong athletics as well,” Lissemore said.

He majored in kinesiology and began playing as a redshirt freshman in 2006. His senior year, Lissemore served as team captain. He was also selected to the All-CAA First Team and earned All-American honors from College Sporting News and Sports Network.

“It worked out really well. In my

last season there, we were one of the top teams in the nation,” he said.

When Lissemore graduated in 2010, he set his sights on playing professionally.

“I was the type of kid who, when I blew out the candles on my birthday, I’d wish to go to the NFL,” Lissemore said.

Lissemore’s dream came true when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the 2010 NFL draft.

He spent three seasons with the Cowboys before being traded to the San Diego Chargers in 2013. He played defensive line there for another four years and retired in 2017.

“It was a great experience for me. I got an opportunity to see and do so many different things,” he said.

Despite a successful professional career, some of Lissemore’s most fulfilling moments happened off the field.

While he was in the NFL, Lissemore spent time giving back to the community through the league’s outreach programs. Among other things, he hosted football camps, worked with veterans and visited patients in hospitals.

“The most rewarding experience in my career was being able to give back to people and brighten their day,” Lissemore said.

One memory sticks out in particular: a visit to a terminally ill patient at his home in San Diego.

“His family members were all diehard Chargers fans,” Lissemore said. “To be able to do that and see how much that meant to someone in their final moments was unforgettable.”

After Lissemore retired from the NFL, he completed his master’s degree in strategic management at Indiana University. Continuing his career, he again sought a strong team culture where he could continue to give back.

“I was drawn to something that brought me back to the community, something that had to do with sports

and education,” Lissemore said.

St. Mark’s offered him the combination he was looking for.

“I quickly realized that this was a special place,” Lissemore said. “People at St. Mark’s genuinely care about each other. Everyone works hard and is focused on a common goal.”

Lissemore arrived at St. Mark’s as athletic director in the fall of 2019, just a few short months before an EF-3 tornado hit campus on Oct. 20 destroying Hicks Gym. The storm added a curveball to the newly appointed athletic director’s first

‘People at St. Mark’s genuinely care about each other. Everyone works hard and is focused on a common goal.’

months on the job.

The community rallied in the following months with Marksmen athletic teams winning three winter SPC championships, a proud moment for Lissemore.

“We had just experienced a tragedy on campus,” he said. “We needed to overcome adversity. And not only do our athletes do that, but they do it spectacularly. That was

pretty incredible for me.”

Lissemore’s day-to-day responsibilities combine his background in business, sports and community engagement.

“There’s many different pieces to this job,” he said. “Whether it be working with [Associate Director of Athletics] Josh Friesen on scheduling components, managing the budget and financial pieces, working with coaches and planning for the future.”

In the afternoon, Lissemore attends athletic practices and competitions.

“After being in the office for most of the day, it’s nice to get outside and see all the boys out there enjoying themselves with smiles on their faces.”

Lissemore continues to find ways to connect off the field, serving as an eighth grade advisor and Wilderness Program group leader.

“Something I enjoy about that experience is it’s not specific to athletics,” Lissemore said. “I get to do a lot of cool things like go on field trips, and I get to go on the eighth grade campout.”

Lissemore enjoys sharing his interest in the outdoors with his advisees.

“I grew up camping a lot. I was in Scouts for a while. So being able to go back to camping and teaching boys about those experiences has been rewarding to me,” he said.

Part of his role as athletic director is to serve on the planning committee for the new Marksman Athletic Complex.

The committee worked together to establish a vision for the project by identifying current and future programmatic needs, selecting an architecture firm and traveling on research visits to other athletic facilities across the country. They also helped to guide the actual planning and design of the building.

“As a member of the Athletic Complex Planning Committee, I had the opportunity to work alongside

‘We needed to overcome adversity. And not only do our athletes do that, but they do it spectacularly. That was pretty incredible for me.’

an outstanding team as we carefully navigated each step of the design process,” Lissemore said. “This has been a well-executed, collective team effort by many people, and it is amazing to see the evolution of our ideas from the first meeting until the last.”

Now, he gets to watch that collective vision come to life from his office window, which faces the construction site. With a frontrow view of the gym’s destruction and now the athletic complex construction, the poignant meaning of the Rocky Balboa quote above his desk is not lost on him.

“After everything that happened early on in my career here, seeing this athletic complex start to go vertical has been pretty special,” Lissemore said. “It’s great to see that renewed energy back on campus, kind of like a shot in the arm for everyone.”

300 Words

Get to know some folks around campus — in exactly 300 words.

Walking in the shallow waters of Utah’s Virgin River surrounded by thousandfoot vertical red sandstone walls along the slender gorge called ‘The Narrows’ was not originally in the mix for Lola Miller, senior food service director for SAGE Dining Services.

This summer’s exciting Zion National Park adventure was the continuation of a newer interest of hers:

hiking. Miller discovered a love of nature through her husband, Josh, a native of Colorado who has extensive experience exploring places like Utah’s canyons.

“It was such a challenging and thrilling experience,” Miller said. “I plan to explore many other hiking destinations throughout my lifetime.”

Born in Chicago and raised in the Windy City and DFW, Miller spent plenty of time in the kitchen with her mother when she was younger. Her mother shared her insights and the magic of cooking. From an early age, Miller knew she wanted to be a chef, eventually attending culinary school, always carrying special memories of her time at her mother’s side.

“My mom made the best black beans and rice,” Miller said. “I also loved when she made butter cake and homemade chocolate frosting.”

Miller first began her career with SAGE at Hockaday, before joining St. Mark’s in 2019. Chicken tenders, tikka masala and Chef Howard’s chicken pot pie top the list of favorites that she’s heard from Marksmen. Her time at 10600 Preston Road has been memorable, and she holds dear a thoughtful gesture by the youngest ‘foodies.’

“A few years ago, the students in Lower School made the sweetest crafted turkey as a ‘thank you’ for Ms. Veronica, Erin and me,” Miller said. “They also created animal characters with the roles we have within the lunch program. It was one of the most rewarding and heartwarming experiences I’ve had with the students at St. Mark’s.”

One summer in Middle School, seventh grade humanities teacher Greg Crook was surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, broncobusters and Boy Scouts. He was attending the World Scout Jamboree in Alberta, Canada.

“

I traveled to Utah and Montana with a group of Scouts from Virginia and North Carolina before crossing the border into Canada for the Jamboree,” Crook said. “We went to a rodeo in Calgary, spent two days in Banff National Park and met Scouts from all over the world.”

Boy Scouts provided many opportunities for Crook to guide others.

“I led my troop in an activity when I was required to teach my fellow Scouts,” he said. “An adult leader appreciated what I did and encouraged me to lead the activity for the entire summer camp. I followed his advice and realized I truly enjoyed it. It is the first time I understood I enjoyed teaching.”

Born in Pensacola, FL., and raised in Roanoke, VA., as a competitive swimmer, Crook realized he wanted to teach professionally after coaching swimming over several summers during high school and college.

“I was a competitive summer league swimmer,” Crook said. “I started when I was five and competed every summer through college. Fifty and 100 breaststroke were my favorite events. Co-coaching a team of 120 swimmers of all ages, I realized how much fun and challenging this work could be.”

What drew Crook to teach at 10600 Preston Road was the School’s culture and ideals. He was friends with a couple of alums whose appreciation and continued connection to St. Mark’s he found admirable.

“The opportunity to work in an environment that values integrity while also promoting a passion for learning and being your best self is what interested me about St. Mark’s,” Crook said. “This community of colleagues and students is outstanding.”

On a Mexico City tarmac with a semester of Spanish, $200 and a phone card, history teacher Dr. Jerusha Westbury found herself woefully underprepared for her Spanish-language immersion trip volunteering at an orphanage.

I had to find a bus, get to Querétaro and call a man to drive me to the orphanage – all with minimal Spanish skills,” Westbury said. “I don’t remember how I did it. I was always doing things like that – plowing ahead and then realizing I was in over my head a little too late.”

Born and raised in Dallas, Westbury never aspired to teach until leading review sessions at the request of a college professor.

“I loved it so much I applied to Teach For America and spent two years working in New Orleans teaching second grade,” Westbury said. “It felt like every single instructional day I had with them was critical.”

She eventually lost touch with her former students until last year.

“One of my former students found me on Instagram,” Westbury said. “He told me that when he imagines speeches for winning awards, ‘I name you first because I never forgot how much you challenged me and helped me flourish… your level of attentiveness and care was never seen again for ten more years of education.’ It made me cry.”

While working on her doctoral dissertation, Westbury saw a posting for a position at St. Mark’s.

“I got a phone call from John Ashton asking if I was interested in applying to teach,” Westbury said. “I wasn’t sold until I came to interview. My son was only four months old then. What sealed my acceptance was when I looked at my schedule, and they built in time for me as a new mom. It was a small gesture, but it was so thoughtful.”

The Narrows, broncobusters, New Orleans & Imagine Dragons.

LOLA MILLER

Year Appointed: 2019

GREG CROOK

Year Appointed: 2018

DR. JERUSHA WESTBURY

Year Appointed: 2016

AIMEE WHITAKER

Year Appointed: 2020

Every year, Lower School computer science teacher Aimee Whitaker has a front-row seat to her students’ impromptu covers of musical numbers from famous artists like Imagine Dragons.

We have a section during coding that requires the boys to code a dance sequence with loops and functions, and they can choose a popular song from a set list,” Whitaker said. “They wear noise-cancelling headphones during this class, and I have several students that sing out loud at the top of their lungs, not knowing I can hear them; it’s spectacular.”

During the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, Whitaker worked for a new technology company. She had the unique opportunity of getting a behind-the-scenes view of a technology start-up.

“I was presenting new technology for an IPO to Wall Street on a roadshow,” Whitaker said. “I was one of the earliest employees and was fortunate to get to see a new technology from first concept through mass production.”

Born and raised in Dallas, her brother attended St. Mark’s for several years. Her son Jackson ’23 graduated last year and her son Harrison ’30 is a sixth-grader.

“While sharing my love for technology at several other private schools in Dallas, and then having three boys of my own, the opportunity to be in a classroom with our youngest Marksmen was a dream come true,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker attended the Lamplighter School during elementary school and recalls the impact several teachers had on her.

“Mrs. Leventhal and Mrs. Overall instilled in me a great love of learning through their excitement and incredible knowledge,” Whitaker said. “They showed me that teaching can mean more than we could ever know to students. I always knew, while navigating my way through the earliest years of my education, I could count on them for care and support.”

Finding their way

The path to manhoodlooksdiferentforeveryMark sman .

Through every boy’s choices and experiences and the twists and turns of life, each boy forges their own unique path.

Many journeys share common steps — commencement, college, career, family. But when the direction changes, boys can find extraordinary new paths they never expected.

A St. Mark’s education is about more than helping boys plan their futures – it’s about preparing boys to face whatever future meets them.

ATEN-MINUTE CONVERSATION

with the deputy chairman of NATO would forever change the life of Sam Morgan ’21. While at a United States Air Force Academy alumni event, Morgan happened to meet one of his mother’s classmates, Lieutenant General Steven Shepro (Ret.).

“That interaction jump-started my interest in the service academies and opened my eyes to the possibilities available to service members,” Morgan said.

“But more than that, I feel that it is my obligation and privilege to give part of my life to the protection of our country.”

Morgan applied to both the Air Force and Naval academies and began preparing himself mentally and physically.

‘Failure will pass... Bounce back from your setbacks and learn from them.’

LTG STEVEN SHEPRO (RET.) 2021 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

He started waking up at 5:30 a.m. for morning runs and doubled down on his schoolwork.

But as Commencement approached, only the Naval Academy responded: Sam had been waitlisted and would not attend Annapolis in the fall.

“It was crushing,” Morgan said. “The college admission process was tough, but my Naval Academy application was especially hard because I knew I was smart enough and fit enough.”

As fate would have it, when Morgan donned his white dinner jacket and took his seat at the Class of 2021’s Commencement ceremony, a familiar face approached the podium, dressed in a crisp blue Air Force dress uniform.

“You now have new dreams to chase, new goals to meet and great things to do,” said LTG Shepro, now a St. Mark’s parent and the 2021 Commencement speaker. “The path to manhood will really take shape for you in these important years ahead.”

As Shepro shared his wisdom with the graduates, he spoke about how pilots are trained to react when the unexpected happens.

“Be ready for whatever hits you. Control yourself first and then analyze your emergency and take the right steps to get back on course,” Shepro said. “Failure will pass. As we say in training, ‘New day, new jet.’ Bounce back from your setbacks and learn from them.”

For Morgan, these words hit close to home. And he indeed bounced back. While the Naval Academy’s decision left him discouraged, he was accepted into the University of Texas’ select engineering school.

“When I got to UT, I realized that I was still going to be studying in a rigorous environment surrounded by kids who were far smarter than me,” Morgan said. “Instead of wallowing in disappointment, I refocused on my second application to the Navy.”

Morgan joined UT’s Naval ROTC program, where he learned more about the Academy and the service. Between his training, engineering coursework and two jobs, Morgan also honed the skills of balance and time management he had learned at St. Mark’s.

“My time at UT was the best thing that could have happened,”

Morgan said. “Setbacks are arguably more important than success because they provide real feedback about where you truly are.”

Morgan’s path took a massive detour right from the start. But by embracing the unexpected, he still managed to take the right steps to get back on course.

TRAINING.

Sam Morgan ’21 (below right) got to have a variety of experiences with UT’s Naval ROTC program.

‘Setbacks are arguably more important than success because they provide real feedback about where you truly are.’

—SAM MORGAN ’21 THIRD CLASS MIDSHIPMAN

Success is foundinmanyways.

‘We learn who each boy is, their values, their quirks and preferences, their professional aspirations and what subjects make them really nerd out.’

VERONICA GUZMAN PULIDO AL G. HILL, JR. ’63 DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

In more than 20 years of guiding Marksmen through college admissions, Veronica Guzman Pulido has learned there’s no such thing as the “best” college – only the “best fit.”

“We look at what draws a student to a particular university and what they hope to gain from their college experience,” said Guzman Pulido, Al G. Hill, Jr. ’63 Director of College Counseling. “When we fully understand a student’s ambitions and hopes for college, we can then guide students in finding college matches. The college piece will come when we know each student.”

From the moment they arrive on campus, every Marksman is on a path toward Commencement – and what lies beyond. Helping them chart that path beyond 10600 Preston Road is a team of four dedicated professionals who guide roughly 100 seniors each year through the increasingly complicated college admission process.

Rather than ‘padding their resumes,’ the counselors encourage boys to explore interests and focus on their own development.

“You can list accomplishments, but to what end?” said Josh Shandera, who serves as an associate director of College Counseling along with Phoebe Butler. “When boys write their essays, we want them to have a translatable passion – something that shows colleges they have an authentic voice and interest.”

At the heart of this journey is a question: Who do you want to become?

“We learn who each boy is, their values, their quirks and preferences, their professional aspirations and what subjects make them really ‘nerd out,’” Guzman Pulido said. “We want to guide boys and families toward colleges where they will thrive. We want our boys to constantly grow into better men and stewards of St. Mark’s.”

Luckily, the College Counseling team is perfectly situated to get to know the boys. Every senior knows the first floor north wing of the Hoffman Center, home to the College Counseling office suite and the Senior Lounge. Year-round, this one hallway is a sea of blue shirts as boys seek advice on their college essays, schedule AP tests and campus visits and track application deadlines.

“There is always someone available to help, and they are all very approachable,” Holden Browning ’24 said of the College Counseling team. “I have all the resources I could need in a single dedicated space. College applications can be stressful, but the counseling offices sort of become a hang-out spot. It’s generally a happy vibe.”

The journey of college counseling is rarely guided by the destination.

In 2015, The New York Times columnist Frank Bruni spoke at St. Mark’s about the current state of “college admission mania” while promoting his book Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be.

‘There is always someone available to help, and they are all very approachable. I have all the resources I could need in a single dedicated space.’

HOLDEN BROWNING ’24

“We should be talking less about where to go and how to get in,” Bruni said, “and more about how you use your college experience once you get in.”

This mantra is echoed by the College Counseling team.

“College is the next educational journey in a student’s life. It determines where a student will be for the next four years,” Guzman Pulido said. “It does not predict happiness or success in life. With over 3,000 colleges in the U.S. alone, success can be found in many ways. We want students to think about an environment where they will grow academically, personally and socially.”

AUTHENTIC. Associate director of College Counseling

Josh Shandera helps students’ passions come through in their essays.

Marksmenfndtheir paths.

INEVITABLY, THE PATHS

Marksmen travel don’t always lead where they imagined. While many boys follow what could be considered “traditional” paths, the counseling team has seen more students embrace the less expected paths, from gap years to international travel.

Much of the St. Mark’s experience is about pushing boys out of their comfort zones and embracing the unknown, from rigorous academic classes to the 10-day Pecos Wilderness Trip. This is exactly what led Ishaan Devalla ’23 to look beyond the United States for his next steps after St. Mark’s.

“I wanted a radical change for college because I wanted to test myself and my boundaries,” Devalla said. “I purposely gravitated to what I’d never had any experience with because it would be a real growing-up moment for me.”

After visiting the United Kingdom with his family, Devalla took an interest in international law. With help from the College Counseling team, Devalla’s path led him to the London School of Economics, where he is currently pursuing a BA in history. He plans to eventually return to the United States for law school.

“I really feel connected to the world community here, and it has been a very eye-opening and positive experience for me,” Devalla said. “To students considering international study, I would say not to be afraid. The international experience is truly an amazing one, and you’ll be surprised by what it can teach you.”

As Marksmen consider their paths in life, they never do so alone. In addition to the resources on campus, the Marksman network extends to all corners of the globe, across cities and industries – an embodiment of the core concepts of reciprocal care that permeate the path to manhood.

‘I wanted a radical change for college because I wanted to test myself and my boundaries.’

ISHAAN DEVALLA ’23

As boys begin to explore their interests, the Alumni Association stands ready to connect Marksmen across generations.

“Our alumni feel a deep connection to current students and want to provide the same guidance they may have received and continue to inspire those boys to mentor others in the decades ahead,” Alex Eshelbrenner ’04, senior director of Alumni Engagement, said.

“It can be intimidating for some boys to find the right start. Thankfully, we have a network of more than 4,000 established alumni professionals eager to be a resource and helping hand for the next generation.”

DISCUSSION.

Whatever a boy wants to be –doctor, lawyer, artist, writer –there is likely a St. Mark’s alumnus already following that path and ready to help.

“Marksmen are committed to helping other Marksmen nearly without qualification,” said attorney Joe Zopolsky ’92. “The depth of the connections and relationships within our alumni base – underscored by our shared gratitude for our St. Mark’s experience – is far more vast and expansive than most people realize.”

Zopolsky is always happy to connect with Marksmen interested in the legal profession, from phone conversations to meet-and-greets with his team, which incidentally includes several Marksmen.

For Zopolsky, who has worked professionally with more than a dozen fellow alumni, being labeled a Marksman is about more than identifying an alma mater.

HANDS ON. Joe Zopolsky ’92 (center) and other alumni in the legal profession meet with students.

Dr. Fadi Constantine ’00 shares his experiences in the medical field with students.

he Marksmen who have worked for me and with me have exhibited an exceptional work ethic, poise, professional confidence and competence,” Zopolsky said.

This willingness to help other Marksmen is about much more than a familiar bond.

“When I think of this mission as guidance and coaching to our brethren who are deciding on their lifelong vocation and professional journey, I don’t think too much time can be spent helping them out,” Zopolsky said.

For Marksmen interested in the medical profession, Dr. Fadi Constantine ’00 is happy to lend his professional expertise.

“Depending on where they are,

we will try to come up with a plan of action to get him where he needs to go,” Dr. Constantine said. “For paths I’m not best suited for, I can usually find somebody in our vast St. Mark’s network that can better assist the Markman than I.”

When Dr. Constantine meets a fellow Marksman, he already knows how much they can bring to the table.

“The life lessons learned at St. Mark’s will carry the boys throughout their professional careers,” he said. “However, what sets our men apart is that when they get out in the real world, getting the job done isn’t all that matters. What matters most is doing it with integrity, honesty and setting a new higher standard for others to follow.”

‘What sets our men apart is that getting the job done isn’t all that matters. What matters most is doing it with integrity, honesty and setting a new higher standard for others to follow.’

—DR. FADI CONSTANTINE ’00 CHAIR, MENTOR AND NETWORKING COMMITTEE

WISDOM. Students attend a mentoring and networking session with alumni.

AT ST. MARK’S, teachers prepare boys to thrive in any environment. Whether it’s rain on the Pecos or an unexpected pop quiz, Marksmen are continuously trained to embrace whatever challenges arise.

While Sam Morgan’s path took an unexpected turn, he pivoted and found an even richer journey than he had expected.

One year after walking the Commencement stage in his white dinner jacket, Morgan once again found himself dressed in white – except this time, he donned the “white works” uniform of a prospective midshipman at the United States Naval Academy’s Induction Day.

Currently a 3rd Class Midshipman, Morgan recently trained in San Diego, where he visited Miramar Air Station. After meeting with some of the enlisted Marines and pilots, he is now looking at a future in Marine aviation. It’s a path that simply didn’t seem possible just a few years ago.

“It’s important for Marksmen to realize that nothing in this world is absolute,” Morgan said.

While Morgan admittedly didn’t realize it at the time, much of what LTG Shepro said in his Commencement address rang true.

“His advice about bouncing back is a perfect summary of how I ended up approaching the first Navy rejection,” Morgan said. “We had a speaker at the Academy talk about friction and traction. Without any friction in our lives, we would never be able to gain the traction needed to move upward and continue growing as people.”

FULL CIRCLE. Morgan at his St. Mark’s Commencement ceremony (left) and at Induction Day (right).

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP

HIS MOTHER STARTED TEARING UP from the thoughtfulness the Middle School Marksmen had shown as part of a recent character and leadership exercise. She had just read a letter of gratitude acknowledging her as the most influential person in his life. “The boy did not anticipate how much his mother appreciated it and that made him reflect on all his mom does for him,” said Trent Calder, Middle School advisor, and aquatics coach.

“It was a full circle experience from what he took for granted to realizing that and taking a moment to recognize others.”

Intentionality is at the core of Middle School character and leadership education, dubbed ‘leadership loops.’ The program uses scheduled community time to advance the initiative through curriculum and tailored exercises guiding Marksmen to live lives as skillful caregivers.

After nearly two decades, the program’s structure has taken shape, forming a trademark of a boy’s experience at 10600 Preston Road.

and

LEGO scenes

mini-figures built and provided by Valerie Davis, Middle School math teacher.

BLUEPRINT

Beginning in 2005, St. Mark’s launched a school-wide initiative to design an education curriculum teaching character and leadership with the same outcome-based intentionality applied to teaching academics. Over the next decade, the School developed a foundational framework and strategic goals, generated content, expanded the curriculum and broadened faculty understanding.

Malcolm K. and Minda Brachman Master Teaching Chair Dr. Martin Stegemoeller has been involved since the program’s inception.

“You need to develop a first step of habit toward helping people and to have empathy and compassion, and then you need the experience of doing it,” said Stegemoeller. “We started the Telos Club, which involves older kids working with younger kids to get psyched about everything you can do in school. We had a session on sports, a session on journalism, a session on student government and the outdoors program.

As the program matured, it gave older boys more opportunities to lead and care for others and gained increasing acceptance within the St. Mark’s community. This acceptance further distinguished the program from other St. Mark’s experiences and led to developing a distinct Middle School program.

“One of the key phrases we’ve come up with is that ‘Boys are cared for. Men give care,’ Stegemoeller said. “In Middle School, you’re at this pivot: How long will you deflect responsibility? Most Middle School boys are Tom Sawyer; whatever I can do to avoid responsibility so I can play video games or football. So, we talked about deflecting as the worst behavior, accepting as better and then seeking responsibility out as the best.”

FOUNDATION

In 2017, Middle School administrators launched leadership loops to deploy the Character and Leadership curriculum to the unique learning styles of Middle School boys.

“We wanted character and leadership education to be something that the entire faculty was a part of,” head of Middle School Dean Clayman said. “We arrived at the idea of having it live in community time because we all share that. There was a nice opportunity to link assemblies, class meetings and advisories. That’s where the idea of ‘looping’ those three different structures together comes in.”

The program introduces a leadership concept at Monday’s weekly Middle School assembly. The topic is further discussed and developed in subsequent class meetings with their class sponsors, having students work in an online graphic organizer called the Path to Manhood Portfolio. The portfolio provides different prompts or ideas to reflect on, understanding their connection to it through their lived experiences or aspirations. In their Thursday advisory, consisting of a small group of trusted peers, Marksmen share their reflections and discuss the topic.

“They get to hear what other boys are thinking about and how it affects them and engage in a discussion which helps them clarify who they are, who their friends are and how they can use this new information to grow to be their best selves,” Clayman said. “That is one of the greatest gifts of this program that the boys are taking agency about their growth. That character and leadership is not happenstance, character and leadership is not done to you or for you, but you build it. We give them building blocks, but they make choices and those choices allow them to grow.”

DEAN CLAYMAN

DR. MARTIN STEGEMOELLER

BRICK BY BRICK

Each summer, select faculty gather to organize the loops for the upcoming school year, drawing from various sources such as literature, current events, professional development and personal experience.

“Dean Clayman, Dr. Gabby Reed, Dr. Martin Stegemoeller and I sit down at a table and toss out an idea, and then the four of us talk through how we could apply this to Middle School,” said Jason Lange, assistant head of Middle School. “As those ideas come into sharper focus from the other three, my mind starts working on what the activity will look like for the boys.”

There are five loops throughout the school year—several recurring topics, with others being more flexible to take advantage of new ideas and events. The September loop typically comes directly from the summer meeting, with the November/Thanksgiving loop centered around gratitude.

January is usually inspired by something that happens during the first half of the school year. March is focused on advisory prep, where boys lead their spring advisory conference with their parents. The May loop is a capstone of the character and leadership program, having Marksmen reflect on the previous leadership loops; how has their gratitude changed? How have their academic habits changed? How has their engagement with the community changed?

“One of the biggest impacts I’ve seen in the last two or three years is a greater focus on being a learner instead of a grade manager,” Lange said. “In Middle School, that’s an important distinction for us. We want the boys to be learners, constantly refining their academic practice, executive function and organization and be more focused on their growth as learners.”

LEADERSHIP LOOPS TOPICS

GRATITUDE: Identifying people you are grateful for and composing a thank-you note.

RESPONSIBILITY: Finding times of reflection, acceptance and responsibility and establishing a responsibility goal.

PARENT CONFERENCE: Playing an active role in the conference with parents and advisor.

CIVIL DISCOURSE: Navigating important topics with tact and aplomb.

TIMELINE & REFLECTION: Reviewing significant recent experiences and how it helped you move forward on the Path to Manhood.

INTEGRITY: Reflecting on ways your integrity helps you and others.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION: Taking stock of executive function habits through a traffic light metaphor; stop, change and keep.

DRUG-ABUSE PREVENTION: Understanding the science behind drugs and addiction, and healthy ways to stay drug-free.

REACT VS. RESPOND: Engaging in deliberate thinking and thoughtful decision-making.

CULTIVATING SUCCESS: Reflecting on the past and how activities have led to success and failure.

loops.

HOPES & FEARS: Sharing personal hopes and fears to help one another be our best selves.

FUTURE THINKING: Staying on the right path, avoiding detours and finding choices that help reach a goal.

PERSONALITY PROFILE: Recognizing differing personality patterns to better understand one another.

COMMUNITY WEBS: Defining communities that students are part of and how they interconnect.

RECIPROCAL CARE: Passing on care and support you receive to improve others’ lives.

IN CHARACTER. Stegemoeller, Reed, Clayman and Lange meet to discuss leadership

JASON LANGE

CONCRETE UNDERSTANDING

Developing lessons for Middle School boys requires a unique approach, considering the significant mental and physical development occurring in their bodies. With a prefrontal cortex still developing, boys often rely on a part of the brain called the amygdala to make decisions and solve problems more than adults do. The amygdala is associated with emotions, impulses, aggression and instinctive behavior.

“How do you choose to respond instead of reacting?” said Dr. Gabby Reed, director of Marksman Wellness and Middle School counselor. “That’s when we did the react versus respond loop that went into the science. How do we make better choices in the moment, especially when we’re heated or when we’re upset?”

With each unique topic, the program uses particular vocabulary to support discussion and reinforce lessons. Boys, faculty and families develop a shared language of character and leadership.

“You will hear the boys say, ‘Intent versus impact; I didn’t intend to do that, but that was the impact I had,’” Dr. Reed said. “The idea that if you get off your path and you don’t keep your future in mind you can end up on a ‘detour.’ Boys will say, ‘That was a big detour’ or ‘I took a little detour.’ What’s awesome is that their teachers in class will reinforce the language by saying it back to the boys.”

CARRYING FORWARD

The program’s impact on Middle Schoolers carries into Upper School. For some, their continued development as caregivers calls them back to Lower and Middle School to assist with the Character and Leadership program of younger Marksmen.

“I remember when I was in Middle School, the Telos guys would come over, and we would have a great time,” said Adam Dalrymple ’26. “I looked up to

them and wanted to pass on that feeling to the younger guys. Leadership loops have been crucial to my growth and development.”

The relationships built during these interactions can continue well beyond 10600 Preston Road.

“In Middle School, I had a Telos representative named Neal Reddy ’20, who was a senior at the time,” said Nolan Marcus ’24. “Later, I was up at Princeton looking at the campus during an admission tour and I saw Neal. He and I got lunch together and talked about school and other stuff. I only knew him through Telos. He helped me get a new perspective on the campus and what being a potential student at Princeton would be like. It was amazing that he remembered me and the connection we had.”

The influence older Marksmen have on younger Marksmen is significant. They see themselves in the older boys and reflect upon who they want to be. The caregiving traits that are modeled before them leave an impression.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is being able to see kids that were in a position where I was in and tell them what I wanted to tell myself four years ago,” said Zack Goforth ’24. “The value of St. Mark’s is in the community, the people you meet and the person that sets you up to get you wherever you want to go.”

TAKING CARE

Building upon the foundation of Lower School, the Middle School Character and Leadership program reviews essential concepts, habits and skills while introducing new ideas to nurture the development of each boy’s character and capacity for leadership. Through guided conversations, boys reflect on critical concepts and record their understandings in their Path to Manhood Portfolio. By the end of eighth grade, students will be able to articulate, explain and demonstrate their mastery of caregiving concepts and skills.

DR. GABBY REED

Features

MONDAY ASSEMBLY.

IDLC Council members introduce a leadership loop to the entire Middle School about community webs and the benefits of diverse connections.

LOOPING IT TOGETHER

WEDNESDAY CLASS MEETING.

Noah Cathey ’24 presents the community web assignment to the sixth grade.

THURSDAY ADVISORY. Alex Eshelbrenner ’04 leads discussion among his sixth grade advisees about their completed assignment identifying the many communities they are each a part of and their roles.

Home grown

St. Mark’s stood at a crossroads in the 2023-2024 school year. Following the departure of one division head and the retirement of another, the School faced a difficult task: finding new heads to lead grades 1-4 and 9-12.

A comprehensive nationwide search identified a range of talented educators who could come in and take charge. But the School was looking for more than just another administrator.

“In addition to outstanding personal and professional qualities, we wanted to make sure that the individuals who took on these roles were committed to serving St. Mark’s well into the future,”

Eugene McDermott Headmaster

David Dini said. “Luckily, we found them right here on campus.”

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, William Atkinson ’95 will serve as head of Upper School and Marion Glorioso-Kirby will serve as head of Lower School.

One is an alumnus, Middle School teacher and varsity coach. The other is the Fine Arts Department Chair, interim Head of Lower School and a St. Mark’s parent. From advising and teaching to leading trips into the wilderness

and around the globe, both Atkinson and Glorioso-Kirby are familiar with nearly every aspect of a Marksman’s journey.

“This School is different in many ways than when I was here,” Atkinson told The ReMarker. “But the core experience is still similar to what I had. Continuity of experience is very important for our boys.”

The candidates to lead the Upper and Lower Schools needed to view St. Mark’s as more than a school and, luckily, Atkinson and Glorioso-Kirby fit that definition. For them, St. Mark’s is home.

“I get to start each morning standing at the Lower School door, getting a smile and a hug from 150 boys that walk through,” Glorioso-Kirby said. “There are too many moments like that for you to ever want to leave.”

‘We wanted to make sure that the individuals who took on these roles were committed to serving St. Mark’s well into the future.’

DAVID W. DINI, Eugene McDermott Headmaster

Marion Glorioso-Kirby | Head of Lower School

A division head must be capable of juggling multiple responsibilities at once. Luckily, this won’t be a problem for Marion Glorioso-Kirby. Since joining St. Mark’s in 2004, Glorioso-Kirby has served as Lower School drama teacher, Upper School drama teacher, Fine Arts Department chair, Senior Class sponsor, Improv Troupe sponsor and, for the past year, interim head of Lower School.

After earning a B.F.A. in theater performance from the University of Oklahoma, Glorioso-Kirby found her calling in St. Mark’s Lower School drama classroom before making the leap to Upper School drama and eventually being appointed to the Tony Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair.

Through this journey, she worked closely with Marksmen of all ages.

The Class of 2022 nominated her to deliver the faculty address at their Baccalaureate ceremony.

“Next year, you will be in a new environment, and if you haven’t quite

found your light, keep trying,” GloriosoKirby told the graduating seniors. “Keep exploring, keep creating and keep saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities. If you get the choice to sit it out or dance, you’d better dance.”

As a senior sponsor, she remained close with the Lower School through the buddy program and recently has experienced St. Mark’s from an entirely new perspective as the parent of two Marksmen in the Classes of 2032 and 2034. Following the retirement of the previous head, Sherri Darver, GloriosoKirby returned to the Lower School professionally as interim head for the 2023–2024 school year.

“Each of our boys has a different set of needs and a different set of talents, and getting to know them personally is something that I really value and want to do to the best of my ability,” she told The ReMarker. “I think the different hats you wear in administration all have to do with care for people and the School, and for me, that isn’t hard to do.”

William Atkinson ’95 | Head of Upper School

After graduating from St. Mark’s in 1995, William Atkinson’s path diverged several times but, ultimately, each step prepared him to return to 10600 Preston Road. After attending the United States Military Academy at West Point and then graduating from Southern Methodist University, Atkinson became a police officer. Then, an offer from former Secretary of Defense James Mattis led him to a new vocation: teaching.

“I was offered the chance to teach U.S. Marines human behavior pattern recognition analysis,” Atkinson told The ReMarker. “But even as a police officer, I gravitated towards training and teaching. I didn’t know it at the time, but my whole career, I was gravitating towards all these educational opportunities.”

Atkinson returned to St. Mark’s as a football coach while pursuing his Master of Education from SMU. In 2021, he joined the faculty as a Middle

School humanities teacher and has been deeply involved in campus life ever since. He continues to coach football in Middle and Upper School and guides boys into the wild on the Pecos Wilderness Trip.

“Attending St. Mark’s was one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Atkinson said. “And espousing the values of a Marksman is one of the greatest responsibilities of my life.”

A Lasting

Alumni members of the faculty share what means the most to them about life on campus.

Do you have a favorite memory at St. Mark’s from when you were a student?

As a senior varsity football player, the opening kickoff in the second half against Kinkaid. It was a time in which [our coach] demonstrated full and complete confidence in our abilities as a team. Head football coach Jay McAuley ’81 decided to kick the ball to Kinkaid even though we had the option to receive. We jumped out to an early lead and went on to win the game 24–0.

—KOREY MACK ’00

I was struggling in math and I remember Ms. Janis Casey (now Foster) believing in me. She would meet me every day before school to make sure I understood the concepts. I remember my confidence rising and being grateful that she cared enough to put in the extra work to help me.

—ALEX ESHELBRENNER ’04

There are so many. They range from playing wall-ball and campus tag to amazing classroom experiences, to being on the football and wrestling teams, to sharing milestones along the St. Mark’s journey with classmates who became lifelong friends.

—WILLIAM ATKINSON ’95

Alumni Faculty

DAN NORTHCUT ’81

Director of Environmental Studies

REYNO ARREDONDO ’87

Head wrestling coach, PE instructor, & 7th grade baseball coach

KEN OWENS ’89 Chemistry teacher

WILLIAM ATKINSON ’95 Sixth Grade Humanities teacher

DR. ZACH ERWIN ’96

Language Department Chair and Spanish teacher

KOREY MACK ’00 Admission Officer

ALEX ESHELBRENNER ’04

Senior Director of Alumni Engagement

CAMERON HILLIER ’13

English teacher, director of the Wilderness program and head varsity tennis coach

JACK MALLICK ’14

Ahlberg & Ribman Family Director of Alumni Relations

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love working with the boys. I really enjoy the mix of seriousness and fun that they bring to the classroom.

—DR. ZACH ERWIN ’96

The greatest reward is when my own experience as a Marksman proves valuable in advising or coaching the boys. I often recall anecdotes to share that relate closely to a boy’s current experience and transcend the growing gap in time between now and then. These moments are priceless to me.

—KOREY MACK ’00

Chemistry is a difficult subject. I enjoy doing what I can to make it more accessible and understandable to the students.

—KEN OWENS ’89

The combination of serious, thought-provoking conversations around the table during class combined with students’ witty, clever humor makes teaching here so much fun.

—CAMERON HILLIER ’13

What did you learn from your time as a student that you hope to share with the boys?

I learned the importance of striving for excellence — and that even if we can’t always achieve our goals, the act of striving for them can reap its own rewards.

—DR. ZACH ERWIN ’96

St. Mark’s is a blessing for which we should be thankful. Not only that but being thankful means giving back or paying it forward.

—CAMERON HILLIER ’13

Working hard is required if you want to achieve your goals. Period. If you can have some fun along the way, that’s icing on the cake!

—DAN NORTHCUT ’81

I want our boys to be happy as they strive to become great men. Part of that is being vulnerable enough to be self-aware, which is critically important in finding fulfillment.

—ALEX ESHELBRENNER ’04

Did you ever think you might do something else careerwise?

As a career military officer, and now a coach at St. Mark’s, I am very happy with my career choices. I try to share this love for athletics, life-long learning, and growth with our Marksmen.

—REYNO

ARREDONDO ’87

Once I became a teaching assistant in grad school, and my job was tutoring for an oceanography class, teaching became the only career I would ever consider.

—DAN NORTHCUT ’81

What is your favorite object in your office?

JT Sutcliffe’s game-worn baseball glove from the faculty vs. senior softball games.

—JACK MALLICK ’14

My pictures of my wife and children.

—REYNO ARREDONDO ’87

I have a framed photo taken in the chapel near the end of my senior year with former St. Mark’s choirmaster and organist Jim Livengood and three of my fellow choristers from the Class of 1996 (Matthew Fuller, Thor Herrin, and Steve Feinberg). It makes me smile every time I look at it.

—DR. ZACH ERWIN ’96

Two notes that I received from students as part of a first grade assignment about respect.

—KOREY MACK ’00

The old Tedion Bug Bomb I have in my office, probably from the 1950s or earlier, from Arthur Douglas. Punch two holes in the can, light the powder inside, set it down in the greenhouse, and RUN. He had a whole case of them many years ago, and I’m glad I got to save one.

—KEN OWENS ’89

That’s easy – the pictures. My office is filled with photos of people who remind me of why I do what I do and who I do it for. My wife, my children, my classmates from 2004, my St. Mark’s colleagues, graduates of the School, and every advisee I’ve been fortunate enough to care for – they are all “with me” every day.

—ALEX ESHELBRENNER ’04

Who has influenced you in your career?

From Mr. Connolly, I learned to love poetry. From Mr. Seay, I learned to expand my horizons and never stop exploring. From Mr. Smith, I learned to always be true to self. From Mr. Owens, I learned to commit to the things you love. From Coach McAuley, I learned to never give up.

—WILLIAM ATKINSON ’95

I had lots of great teachers here at St. Mark’s that served as excellent role models. The most important for me was Nancy Marmion, whose classes inspired me to become a Spanish teacher. I’m very lucky to get to work with Nancy now as a colleague.

— DR. ZACH ERWIN ’96

My aunt Valencia and my grandmother Dora because of the way they have demonstrated care, stated expectations clearly and pushed their students to meet and exceed those expectations in their combined 70-plus years of teaching experience.

—KOREY MACK ’00

My teachers from St. Mark’s influenced my choices for the rest of my life: Mr. Douglas, Mr. Dexter, Mr. Donaldson, and of course, Mr. Seay!

—DAN NORTHCUT ’81

Several St. Mark’s teachers influenced my desire to return to education in ways I didn’t appreciate until after graduation. I couldn’t help but hope to emulate them.

CAMERON HILLIER ’13

Many people from my Army career and athletics, as well as St. Mark’s staff and faculty have influenced my career and leadership style. Servant and transformational leadership are the paradigms I want to emulate and use to mentor our Marksmen.

—REYNO ARREDONDO ’87

Why did you choose to return to St. Mark’s to work?

I wanted to give back to a school which gave me an incredible foundation for a successful life. After St. Mark’s, I felt extremely prepared as a Cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point and beyond.

—REYNO

ARREDONDO

’87

St. Mark’s has always been home to me. Everyone genuinely cares about one another. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without our School. The idea that I could come to campus every day and do whatever I can to help move this institution forward still seems too good to be true.

JACK MALLICK ’14

From the Alumni Association President

Jamie Rogers ’85 continues to serve more than 4,200 members of the Alumni Association

To the Marksmen community:

with our School.

Serving as your Alumni Association president over the last several months has been an absolute joy. The experiences and the people I have enjoyed meeting have been deeply rewarding. I am excited for what is yet to come over the remainder of my tenure. My love for our great School and admiration for the faculty, administration and staff that guide our young Marksmen on the path to manhood continues to deepen. Being able to work firsthand with fellow alumni who give selflessly of their time, energy and resources to support St. Mark’s and strengthen our alumni community is an experience unlike anything I have seen at other institutions. The bond we share as alumni is unbreakable and forms the backbone of what I sincerely believe is one of the finest alumni associations in the country. I am humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of such a special school and the remarkable graduates who form such an important part of its legacy.

Over the last few months, in addition to our many on-campus events, we hosted multiple receptions across the country. Alumni in Central Texas, Chicago and on the East Coast gathered to reconnect with old friends, interact with faculty members and learn about exciting campus plans. In early March, we once again hit the road to host events in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Furthermore, on July 2, St. Mark’s is going international and hosting an event in London. No matter where you find yourself, I hope you choose to stay connected

I am pleased to report that the Alumni Board continues to work in lockstep with one another to provide meaningful and exciting programs for our more than 4,200 alums. I am thankful for the partnership and leadership this group of 41 men provide for our community. The Alumni Board truly has the best interest of the School in mind, and we will continue to find new ways to engage with our community. We enjoyed a highly entertaining evening with St. Mark’s Distinguished Alumnus, Ken Hersh ’81, as a part of the Alumni Association’s Alumni Leadership Speaker Series on March 20. On April 18-20, we welcomed more than 1,200 brothers to return to the place we are fortunate to call home for Alumni Weekend 2024.

I want to extend a special thanks to the 2023-2024 Alumni Board Executive Committee who have all served with distinction and continue to raise the bar for future leaders of the Board. We are a strong alumni association because we continuously stick together, and I encourage each of you to continue to be an engaged member of the St. Mark’s community and the other communities to which you belong. Thank you for investing your time and talents through servant leadership. I hope to see you very soon.

With gratitude,

— Jamie Rogers ’85 Alumni Association President

‘I am humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of such a special school and the remarkable graduates who form such an important part of its legacy.’

–JAMIE ROGERS ’85

2023-2024 Alumni Board

Executive Committee

President

Jamie Rogers ’85

Vice President

Lowell Ku ’89

Secretary

Collin Lensing ’01

Activities & Alumni Weekend

Nick Cassavechia ’04

Alumni Awards

Akhil Kara ’02

Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage & Honor Award

B.A. Cullum ’99

Mentor & Networking

Fadi Constantine ’00

Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award

Chip Fowler ’05

St. Mark’s Fund

Jon Myhre ’96 & Mark Butler ’08

Alumni Golf Tournament

Mark Early ’73

Young Alumni

Ross Crawford ’12

Alumni Board Members

Sam Acho ’07

Ryan Bowles ’90

Charles Branch ’10

Noah Bricker ’10

Nick Cassavechia ’04

Sonak Daulat ’90

Jesse Diaz ’04

Jonathan Erwin ’92

Tom Fagadau ’76

Jamie Helwig ’01

Eugene Jabbour ’96

Aaron Kaufman ’68

Luke Kline ’07

Arif Mahmood ’03

Scott McElhaney ’85

Reid McGlamery ’96

Michael Merrill ’72

Kevin Meyers ’98

Greg Moore ’67

Stuart Nance ’78

Drew Nicholas ’09

David Ortigoza ’97

Kace Phillips ’04

Tony Ruggeri ’00

Zev Shulkin ’98

Ben Vig ’89

Fry Wernick ’95

Cody Wikert ’05

Ben Wilson ’14

Lane Wimberly ’90

Through the decades

Looking at key events — locally and nationally — through the pages of archived ReMarker newspapers

1961

The first-ever All-School Talent Show was announced by members of the Senior Class. The show, set for late February, was to feature a variety of acts including a barbershop quartet, faculty parodies, piano performances and a bullwhip demonstration, among other talents.

1975

A ReMarker editorial, which advocated for lessening summer reading requirements and accompanying essays, revealed that 61 percent of Upper Schoolers felt the summer reading assignments were not beneficial.

The editorial suggested requiring juniors, sophomores and freshmen to read one assigned book and two books from a list of 20 recommended by faculty and suggested no summer reading for seniors.

Additionally, no essays would be required to be written during the summer; essays, if required, would be written in class at the beginning of the school year. This editorial prompted strong letters of rebuttal from English faculty members, who suggested “It seems that most boys should find the reading to be enjoyable. In any remaining case where it is not enjoyable, perhaps summer reading should be viewed as an opportunity for the student to broaden his interests. If intellectual curiosity and excellence are, in fact, the ideals of an educated mind, then reading, summer and winter, definitely need to be part of that quest.”

1993

1982

In a mock presidential vote, former United States Vice President Richard Nixon was the students’ choice for president of the United States, defeating Minnesota Sen. Eugene McCarthy by a vote of 188161. Texas Sen. John Tower was the students’ choice for vice president, defeating incumbent Vice President Hubert Humphrey.

“The computer plays an important part now [in the School’s operation] and will play an increasingly more important [one].” These words were reported in The ReMarker from John Stutsman, who headed the School’s computer operations. That computer — yes, a single computer — was a Texas Instruments 990/10 model 8, which handled the scheduling, grade reporting and accounting functions, as well as clerical work for the School. With only five school personnel running the programs, future plans were to inventory the School’s capital items and cafeteria supplies. Two issues later, the newspaper presented a ten-page special section on the future of computers, predicting that by 1990, computers could constitute the world’s largest industry and stating, “Someday in the future, every human being will be exposed to these high speed machines.”

Before the Great Hall and Alumni Commons, Marksmen had very few places on campus to congregate and just “chill” aside from hallways, the science lobby area and sneaking off campus illegally for a break. Acting upon students’ concerns, Robin Macy, then-assistant head of Upper School, spearheaded a drive to provide a tentative gathering area for students to visit and relax. Her solution? A tent, erected over Spring Break, provided a space for students to play cards, catch up with friends and enjoy a soft drink from a Coke machine. The tent offered wooden benches, ping pong tables and provided an opportunity to see if students were responsible enough not to trash a new space dedicated to their comfort. Two years later, ceremonies were held to kick off construction of the Great Hall and Alumni Commons, which exist to this day.

Three major new campus additions — the Hicks Family Athletic Center, Nearburg Hall and the Mullen Fitness Center — greeted students on the first day of classes for the 2000–2001 school year. The new facilities were among the largest comprehensive additions to campus facilities in the School’s history.

2009

The life of longtime faculty member Arthur Douglas was memorialized in the Oct. 2009 newspaper. Douglas, who had served as Science Department chairman, Greenhouse director and classroom teacher for more than five decades, was a campus legend. “St. Mark’s was very fortunate to have Authur Douglas in its life for 55 years,” headmaster Arnie Holtberg said in a tribute. “His gift is truly an enduring gift.”

Spotlight on philanthropy

A Marksman’s mother and grandparents model philanthropy

FAMILY.

GRANDPARENTS.

Holly and Tom Mayer love having a window into their grandson’s life on campus.

‘The idea of grandparents supporting a school with the legacy of the values that I hold so dearly is very important to foster.’

— HOLLY MAYER

GMEET-UP.

Maile Shea gets to see Charles while volunteering during lunch.

randparents’ Day is a special day for Holly and Dr. Tom Mayer, grandparents of Charles Shea ’29. “My husband and I have experienced the coming together of grandparents, and how excited we are to come and be on the campus and see our grandchildren,” Holly said. “That just touches your heart to be invited to have a snapshot of what [teachers and students are] experiencing, and the excitement of learning and the excitement of sharing knowledge.”

The Mayers’ involvement with St. Mark’s doesn’t end at the conclusion of that remarkable day, however. They and Maile Shea—their daughter and Charles’s mom—devote time and resources to the School. They are among the families of St. Mark’s that demonstrate the good that can emerge from intergenerational efforts.

Returning to a special place

The Mayers first became part of the St. Mark’s community decades ago as parents of Dr. Kano Mayer ’91.

“What is so gratifying as a grandparent is going back and seeing that the School has kept up with the contemporary world and the contemporary parts of change,” Holly said. “And yet, for me, the underlying value of community leadership, of curiosity, of a well-rounded education, and of lifelong learning is still highly valued. But it takes on different forms because we know so much more in these past 30 years.”

From L to R: Dr. Tom Mayer, Charles Shea ’29, Holly Mayer and Maile Shea.

and volunteerism for the next generation.

Her family likewise treasures education and lifelong learning. Holly, Tom and Maile contribute to the St. Mark’s Fund, which serves as the School’s annual fundraising priority.

“The idea of grandparents supporting a school with the legacy of the values that I hold so dearly is very important to foster,” Holly says. She and Tom authored and signed a letter encouraging grandparents to join them in supporting the St. Mark’s Fund.

In addition, the three community philanthropists have graciously contributed to the Marksman Athletic Center.

“Sports are a huge component of leadership, learning how to fail, learning how to not beat yourself up because you weren’t the best, but what are you learning from this?”

Holly says. “When Maile said there’s an opportunity to be able to build this wonderful athletic [complex] and she would like some help naming something, I said, ‘Sure, sign us up.’”

Creating shared experiences

Both Holly and Maile see opportunities for other grandparents to get involved more deeply in the fabric of St. Mark’s. Maile believes grandparents often have strong emotional intelligence, wisdom and experience. “These are very strong skills that are being harvested and given through the larger community and the School,” she says.

Holly notes that grandparents can support the School in many different ways, but she adds this involvement comes with a fine nuance. “It’s too often that you see someone who is older, who has some time on their hands, sort of step in and take over,” she says. “That’s not the intent at

all about a group of people who are excited about education, about the process or the journey of their grandchildren, and supporting their children with parenting.” Instead, Maile’s deep involvement with the School led Holly and Tom to engage as well.

Family

of community builders

This special interest in bringing more grandparents into the fold at St. Mark’s ties into another value of the Mayer family: community building.

“That’s something that’s important for me,” says Maile, who is a St. Mark’s Fund parent leader and active in the Parents’ Association. “But it’s something that we’ve done as a family in all the communities that we’ve been in—to build up the community so that there’s a support network.”

Another way Maile pursues this passion is through her efforts with the Lions’ Closet. She is the co-chair and works at the store that sells gently used uniforms and spirit wear. She says the Lions’ Closet is “an open space for community building.”

Sometimes Charles pops in to help his mom at the store, and he gains more than just lessons in retailing. “When he volunteers with Maile for Lions’ Closet, he always comes back really jazzed about being able to help people,” Holly says. “I think that is the tremendous modeling that he’s seeing from his mom and that we talk about in our family.”

‘That just touches your heart to be invited to have a snapshot of what [teachers and students are] experiencing, and the excitement of learning and the excitement of sharing knowledge.’

— HOLLY MAYER

FOR THE BOYS.

For the family, it all comes back to benefitting Marksmen.

Leading the pack

Parents, alumni and friends give back to the School they love.

A place for good cheer and Lions gear

Parent volunteers share connection and school spirit in the student store.

When her son Asher ’27 was accepted into St. Mark’s in March of 2021, the first thing Melissa Ridzinski did was place an order from the student store.

“At that point, it was still closed due to Covid, so [student store manager] Nancy Goldberg brought my items to the car, and we bonded instantly,” Ridzinski said. The quick connection inspired her to volunteer there.

Ridzinski’s story is not uncommon. Rachel Richards also began volunteering as a new parent.

“When my twins, James ’30 and Miller ’30, started in first grade, we didn’t really know anyone,” Richards said. “Volunteering was a way to meet other parents and get to know the other boys.”

Located inside the Alumni Commons, the student store sells St. Mark’s branded clothing and accessories as well as school supplies and gifts. Volunteers unpack and display new merchandise and assist customers when they come in the store.

For volunteers like Cristy McAtee, mother of David ’26, the biggest reward is staying connected to her son’s daily life.

It is just the happiest place on campus and truly a safe haven, both for boys and parents,” Ridzinski said.

“It’s

the perfect place to randomly run into someone you haven’t seen for a while.’

— MELISSA RIDZINSKI, parent

“I’m fortunate to be able to volunteer during the school day to see David and all the boys in their daily environment,” McAtee said. “I know these years will fly by! I don’t want to miss opportunities to be a part of it when possible.”

The warmth and positivity in the store make it the ideal environment to create meaningful connections.

“It is just the happiest place on campus and truly a safe haven, both for boys and parents,” Ridzinski said. “It’s the perfect place to randomly run into someone you haven’t seen for a while.”

A hub of campus activity, paths often cross among the sweaters, #2 pencils and snacks.

“At some point, everyone, including students, faculty, staff and parents go in there,” Richards said. “For me, the Student Store is the heart of the school.”

COMMUNITY.

Marksmen connect with parents and faculty in the student store.

Community

At some point, everyone, including students, faculty, staff and parents go in there. For me, the Student Store is the heart of the school.’

— RACHEL RICHARDS, parent

class periods.

QUICK STOP. Parent volunteers often see students in the store between

Class notes

1961

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, 2020 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and St. Mark’s Distinguished Alumnus

STEVE MILLER ’61 continued his exploration of the blues at “The Future of the Blues” at Lincoln Center in November 2023.

1964 | Reunion

Founded by MIKE LEVY ’64, Texas Monthly celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, having won 14 national magazine awards during that time.

1968

ALAN THIEMANN ’68 moved his privacy and cybersecurity law practice to Conley Rose, P.C., with offices in Houston and Plano, and was recently elected as a shareholder/principal. Thiemann is based in the firm’s new Alexandria, VA office, and he works from Dallas regularly.

1969 | Reunion

In the fall of 2023, ROBERT DECHERD ’69 retired from the board of directors of DallasNews Corporation after 50 years of service. Decherd was featured in two articles in the DallasNews celebrating his career, as well as the nonprofit organization he created that has delivered five signature parks in the city’s urban core.

CORDELL ’69, ED NORTON ’69, ALLEN GREEN ’69, TOMMY THOMAS ’69 and their faithful mascot Stella gathered in Austin to play golf at Lion’s Municipal Golf Course in Oct. 2023.

1974 | Reunion

BOBBY GOODMAN ’74 is now an ambassador at Cambridge Caregivers, a personal care provider which assists individuals and families throughout the DFW area with their non-medical care needs.

On Jan. 26, ROBIE VAUGHN ’74 (Astronaut 024) traveled to space for the first time on Virgin Galactic’s spaceflight GALACTIC 06. On his voyage, Vaughn wore a St. Mark’s patch on his spacesuit to represent the School.

1975

ROBERT EDSEL ’75 continues his work with the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on returning missing art and cultural objects to the rightful owners. In June 2023, the Foundation transferred custody of a Papal Bull issued by Pope Pius IX in 1862, to the Italian Carabinieri. Edsel will soon complete his new book – Acres of Heroes – a unique story about freedom and its cost, which will be published in spring 2025 by Harper Collins.

MARC STANLEY ’75 has served as the United States Ambassador to Argentina since 2022.

NASA planetary scientist, DR. ALAN STERN ’75, joined the crew of the Virgin Galactic space plane VSS Unity for the company’s fifth commercial spaceflight. During the “Galactic 05” suborbital flight, Stern conducted several experiments and practiced procedures in preparation for a future NASA-funded suborbital research flight. Before his flight, Stern was joined by his St. Mark’s classmates, RAY STELL ’75, JOHN WILLIAMS ’75 and BOB ZORN ’75

1980

BINGIEE SHIU ’80 conducted the Texas Private School Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra at a performance at SMU’s McFarlin Auditorium in Jan. 2024.

1981

KEN HERSH ’81, president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, has been selected to receive the 2024 Horatio Alger Award, recognizing individuals whose lives and actions demonstrate outstanding character, a commitment to helping others and the power of the human spirit.

DAVID

Community

1982

Last fall, retired faculty member CURTIS SMITH reunited with MATT HOLLON ’82, MICHAEL HERRING ’82, ALLEN FIUZAT ’82 and TOM PENZEL ’82.

1984 | Reunion

Graduates from 1984 living abroad reunited at Emmanuel College in Cambridge, England. From left to right: ERIK JONES ’84 (Italy), ERNIE BLAZAR ’84 (UK), ROSS SMYTHE ’84 (UK), WADE STOKES ’84 (Estonia), BILL GRAUE ’84 (Dallas) and ARNOLD SPENCER ’84 (Dallas).

KEEP IN TOUCH.

Class Notes are the best way to share major life milestones with friends, faculty and the St. Mark’s community. Keep the School and your classmates updated with major life events, like marriages, births, graduations and career advancements.

Submit your note at smtexas.org/ClassNotes

BRIAN HARGROVE ’88 and TIM ZEE ’84 together at an independent school fair in Singapore.

1987

PAUL GENENDER ’87 joined Paul Hastings, LLP as a partner to cochair the firm’s Texas office and chair its Texas litigation practice. Genender resides in Dallas where he serves on the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees.

MARC RUBINSTEIN ’87 and his partner Ka Hin Yau welcomed the birth of their son Solomon Yau Rubinstein on Nov. 5, 2023 in Loma Linda, CA. Marc, Ka Hin and Solomon reside in Hong Kong where Rubinstein works as the General Counsel of Asia Pacific Land and Yau is an investigator with the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

1990

In Nov. 2023, LUKE WILSON ’90 received the Bill Paxton Achievement in Film Award at the Lone Star Film Festival Gala in Fort Worth. The award celebrates actors, writers or directors who continue to inspire audiences by taking risks throughout their careers.

1992

MICHAEL MCBRIDE ’92 joined Google Venture as general partner and is focused on open-source artificial intelligence, software as a service and infrastructure investments.

1994 | Reunion

MASON KING ’94, principal at Luther King Capital Management (LKCM), joined The Exchange to discuss LKCM being named CNBC’s top financial advisor of 2023. King serves on the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees.

Trish and VICTOR BOUTROUS ’94 welcomed Charlotte Esther Boutros on Dec. 1, 2023, joining big sister, Eva and big brother, Lawson. Victor is the founder and CEO of the Human Trafficking Institute.

Continued, next page

Class notes

1995

Continued from previous page

Following a nationwide search, WILLIAM ATKINSON ’95 has been appointed as the next Head of Upper School at St. Mark’s.

In Nov. 2023, RYAN ROGERS ’95, CEO of Mary Kay, was named as the 2023 Texas Trailblazer Award Recipient at a luncheon benefiting The Family Place.

1996

DAVID BECKER ’96 was recently named as General Counsel for the Louisiana Supreme Court. Becker previously served as counsel for the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana for several years, following a multi-year stint practicing appellate law with Vinson & Elkins, LLP and two federal court clerkships. He lives in New Orleans with his wife and two sons.

1998

NATHAN WILHITE ’98 married Robert Wallace on Aug. 5 in Seattle. The wedding was attended by multiple marksmen, including PENN COLLINS ’98, SETH COLLINS ’02, NICK ENGLISH ’02, KENNETH GEORGE ’98, WES GILBREATH ’98, HUNTER HILL ’98, RYAN KIRKHAM ’98, GARRETT MURPHREE ’98 and CODY ROBERDEAU ’98.

JIM BOB WOMACK ’98 was honored with the Robert Bell Crow Memorial Award in recognition of his distinguished service to the independent school advancement profession. Womack serves as the assistant head of school for advancement at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio.

1999 | Reunion

JASON HINOJOSA ’99, author of short stories and the novels, The Conception of Zachary Muse and The Last Lawsons, shared his experience with Marksmen at the 17th annual Literary Festival.

2000

FAISAL CHAUDHRY ’00 married Ayesha Shaikh on July 21, 2023. Marksmen in attendance were WES DAVIS ’00, GARY LICHLITER ’00, TONY ROBERTS ’01, PAUL WILLIAMS ’00 and MICHAEL HOLTBERG ’04. The couple currently reside in St. Louis where Chaudhry serves as the CEO of a specialty surgical hospital.

2001

Physician and outdoor wilderness medicine professional, DR. CHRISTIAN DEAN ’01 returned to campus in Feb. 2024 to teach an advanced Wilderness First Aid course to St. Mark’s faculty members.

CEO of the Child Poverty Action Lab, ALAN COHEN ’01, collaborated with the City of Dallas and Benefits Data Trust to connect available government programs that provide critical resources with eligible families. Cohen spoke to current Marksmen about his work in Jan. of 2024.

Liz and WILLIAM WOLCOTT ’02 welcomed Isla Jane Wolcott on Nov. 20, 2023. Wolcott serves as a St. Mark’s trustee, and the family lives in West Palm Beach, FL.

2003

NBA Head Coach, TAYLOR JENKINS ’03, met up with Thompson Koziol ’33, who was attending a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game. Jenkins also recently hosted the St. Mark’s varsity basketball team in Memphis for a Grizzlies game and a shootaround the next morning.

2004 | Reunion

JACOB NAVARRETE ’04 founded Connected College Counseling LLC, a business providing educational consulting to organizations, students and adults. They specialize in strategic organizational management and navigating the global educational marketplace.

BRADLEY HICKS ’04 and his wife, Rachel, welcomed their first child, Hawk Hicks on Nov. 21, 2023.

NICK MONIER ’04 was promoted to Partner at the law firm Haynes & Boone, LLP where he is a member of the finance practice.

2005

ERIC LU ’05 and wife Elaine welcomed Easton Jinxu Lu on Dec. 7, 2023, joining brothers Elijah and Emmett. The family resides in California where Lu is a screenwriter and producer who recently worked on The Resident

2006

KEVIN PAULSON ’06 and Sally Englander welcomed their first child, Callum Alan Paulson, on Sept. 13, 2023. The family resides in Arlington, VA.

2008

DANIEL PLUMLEE ’08 married Morgan Staub in Santa Fe, NM on Sept. 23, 2023.

ANDREW RAFKIN ’08, Bill Rafkin and DANIEL PLUMLEE ’08 are founding partners of Hollow Way Partners, a real estate investor providing vital capital for the refinancing, acquisition, development or enhancement of suitable properties.

2009 | Reunion

CHARLES GOODMAN ’09 married Emily Sampson in New Orleans on May 13, 2023. Many St. Mark’s and Hockaday alumni were present, including PETER GOODMAN ’02, ANDREW GOODMAN ’13 and BRAD TRAVIS ’09. The couple resides in San Diego, where Goodman, a Navy Helicopter pilot, serves as the Assistant Operations Officer for Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW-2) and Sampson works as an M&A consultant for KPMG.

57 THE PRIDE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2024

Class notes

2010

Continued from previous page

ADAM EICHENWALD ’10 and his wife Lauren welcomed Jordan William on Jan. 28, 2024.

DANIEL MUÑOZ ’10 joined The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an assistant professor in July 2021. He also serves as core faculty in philosophy, politics and economics.

KARAN SAWLA ’10 married Khushee Nanavati on Dec. 18, 2023 in Jaipur, India. The couple lives in Dallas.

2011

MAX GENECOV ’11 and Casey Leeds welcomed Zev David Genecov on Oct. 18, 2023.

In Dec. 2023, DANIEL TREVINO ’11 and his dad Lee participated in the PNC Championship in Orlando.

2012

MAX MARSHALL ’12 married Rachel Bennet Marshall on June 3, 2023 in Pitlochry, Scotland. On Nov. 14. 2023, Marshall was supported by many in the St. Mark’s community at a book signing at Interabang Books celebrating the release of his book, Among the Bros. The evening featured a discussion moderated by faculty member David Brown.

RYAN PETTY ’12 married Eliza Wagley on Oct. 21, 2023 in Mineral Wells, TX. The wedding party included marksmen JOE BUSH ’12, ROSS CRAWFORD ’12, ANDREW KLEIMAN ’12, JACK LINDSLEY ’12, WILLIAM MCGEE ’12, STEVE SORENSON ’12, and GARRETT WATUMULL ’12. The couple lives in Dallas where Petty works in commercial real estate with Greenway Investment Company.

2013

TAUBERT NADALINI ’13 performed in the world premiere of The Angel Next Door by award-winning playwright Paul Slade Smith.

Community

2014 | Reunion

RILEY GRAHAM ’14 married Katharine Maheras on Sept. 23, 2023 in Montecito, CA.

KELLAM HALL ’14 was a groomsman and other Marksmen in attendance included TOMMY ADDY ’14, DEAN ADDY ’14, JACK CROW ’14, CHRISTOPHER MARLOW ’14, DANNY MCNAMARA ’14, MICHAEL MURPHY ’14, ZACH PAPIN ’14 and BLAKE ROBINS ’14.

2016

ARNO GOETZ ’16 started a teaching position in the fall of 2023 in the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of North Texas.

SAM EICHENWALD ’16 joined HEI Hotels & Resorts as the food and beverage supervisor in Boston.

ALDEN JAMES ’16 was promoted to chief of staff at Alto Rideshare.

2018

CANYON KYLE ’18 has been promoted to full-time assistant coach of the Columbia University baseball team, serving as first base coach and working with outfielders.

JIMMY RODRIGUEZ ’18 was promoted to product management senior analyst at Accenture.

2019 | Reunion

COLE DUFFY ’19 is now the assistant director of finance at Marriott International in Dallas.

ERIC HIRSCHBRICH ’19 started a new position as a control systems engineer at Brock Solutions.

After connecting through Marksmen Connect, BILLY STALDER ’19 met PATRICK BARTA ’90 in Bangkok. Stalder is a marketing coordinator for Kane Robotics and Barta is the Asia enterprise editor at The Wall Street Journal .

2020

LEE SCHLOSSER ’20 joined Accenture as a management consulting analyst in their Austin office.

2021

KNOBEL HUNT ’21 and the SMU Mustangs Men’s Soccer Team won the 2023 AAC Conference Championship.

Faculty Notes

Carson and PHOEBE BUTLER welcomed their daughter Emory Willow Butler, on Feb. 29, 2024. Phoebe is the Associate Director of College Counseling.

STEFEN GLENN welcomed his first grandchild, Brody Grae Pardo, on Aug. 29, 2023. Glenn is the electrical maintenance engineer.

Lauren and GLENN STROH celebrated the birth of their first child, Benjamin Alton Stroh, on Sept. 19, 2023. Stroh is the organist and choirmaster.

Over fifty retired faculty and staff members gathered for the inaugural Lions Care lunch in early Feb. 2024 for fellowship and to hear from seniors about community service events.

In memoriam

Alumni

CHARLES A. BASHOUR ’72 Dec. 17, 2023.

WILLIAM N. BRET III ’71 Jan. 20, 2024. Brother of Dr. John R. Bret ’73 and the late Paul J. Bret ’75.

JOSHUA A. COHEN ’94 April 2023.

Brother of Ross S. Cohen ’96

JOSE F. GALLEGOS ’90 Oct. 4, 2023.

Brother of M. Anthony Gallegos ’88 and Ignacio V. Gallegos ’91

DONALD R. HARRIS ’61 Dec. 8, 2023.

BRAD R. MITCHELL ’81 Jan. 16, 2024.

KACE B. PHILLIPS ’04 Jan. 1, 2024.

Brother of Brandon M. Phillips ’01

STEPHEN G. RANDLE ’56 Sept. 11, 2023. Uncle of Jay R. Houren ’77

MICHAEL R. SHAMPAIN ’61 Jan. 29, 2024.

ROBERT F. VAN DER HORST ’70 Sept. 12, 2023.

Brother of Hendrik van der Horst ’69 and Gerard C. van der Horst ’70

Community

MILDRED ALLEN

March 10, 2023. Grandmother of Cooper J. Allen ’30 and Paxton Allen ’28

VICENTE B. ALMERIDO

Oct. 6, 2023.

Father of Juan Carlos S. Almerido ’03

KATHERINE H. BELL

Nov. 5, 2023. Grandmother of Matthew D. Eshelbrenner ’01 and faculty member Alex B. Eshelbrenner ’04

JOHN W. BERRY

Sep. 5, 2023.

Father of Johnathon W. Berry ’16 and Justin C. Berry ’16

DR. GEIL BROWNING Aug. 15, 2023. Grandmother of Holden S. Browning ’24

CARLYLE H. CHAPMAN JR. Oct. 10, 2023.

Father of Carlyle H. Chapman III ’00

JACALYN A. FERENC

Nov. 10, 2023.

Mother of Thomas M. Ferenc ’06 and Will S. Ferenc ’09

THOMAS O. HARBISON Dec. 4, 2023. Grandfather of John S. Harbison ’19

KATHERINE C. HARGROVE Jan. 20, 2024.

Mother of former faculty member Brian H. Hargrove ’88

DANA J. HICKS Oct. 10, 2023. Former staff member

SAMUEL T. HICKS Sept. 13, 2023.

Father of the late former faculty member Tim Hicks, grandfather of Christopher D. Hicks ’13

LEONARD S. HOCHSTER Oct. 8, 2023.

Father of Kane M. Hochster ’04 and Zachary R. Hochster ’07

RUTH G. JULIAN

Jan. 8, 2024.

Mother of Peter Julian ’70, and mother-in-law of Robert Y. Richie, Jr. ’69

Community

In memoriam

MICHAEL KEYTON

Nov. 2, 2023. Former faculty member

SHAO SHEN YAM MAI

Oct. 15, 2023.

Mother of Glenn W. Mai ’83 and Kenneth W. Mai ’89

JOHN E. MCFALL

Sept. 24, 2023. Father of Bryant S. McFall ’85

DR. ALLEN W. MEAD

Dec. 8, 2023. Father of faculty member John S. Mead

MIGUEL MESTA

Jan. 17, 2024. Former staff member and grandfather of Ricardo Rodriguez ’20

ESTHER L. MOORE

May 9, 2023.

Mother of Kenneth E. Moore Jr. ’76

TODD L. MORROW

Jan. 24, 2024.

Brother of Cory L. Morrow ’87 and uncle of William L. Morrow ’25

MARY CASEY NEWTON

Feb. 16, 2024, Mother of Rosser C. Newton, Jr. ’20 and William S. Laughlin Newton ’27, aunt of George M. Brown ’29

RABBI JORDAN S. OFSEYER

Jan. 6, 2024. Father of Jeremy J. Ofseyer ’82

EUGENE L. PALMA

Dec. 4, 2023. Father of Alexander A. Palma ’04

JOHN PAGE

Aug. 25, 2023. Grandfather of Lyndon J. Vecchione ’32

HENRY A. PLOEGSTRA

Sept. 18, 2023. Former faculty member

DEBORAH L. QUALLEN

Feb. 3, 2024.

Grandmother of Noah M. Saenz ’27, Nathaniel B. Saenz ’20 and Alexander J. Saenz ’33

SHARON J. RICHARDS

Sept. 24, 2023.

Mother of Dr. Hampton B. Richards ’95 and J. Kyle Richards ’99, grandmother of James O. Richards ’30 and Miller H. Richards ’30

NANCY R. SEXTON

Feb. 1, 2024.

Mother of John F. Sexton ’83, grandmother of staff member

Whitney W. McKenna

GLENN A. SMITH

Sept. 21, 2023. Father of Steve C. Smith ’88

ROSEMARY M. SZYMKOWSKI

Oct. 26, 2023.

Mother of Ryan C. Sablotny ’04

DONNA J. THIEMANN

Aug. 3, 2023.

Mother of Alan J. Thiemann ’68

BEVERLY TOBIAN

Oct. 24, 2023.

Grandmother of Scott Palmer ’01

NANCY VAN SCHAIK

Oct. 29, 2023.

Mother of Harold Van Schaik Jr. ’80 and Tom Van Schaik ’83

DR. DAVID R. WEBB, JR.

Oct. 24, 2023. Grandfather of staff member

Whitney W. McKenna

MICHAEL S. WYATT

Sept. 24, 2023.

Brother of Brady T. Wyatt III ’91, and uncle of Brady T. Wyatt IV ’26

Submissions not included in this edition will appear in the next issue of The Pride.

KEN OWENS, long-time faculty member, passed away on March 19, 2024. Owens’ tenure spanned more than four decades, impacting the lives of thousands of boys across multiple generations.

Ken Owens earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Michigan State University. He began teaching in his hometown of Waxahachie, where he also met Katherine, his wife of 68 years. After serving a two-year stint in the Army, the couple moved to Dallas and, in 1957, he joined the faculty of St. Mark’s School of Texas.

In addition to teaching math, Owens coached multiple sports, led the math department, served as class sponsor for grades 6, 8, 10, and 12, was the Director of Scheduling, Director of Admission, Business Officer, Lion and Sword sponsor, College Board Testing Coordinator, Faculty Senior Master, and more. He received the Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award and was recognized with Marksmen yearbook dedications by the Classes of 1974 and 1994.

Following his retirement in 1999, Owens remained closely connected to the School community, regularly attending alumni reunions, campus programs, and other special events.

Endnotes

Online giving

The St. Mark’s Fund is the School’s most important, ongoing fundraising priority, providing more than 11 percent of the annual operating budget. You may give online through our secure server at: www.smtexas.org/smfund. Every gift makes a difference.

Archives

From the Terrill School all the way to St. Mark’s School of Texas, ours is a school with a long and rich history. If you have school memorabilia that you would like to share with St. Mark’s to be preserved in our school archives, contact the Office of Development & Alumni Relations, 214-346-8800.

Submissions

Do you have a great story you’d like to share with your fellow alumni? Have you made any changes in your life such as a new job, new degree, marriage, children or other announcement? Please send your stories, along with any photos to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations so we can include them in our next issue. Submissions not included in this edition will appear in the next issue of The Pride. Submissions may be made in any of three ways:

• Send digitally using our online form. smtexas.org/classnotes All information, including high resolution photos are welcome.

• Email your submission to mallickj@smtexas.org

• Mail to St. Mark’s School of Texas, Attn: Jack Mallick, 10600 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75230

BUILDING BLOCKS.

Valerie Davis, seventh grade math teacher, generously lent her time, expertise and bricks to construct LEGO illustrations for this issue’s feature story on Middle School Leadership Loops.

The Pride is published twice annually by the Office of Development & Alumni Relations, and is distributed to alumni, parents and friends of the School. In producing this magazine, every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. Please report any errors or receipt of multiple copies to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations. St. Mark’s School of Texas does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation or ethnic origin.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75230-4047 • 214-346-8800

THE

Provided to the alumni and greater School community of St. Mark’s School of Texas

EDITOR

Ray Westbrook

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Scott Moore

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Dave Carden

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Alex Hughes

ASSISTANT HEADMASTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Scott Jolly

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Tim Crouch

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Alex Eshelbrenner ‘04

AHLBERG & RIBMAN FAMILY DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Jack Mallick ‘14

The Kakkar family

‘We want the School to be in a position to offer itself to all deserving boys and focus on developing the whole boy.’

To learn more or join the Terrill Society, please visit smtexas.org/plannedgiving, or contact Tim Crouch in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 214.346.8809 or croucht@smtexas.org.

The Kakkar family believes an excellent education is the only true gift one can pass on to the next generation.

Sonia and Jatin Kakkar believe in the School’s values of being mission-driven, postponing gratification and focusing on character and leadership education.

“More boys need to be exposed to these values, and we think that St. Mark’s has a critical role to play in this regard,” Jatin said.

With two sons in Upper School, Amar ’25 and Rohan ’26, the Kakkars started reflecting on how they could support the School’s mission long after their sons’ graduations.

“Legacy gifts show our confidence that St. Mark’s will be around for a long time, and we want to play our role in ensuring the School continues to thrive,” Jatin said. “This is also a signal to our boys to start thinking about their lifetime involvement with the School and what they can do to support it.”

In recognition of St. Mark’s impact on their family, the Kakkar family decided to join the Menter B. Terrill Society — the School’s society for legacy giving — to honor St. Mark’s in their long-term estate planning.

“As parents, we have benefited from our partnership with the School, and undoubtedly, our sons will continue to benefit,” Jatin said. “Legacy support is an effective way to ensure the School’s longevity and improve access for the next generation.”

LEGACY. Jatin Kakkar with wife Sonia, sons Amar ’25 and Rohan ’26 and daughter Diya.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Rd.

Dallas, TX 75230-4047 214-346-8800 • www.smtexas.org

The St. Mark’s Choir sings the national anthem at the dedication ceremony of Dallas Firehouse #41 which was destroyed by the 2019 tornado that also damaged campus. Headmaster David Dini read the invocation and a commemorative plaque was custom made by Makerspace Director Stewart Mayer and Industrial Arts teacher Rachel Muldez for display in the new firehouse.