The Saints Life, Fall/Winter 2021-2022

The Saints Life S T. S T E P H E N ' S A N D S T. A G N E S S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022

A MO SA I C O F J OY At the end of the first week of school, our Saints gathered together for a Welcome Party. Saints came to join in games and fun activities, watch performances and a magic show, and feast on pizza, barbecue, and ice cream...but the most predominant reason they came was simply to be together.

The Upper School smART team took photos, assembled them into a collage, and then used a computer-controlled handheld router to cut out the Saints logo to complete a sculpture.

The sculpture is a reflection of the day, when a palpable feeling of joy filled the air as the Saints community united to celebrate the start of a new school year.

WHAT'S INSIDE ALUMNI IN THE SPOTLIGHT 22 Be that Grateful Nation

Brendan Richichi ‘17 returns to campus to speak on Veterans Day.

38 All in the Medical Family FEATURES 8

The Chhabra siblings, Bobby ‘87, Anikar ‘90, and Avni ‘94, give back through healthcare.

New Middle School Courses Skills for Middle School, Skills for Life

12 Creating Positive Change Through Service 18 A Tale of Form and Function 24 Joining Our Board of Governors

DEPARTMENTS 6 27 34 58 64 70

Headliner Saints in Action Saints Athletics An Episcopal School In Memoriam Milestones

THE MAGAZINE IS ONLINE! Now you can easily share or read The Saints Life at any time on our new magazine site.

sssasmagazine.org

44 A Champion for Women’s Basketball

Margaret Stender ‘74, minority owner of WNBA Champions Chicago Sky.

48 Brothers Kendall ‘10 and Kamal Smith ‘14

A distinct pair of path—and perspectives— in healthcare.

60 Still Leading and Cheering

Meet the new alumni association president, Yumi Rodriguez Belanga ‘96.

CATCHING UP WITH YOUNG ALUMNI 52 From Toy Boats to Building Ships for Chevron Clay Kane ‘13: Naval Architect and Marine Engineer

55 A Love of Football and a Little Bit of Luck Leah Joseph ‘13: Moving Up to the NFL

THE SAINTS LIFE Magazine of St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 sssasmagazine.org Head of School Kirsten Prettyman Adams Director of Communications Jen Desautels Editor Director of Design & Production Melissa Ulsaker Maas '76 Design Melissa Ulsaker Maas '76

THE COVER STORY

Director of Digital Media and Marketing Mandi Sapp

Winning Robotics On December 4, three Upper School robotics teams competed in their first qualifier competition of the year and did extremely well. Two of the three teams, the freshmen and the sophomores, advanced to the semifinals and according to the brackets competed against each other! The freshman team earned two distinctions unusual for a rookie team—the 1st Place Think Award for their engineering notebook and the 3rd Place Inspire Award (essentially the 3rd Grand Champion). The sophomore team won the winning alliance first pick, which advances them to the State Championship. All three teams came away with awards from the competition held at Capitol Technology University in Laurel, Md. Freshmen Team:

Sophomore Team:

Junior/Senior Team:

2nd place Innovate Award

3rd place Design Award

3rd place Innovate Award

1st place Think Award

2nd place Motivate Award

2nd place Connect Award

3rd place Inspire Award

Alumni News Advancement Office Photographers Jameson Bloom '13 Melissa Ulsaker Maas '76 Marcia Mallett Mandi Sapp Our Extraordinary Faculty Contributing Writers Hannah Van Sickle Susie Zimmermann Questions/Comments Melissa Ulsaker Maas '76 mmaas@sssas.org To Update Your Contact Information or Mailing Preferences Please email atoman@sssas.org or call 703-212-2720.

Face-to-Face with Our Faculty

26 Robert Davis

Director of Brand Management and Marketing Marcia Mallett

29 Anne Choi Kelly

30 Steve Ebner

Published by SSSAS for alumni, current parents, friends, and other regularly supportive members of the school community. © 2022 St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

As a related organization of the Episcopal Church, St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School respects the applicable policies and governing principles of the Episcopal Church pertaining to nondiscrimination.

HEADLINER

Dear Saints, When I was a child, the time following the holiday break felt so lackluster and subdued in comparison to the festiveness and brightness of the preceding weeks. But now I relish this time, I find the quiet invigorating, the slower (albeit not exactly slow) pace allowing me time and space to reflect and consider all that has happened during the past few months while also looking ahead to all that is to come. It is in these quieter days that I can see clearly the hope for our future. It is not blurred by the sparkle and lights of the holiday season during which we can find ourselves moving from moment to moment, event to event with an almost frenetic energy. I love the holidays. I love being with family and friends, I love the traditions, and I love the sparkle. But I equally love the peacefulness that follows and the hope and anticipation that fills the silence after the music and lights have been turned down.

We bid 2021 farewell with Lessons and Carols on each of our campuses, our students gathering together in-person to celebrate the season. A year ago the very idea of all of our students being able to gather safely together for these services felt impossible. Yet our community's diligence and care for one another these last few months has ensured our students and teachers can be together for these incredibly special moments. What an extraordinary gift, one I know we will never take for granted again.

As I reflect on the joys and triumphs of the last few months, I also think of the great loss that we faced in November. The unexpected death of the beloved Rev. Michael Hinson deeply affected this community and the heaviness on our hearts at times has felt unbearable. On an unseasonably warm late November day, we were blessed to be able to come together as a community to celebrate Rev's life and legacy. It was a beautiful tribute to an incredible man. And it is in his memory that we forge ahead into 2022, looking out for one another and caring for one another as Rev did each and every day.

Go Saints!

Warmly,

Kirsten Adams

6 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

Head of School

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 7

ON CAMPUS

New Middle School Courses Skills for Middle School, Skills for Life

A

BY SUSIE ZIMMERMANN s summer 2021 began,

Middle School Director Quincey Grieve identified potential. “Fifteen months of COVID disruptions required us to be flexible and nimble and change a schedule we had only recently overhauled,” she said. “While hugely disruptive, that flexibility turned out to be a real blessing. We discovered that we could handle even more changes, add a day to the rotation, and open up some amazing opportunities.”

Expanding the schedule meant the division could add a course for each grade, and provided Quincey and her team a chance to add subjects that would be beneficial to every student's academic and personal growth.

For the sixth grade, that meant an Academic Skills class. While the Middle School faculty had always dedicated time to helping students make the transition from Lower School to Middle School, they recognized that for many students the new responsibility, independence, and level of organization this change demanded was challenging.

Additionally, Middle School is a time for students to better understand themselves as learners, to understand their strengths and to understand areas for growth. “We had been thinking for a long time about how to better help the students with this,” and the Academic Skills class was born from that,” explained Quincey.

The new class for the seventh graders would be content-based: computer science coding. This subject was a top priority for Quincey and her team.

8 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

“Coding is one of the most essential

and personally about the knowledge and

skills for students,” she said. “Providing

skills they are acquiring and the world

this in-depth coding experience in

they face. “We wanted to build a space

Middle School develops at a young age

that teaches the students about reflection

confidence in and passion for this vital

and the connection between what they've

skill, which is no longer a skill of the

learned and what they think and see

future. It's an important skill today!”

in the world,” explained Quincey, “and

In eighth grade, the faculty focused

to put some piece of their learning into

on another important transition when

action by doing something meaningful

designing the Eighth Grade Seminar.

for them.”

Students at this age are beginning to

With the subjects chosen, the rest

break away from their parents and

of the summer was dedicated to course

establish their own identities and

curriculum development and preparation.

beliefs. “They are really starting to

“It was a very positive experience of

question what they believe is right and

creativity, fresh ideas, and a new start

what they agree and disagree on with

after the difficulties of teaching during

their parents and peers,” explained

COVID,” remembers Quincey. “A great

Quincey. They wanted to help guide the

deal of intellectual and creative energy

students to think independently, deeply,

went into each one.”

Step 1: Walk ou 2: Turn right

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6: Take 2 ste

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7: Turn right 8: Take 3 ste

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9: Turn left 10: Walk stra

ight until you

get there

SIXTH GRADE ACADEMIC SKILLS Learning Specialist Cheryl Jackson helped course that she teaches along with five

ACCURATE WRITING AND TEAMWORK

other teachers. “The course makes visible

The sixth graders were asked to write

what is often an invisible assumption

detailed written directions on how to get

about learning—that kids will just know

from their classroom to another room in

twice the national average, coding is no

the building. Since they couldn't assume

longer just a fun elective for a handful of

create the new sixth grade Academic Skills

how to follow instructions, keep a planner, organize, take notes, and figure out what's important,” she explained. “We know it's not automatic for everyone, and everyone

anything about what the reader would know, their instructions had to be detailed,

can improve and benefit from doing

specific, and clear. After listening to verbal

things better and more systematically.”

instructions, they took to the hallways in

The course focus is to equip all students with the essential executive functioning skills they will need to independently navigate not just the Middle School but their future academic careers. Moreover, the skills they learn in

teams to work together and map out the path. The exercise tested their listening skills (did they understand the instructions), their writing skills, and their ability to collaborate and work as a team.

the class—test preparation, organization,

managing deadlines, and more—should also have a long-lasting impact on their adult lives.

The class grew out of the Academic Center class Cheryl and Learning Specialist Melina McCrary had been teaching for the last two years. While teaching this course, it became apparent that it could be useful for everyone. “All students benefit greatly from adding skills to their toolkit,” explained Cheryl.

“Teaching them how to listen for action

With 500,000 open jobs in computer programming in the U.S. today, and opportunities in the field growing at

college students. And given the alacrity and ability of adolescents to engage with technology, introducing them to the basics of coding is a welcome assignment for Middle School Technology Coordinator David Hunsicker.

In the course, Learning to Code in Java, students gain insight into the fundamentals of computer programming by learning to manipulate pixels on a digital canvas. One of the most useful computer languages, Java is used in

following instructions, breaking down large projects into discrete tasks,

SEVENTH GRADE CODING

mobile applications, big data, cloud, instructions, better take notes, and

artificial intelligence, and more to build

convert mental organization tendencies

applications and platforms for a wide

into steady systems will only strengthen

array of devices, from gaming consoles

their robust internal capacity.”

to medical devices, smart phones,

The course uses games, skits, and a wide array of practice activities in a

navigation systems, and more.

David created the course curriculum

no-grade, pass/fail structure. Cheryl and

based on a visual arts approach pioneered

her team also coordinate with the rest of

by Daniel Schiffman, a New York

the faculty and the broader sixth grade

University professor in its Interactive

curriculum to support specific projects

Telecommunications Program. Last

and assignments, as well as take time

year during COVID, coding was offered

to explore how brains learn and how

as a substitute elective for sports,

organization helps that process.

and teaching that course gave David FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 9

CODING: BUBBLES AND STARS CHALLENGE •

Create canvas 640 x 360.

•

Create a program with 2 classes (bubbles and stars) on separate tabs from the main program.

•

Utilize the begin Shape and end Shape to create the star polygon.

•

Each class should have data and functionality.

breaking down tasks, seeing things in sequence, and appreciating

•

In the main part of the program (primary tab) use an array [] and

the various methods one can use to achieve a goal, will be an

a for () loop to display and move 200 bubbles and 200 stars in

invaluable skill that is transferable to learning other computer

random locations.

•

languages going forward,” said David.

Add random color to your bubbles and stars.

EIGHTH GRADE SEMINAR Candace Crawford, Middle School English teacher, is the lead a baseline to work from for the full-grade course now underway. “Last year's students were self-selecting and inclined to enjoy and understand coding, so I expanded the focus to address various levels of interest and ability.”

A project-based approach guides students to learn problem-solving, software language and design, and debugging strategies. Each class begins with a few minutes of instruction, and then students work on their own on the day's assignment. During October, students practiced simple commands and learned the importance of layering and ordering in coding. “I like to ask the students to do something without giving them all the answers so they learn to figure it out,” he said. “A bit of struggle leads to problem-solving, discovery, and greater learning.”

The course will also explore careers in programming and the importance of women's contributions in the field. Students will be able to build on their interest and knowledge in this course when they get into the Upper School, where they can elect to take Computer Science and AP Computer Science. Even if they do not, though, “the practice they are getting in logical thinking, 10 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

teacher for the eighth grade seminar. She guided the development of the curriculum and pedagogy along with teachers Emma Ehrhardt, Ella Taranto, and Katherine Bryant. The teachers incorporated research, questioning strategies, social emotional learning, and a capstone project into the course to guide the students through a program aimed at blending students' prior and developing knowledge with new methods of interacting with information and ideas.

Reflecting on what they learn and think is a key component of the course—asking questions, analyzing perspectives, engaging in discussion and debate, and taking civic responsibility. The curriculum includes students writing their “This I Believe” essays, a Middle School tradition about a belief important to them. Each year one or two students are selected to read their essay at the Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony. Students will also create a capstone project—a tangible product, experience, method, or outcome in service of others on a local, national, or global level.

Throughout the year, students will practice and develop a variety of skills that support the development of their own belief systems, including dissecting complex information from a variety of sources, asking deeper questions, analyzing points of view, and using an asset-based approach. They will also learn to define, analyze, and express a belief effectively in writing.

Drawing 2 Drawing 1

THE MERITS OF ACTIVE LISTENING Eighth graders did an exercise to demonstrate the importance of active listening. In the first round, directions on drawing a bug were read to them without much pause. The students could not ask questions or hear any information repeated. After they drew the

“While in this course we're asking

bug, they discussed what would have made the experience better.

The exercise was then repeated, with their suggestions included.

for their feedback to us. It's good for them to see that their voice matters and it's important for us to hear

seminar. “There is nothing I'm more excited about for my child than this course,” shared one parent with Quincey.

what's working and what's not. Their

During a recent challenging lesson, Quincey recalls,

opinions carry a lot of weight.”

end of the year to see how much we improve,' and I was

“a student commented 'We should do this again at the struck by the genuine growth mindset in the student's comment!”

Overall, the teachers want to introduce concepts to the

David has enjoyed seeing the seventh graders'

students and invite them to interpret and react to them in their

enthusiasm and pride in their work. “This is different

own ways. “Some of what we're presenting is intentionally vague

from anything they've done before,” he said. “The

because we don't want to block creativity by putting out our own

students are being pushed to think in completely

assumptions or giving them answers,” Candace explained. “Their

different ways and they seem to find it invigorating.”

world is so different than the teachers', so we want to facilitate

In Academic Skills, Cheryl reports the sixth graders

and provide feedback to guide them ahead rather than teach. It's

typically enter the classroom happy and relaxed,

a new approach for all of us.”

appreciative of the change of pace the no-grades course offers in their schedules. “They also enjoy talking about

ONE-THIRD OF THE WAY INTO THE YEAR…

skills and tools that they can put to use right away.” For Cheryl, the course is also self-affirming and personally

So far, the reaction from students and parents has been over-

gratifying in a way like no other opportunity in recent

whelmingly positive. Cheryl, David, and Candace, along with

years. “It's been very rewarding and satisfying—a real

all of the other teachers involved in the new courses are keeping

pinch-me thing to teach and share something I have

track throughout the year of what's working and what they would

known is so important, but up till now had only been

change for next year. They will also gather student and parent

teaching to a small group.”

feedback to assess and tweak as the year progresses.

“The new schedule and courses have surpassed my

The eighth graders “love the space for dialogue and

expectations” reflected Quincey. “They are learning how

discussion,” said Candace. “They're very enthusiastic and

to learn, how to manage their work, and how to form and

engaged in conversations, exploring topics that are important to

express opinions, opinions rooted in knowledge. They

them.” They've jumped in willingly, she reports, although many

are learning the language of coding which underpins

are still learning to trust themselves and their instincts. “They're

so much of our daily lives. They will be able to ask

accustomed to getting feedback from us in their regular courses,”

better questions, break down assumptions, and take

she said, “while in this course we're asking for their feedback to us.

action to make a difference in their communities. These

It's good for them to see that their voice matters and it's important

lessons will have a lasting impact on their lives—both

for us to hear what's working and what's not. Their opinions carry

academically and as citizens of the world. We could not

a lot of weight.”

be prouder to offer this to our students at this transitional

So far, both students and parents are enjoying the new

time in their lives.”

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 11

ON CAMPUS

X

Can't

CREATING

Can!

POSITIVE CHANGE THROUGH SERVICE

BY DAVID YEE Director of Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement

Last summer, many people found themselves living in relative isolation. We all lived our lives a little closer to home, struggling to find ways to stay connected while staying apart.

Nevertheless, many of our students found a way to stay active in their communities and worlds by standing up against racial injustice and health care inequalities, and this magazine featured some of their stories last year. The needs of the world were clear, and students in our community sought to answer the calls of those who needed them the most despite the barriers.

Though the troubles of last summer have not left us and are very real for many of us, this summer, our students found ways to think beyond the immediate challenges and sought to work for and find solutions for the longstanding issues in our world.

Though each of the following stories vary wildly, they each reflect how wide-ranging the impacts and interests in our community can be. These stories illustrate how our diverse stories can lead us to create a diversity of positive change in the world around us.

12 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

LEARNING TO SERVE AND REACH FOR THE STARS Danielle Pascale '23 has been inspired to think about the struggles of other young people in her community for quite some time. She told me, “I think the first really broad thing that piqued my interest for children who are experiencing financial and housing instability was a book that I read in fifth grade. It's called “Runaway,” and it kind of gives a detailed account of this girl and her experience. Her parents both pass away and she becomes homeless.

It really brought to light for me a lot of struggles that kids my own age have, that I didn't even know about.” She went on to explain, “Since then, I knew that I wanted to do something, specifically with children facing financial and housing instability.”

But she experienced some challenges

Danielle Pascale '23, Kalli Dinos ‘24, and Gigi Smigel '23 having a bake sale to raise funds for Reach for the Stars.

in finding ways to get involved. “It's really difficult to volunteer hands-on with kids when you are a kid yourself.”

She found other ways to get involved— clothing donations and gift packages— but nothing on the level of social impact she desired.

However, a chance to engage on that level came along when St. Stephen's and St. Agnes offered the LearnServe Fellows program last year. LearnServe is an organization that seeks to instill the values and skills of social entrepreneurship in students living in the D.C. Metro Area, and the school has partnered with them since 2018 for our own Social Entrepreneurship program. Danielle said, “I felt that [the LearnServe Fellows Program] could maybe help me start something where I got to work hands-on, and perhaps my fellow students could work hands-on.”

She said that the program gave structure to some of the ideas that she had been thinking and researching over the years.

Specifically, LearnServe's social entrepreneurship process helped Danielle understand the importance of hearing the voices of those we seek to serve. She reflected, “One of the things that really stuck with me was not just giving people what you think

they need, but going out and talking

and crafts as the activities that would

to members of the community and

deliver these goals. Before starting

really understanding their situation,

the program, she pilot tested her

and taking time to think about it.

activities at our own Lower School

You're not in their shoes and you

so that she could get a sense of how

have no clue what they're going

these activities could make a positive

through.” The program pushed

impact. This was part of the process

her to reach out to organizations,

of determining her “Minimum Viable

and eventually she started to work

Product,” a part of the LearnServe

with one of the school's community

curricular process. She found that

partners, Mother of Light Center.

75% of those participants who

Mother of Light Center's mission

entered with negative emotions left

overlapped with Danielle's vision to

the program with positive emotions.

ameliorate financial and housing

As she approached the launch of

instability. Working with one

her program, Danielle recalled the

of the organization's directors,

nerves. Remembering the parent

Matilde Alvarado, she was able to

information session where she

understand the type of program that

offered this program to the families

would benefit the children that the

that Mother of Light Center serves,

organization serves.

she said, “It's a very intimidating

This understanding and her

feeling to go up and stand in front

research helped her to craft the goals

of a group of adults that you don't

of the program. She sought to “lessen

know.” She even had to present in

the mental and physical impacts of

English as Matilde translated her

child poverty and homelessness”

words into Spanish. At the same time,

through a program that “can be

she remembers that the trust that

implemented in homeless shelters

the community had in Matilde and

or community centers.” Primarily,

Mother of Light Center convinced

she focused on yoga and meditation,

people to sign their children up

team sports and exercise, and arts

for her program. And so, with a FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 13

SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER WITH THE BORDER: GETTING PROXIMATE Both Zora Rothenberg '22 and Tahirah Turnage '22 had similar goals in signing up for a trip to San Diego, and they aren't the goals usually associated with traveling to San Diego. No, both of these students wanted to travel so that they could challenge the stories that they'd been hearing all their lives about the country to our south and assumptions they'd heard of the border that separates our two countries. To do this, both of them participated in an ethical leadership course with Students Shoulder-toShoulder, a St. Stephen's and St. Agnes

DANIELLE PASCALE '23

partner organization. This course allowed them to work together with ten

“You can never underestimate the impact that you can have as a person.”

other students from schools across the reported, “It was a beautiful new

country to understand the complexities of

experience for the kids...they learned

immigration.

new things. It helped them a lot in their

Tahirah told me that she has always

everyday life.” Another raved, “My son

been drawn to topics around racial

felt happy when he got home.”

injustice, and so though she couldn't

She also realized that her program

understand what migrants were going

served another need as it allowed the

through directly, she felt a similar

parents in the program to work or run

thread in her experience as a Black

errands as many of the families could

woman. Particularly, though, it was the

not afford childcare. This, in addition to

“contradictions” in typical media stories

startup cost of $230 and a cohort of

the impact that it made in the student's

that drove her to want to go to the border

fifteen students, Danielle launched her

skills, has motivated her to continue to

since they gave her a feeling that she

program at St. Rita's Community Center

offer Reach for the Stars this fall. She is

wasn't getting the full truth. She said, “I

on July 12. She called it Reach for the

still working to get her peers involved

wanted to get a deeper understanding of

Stars.

and serve the community, and works

why immigrants were getting killed at the

with teammates Gigi Smigel '23 and

border, why they wanted to come into the

overwhelming success as she managed

Kalli Dinos '24 to provide this program

U.S.”

a team of eight SSSAS students and two

after school. She has expanded her work

Zora was also drawn to the idea of

Alexandria City High School students

to collaborate with Ms. Julie Esanu, our

filling in some of the blanks left by more

to reach some of the social impact she'd

Lower School Librarian, to enhance

common media depictions. She reflected,

dreamed of before. As she observed

the quality of reading instruction in

“[I] see a lot of stuff on the news...but I

the program's proceedings, she took

the program. Eventually, she wants to

still didn't feel like I knew much about it.

note of the fact that the participants'

implement Reach for the Stars in two

To hear from activists and professors who

verbal English level did not seem to

more community centers or homeless

knew more about it seemed like a cool

match their written English level, and

shelters by the time she graduates.

experience.”

Her program ended up being an

so she added a reading component of

She says that her experience has

Shoulder-to-Shoulder centers a lot

the camp. In the end, all of the parents

affected the way that she sees her

of its programs around the idea that

surveyed afterwards reported that the

path into the future as she thinks

“learning service” is just as important

program helped their children relax,

about entrepreneurship and social

as “service learning.” In a year like

have fun, and gain skills that would be

responsibility more expansively. For

this year, where travel conditions were

useful for the next school year, and all

now, though, this is her main takeaway:

not safe enough for students to cross

of the parents said they'd have their

“You can never underestimate the

into Tijuana, this focus was especially

children attend again. One parent

impact that you can have as a person.”

important. Guided by the expertise

14 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

of Maria Galleta, the founder of the

there recently: lost clothing and fabric,

who has dealt with far more serious issues

organization Madres y Deportadas en

consumed water jugs, and more.

and still has these lofty goals changes the

Acción which seeks to support families

At the same time, it was the human

way I look at life. Allow nothing to stand in

separated by deportation, and Alex

element of the course that was most

Gomez, a professor who teaches Border

powerful for both of them. Zora spoke

Studies at Palomar College and San Diego

about her experience in speaking to a

thinking and exploring this topic back

State University, Zora and Tahirah were

set of siblings that Madres y Deportadas

here at school as one of our Spanish

still able to achieve their initial goals

is helping and how powerful their story

teachers, Jayson Gilbert, served as one of

and get a greater understanding of the

was to her. She reflected, “We couldn't

the facilitators on this course and he has

experience of those at the border. Under

do much because of COVID, but it's just

continued expanding on this topic in his

their guidance, they spoke to activists

really important to hear what people

Spanish V course.

who sought to create friendship and

have to say.” In thinking about what

goodwill between people on both sides

she learned about immigration overall,

to grow and learn here, Zora had one final

of the border and to see the border wall

she said, “There's a perception that it's

piece of advice for people who want to know

with their own eyes as it snaked from

the worst of the worst, but it's really just

more about the border and immigration in

San Diego's picturesque coastline into

people trying to stay alive.”

this country: “Until you get proximate, until

the inhospitable desert lands to the east.

Tahirah came away from the

There, they didn't see migrants, but

experience with similar sentiments. She

they saw evidence that they had been

reflected on her time in San Diego by

your way!”

Both of them have continued to keep

But despite the continued opportunities

you get close, you really don't know that much.”

COLLABORATING ACROSS CULTURES TO LIFT GIRLS UP At the end of my interview with Julianne Karol '23, she said that she learned that she should never be afraid to ask. That small habit seems to explain Julianne's journey from having an interest in working with women's empowerment all the way to her work for the UN Foundation's Girl Up Initiative organizing their Girl Up Global Leadership Summit. This past year's theme was “Can't Stop, Won't Stop: Leading the Way to Social Change.”

It's a summit she's actually been

ZORA ROTHENBERG '22

“The people we met on this trip had faced many challenges, but listening to their stories and seeing how they persevered in living and achieving their goals was very inspiring.”

attending for a couple of years now, dating Tahirah Turnage '22 (back row, far left) and Zora Rothenberg '22 (front row, far right) saying, “In the media, they say that the Mexicans are coming, but obviously they've been here since the beginning, and we got to see that first hand.”

Much like Zora, she felt that the people they met and their stories served as the backbone of their learning: “The people we met on this trip had faced many challenges, but listening to their stories and seeing how they persevered in living and achieving their goals was very inspiring.” She went on to say, “I think I'm pretty good at dealing with setbacks but hearing from someone

back to her time in middle school. That involvement inspired her to pursue other events surrounding global citizenship, such as a Global Citizen Festival in New York City. This concert, held to bring awareness to and eventually alleviate poverty around the world, featured Malala Yousafzai as a speaker, and a brush with Malala backstage helped to propel her towards a goal: when she was old enough, she pledged to work as an intern for the event that helped put her on this path.

Two summers ago, she got in touch with the Executive Director of Girl Up and did something simple: she asked if she could intern for them. That email with that simple question enabled her to work on the Global FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 15

led to her being involved in the final presentation at a virtual conference hosted in the UK and attended by people all over the world. She said, “Having a small part in that was pretty incredible.”

Overall, this experience helped her witness the world of experiences beyond St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School. “The summit and working on the summit exposed me to the bubble that I do live in and how I become so involved with my own activities, my own life, and how I can neglect the issues I am passionate about,” she said. She went on to say that the tools that she learned at the summit can help her speak to social injustices and

JULIANNE KAROL '23

“The youth of today are going to shape our future and how we tackle the many issues facing our world today, not just locally but on a global scale.”

women’s issues at St. Stephen’s and St. Julianne Karol '23 promoting her Girl Up club at the Upper School Club Fair.

Agnes School. This sentiment led her to organize an all-school assembly where the Deputy Director of Development at Girl Up spoke about the organization’s mission

Her work on the summit itself culminated in co-facilitating a session

and work.

All of this experience leads back to the

on women and sports, speaking about

beginning of this piece and Julianne’s

the gender pay gap, media coverage,

parting thought: don’t be afraid to ask.

sponsorship agreements, and more. This

“People want your input, and people want

is a topic that she was actually not very

you to use your platform,” she said. “The

familiar with herself, but she described

youth of today are going to shape our

the facts she learned as “eye-opening,”

future and how we tackle the many issues

saying, “It’s amazing how far reading and

facing our world today, not just locally but

educating yourself can go.” In the end, she

on a global scale.”

hosted over 200 people in this session.

Reflecting on the work, she said that “the sheer amount of energy that comes with the summit and how inspiring it is to work with women around the world who

WORKING BEYOND BARRIERS: CONNECTING CULTURES

Leadership summer for the week leading

have similar interests or women who lead

up to it. However, she admits for that first

completely different lives than me” makes

year, “I worked on the summit, but just on

her want to return to the summit. She said

As a rising junior two summers ago,

the busywork.”

women can focus on “coming together

Daniel Runde ‘22 was a bit stuck. He had

despite all of [their] differences and the

been planning to fulfill his Upper School

door for a much longer internship this past

difference in the way [they] live...to unite

Service Project working with his church,

year that exposed her to a greater variety

under one roof—or under one Zoom call—

but when the pandemic forced all the

of programs within the organization. She

with the same ambitions and the same

church’s services online, he no longer had

told me, “This past summer, I reached out

sort of inspiration to tackle these different

that option.

and asked for another internship, and I

issues.”

That busywork, though, opened the

was offered a month-long internship being

However, she also stated that the

Daniel was not deterred though. He identifies as Argentine-American, and is a

able to work on many different projects

longer length of the internship allowed her

life-long Spanish speaker. To stay involved

that Girl Up and the UN had, along with

to be in a position to work on programs

in the world around them despite the

the summit.” The summit, held over

beyond the summit. She recalled, “I did

clear restrictions, he and his friend Diego,

Zoom this year, featured workshops led by

a little bit of busywork with a colleague

who is Mexican-American with the same

girls around the world. As an intern, she

on another presentation at the UN...on

language skills, just asked themselves a

sorted through the presentation proposals

Global Education, to raise awareness of

simple question: “Why don’t we teach

and made recommendations about what

the gap between the education of women

English on Zoom since we’ve been using

material would be well-suited to the

and men, how many women are out of

[Zoom] for a couple of months?”

conference.

school, and why that might be.” This

16 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

The process to answer that question

was surprisingly easy. They wrote to a couple of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the area about their idea, and one responded: the Pan American Development Foundation. The organization connected them to a school in Chiapas, Mexico that had a need to educate adults in English speaking skills.

Daniel and Diego worked with Diego’s mother, who has experience in adult education, to put together a curriculum and proposal for their teaching program.

Their contact at the Pan American Development Foundation saw this first year as a pilot test, an opportunity to learn about how to offer this service and to think

DANIEL RUNDE '22

about its future place.

There were some challenges including what to put in the curriculum and how to incentivize involvement in the program.

One core challenge was connectivity.

Daniel said, “Originally, they used their cellular data, so we had to raise money for wifi cards.” However, they managed to leap over each hurdle, and in the end, the program was so successful that he continued his work to create a more ambitious program for the summer of 2021.

Over the course of his teaching, he realized that his interaction with his students in Chiapas was about much more

“One amazing thing I learned was the effort and time that teachers put in...It was hard when students didn't participate, so I make a point of participating now.”

Dainel Runde ‘22 (far right) visiting members of the Ministry of Women in Oaxaca, Mexico. alongside him during the online and hybrid learning environments of the past two years.

In the end, he felt the program was a success, and he’s already planning for next year. He wants to pass it on to the next set of high school students so that they can take ownership of it. At the same time, he said, “I’ll probably keep teaching this summer, but if not, I will still be helping out on the logistical end of the program. I want to think of better ways to raise money for it.”

Whatever comes of it, the effect of his

than teaching English; instead, he realized

experience on the way that he looks at the

that he was learning just as much from his students about their life and culture.

from their first year, too. “We improved the

world has been profound. He said, “One

He and Diego centered this learning in

curriculum. We had a points system, and

amazing thing I learned was the effort

the new title for their summer program:

we raised money to have a tablet at the

and time that teachers put in. I have a

Connecting Cultures (Conectando

end as a prize.” With a larger faculty, the

lot more respect for teachers. It was hard

Culturas).

Connecting Cultures program was able to

when students didn’t participate, so I

provide English teaching to fifty students.

make a point of participating now.” As

He continued the work with the Pan American Development Foundation, and

Managing a larger operation came

for what this means for his future, he

they connected him to the Ministry of

with more logistical challenges. Daniel

mentioned his pride in his identity. “I

Women in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico.

said, “It was a lot of back and forth with

always say I’m Argentine. It’s honestly a

He said that they “focused on women

the Ministry of Women and the people at

really big part of my identity. I’m probably

in STEAM, artists, and people working

the Pan American Development Fund. I

going to end up doing something with

in hospitals” so that they could teach

was the main guy, and had to talk to them

Latin America [in my career].”

English to people who could use it to share

individually. It was a mess merging all of

their culture with English speakers. The

that and presenting it to the fifty students.”

the best of our geographical isolation over

project also got a lot bigger, no longer just

However, despite the logistical challenges,

the past two years, that he didn’t let it

him and Diego. He said, “This year, we

he was able to learn the skills of managing

stop him from making connections across

recruited around twelve to fifteen bilingual

an educational operation with a wide

cultures. When I asked him whether he

students like us because you need to

array of stakeholders. Furthermore, he

got more out of this experience than he

know how to manage Spanish pretty well

was able to hone his teaching skills as he

would have if we hadn’t been in isolation

to teach English.” With his faculty now

learned how to administer tests online,

and he’d been able to volunteer with his

twelve to fifteen strong, he and Diego

learned how to cold call students—skills

local church, his answer was immediate:

also focused on applying lessons learned

that his own teachers were developing

“One hundred percent.”

But for now, there’s no doubt he made

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 17

ON CAMPUS

A TALE OF FORM

AND FUNCTION

BY MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS '76

When the pandemic closed the school in March of 2020, everyone immediately

How pandemic disruption led to programmatic and student centric enhancements on the Lower and Middle School campuses

the doors were opened on each campus.

In November of 2020, just as Lizzie

it should be, rather than the way it was.”

Enhancement committees were

focused on transitioning to online

Callahan '03 was stepping into her

formed for each campus and the work

learning. As soon as things were running

new role as chief operating officer, it

began in earnest. That work was focused

smoothly, the optimistic priority became

became one of her priorities to look at

on making programmatic changes that

reopening in the fall and bringing the

what the next steps might be for the

would enhance the student experience.

students, or as many of them as possible,

Lower and Middle School campuses.

They discussed and refined the

back on campus. In order to meet the

“The conversation about enhancing

programmatic goals that had been the

6-foot spacing requirements, every inch

the campuses was nothing new,” Lizzie

center of previous discussions for some

of space had to be reviewed and lots

says. “But since the pandemic upended

years, and defined the necessary steps to

of people had to be moved around—

our Lower School Campus and we had

make them a reality. Goals for the Lower

especially at the Lower School. Through

already displaced a lot of classrooms to

School included having all sections of

a massive, cooperative effort, faculty and

ensure adequate spacing, it gave us the

each grade on the same floor; creating

staff packed, moved, and unpacked, and

opportunity to put it back together the way

breakout rooms to allow for collaboration;

18 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

and locating the specials teachers closer to the lower elementary grades. At the

the projected images clearer.

“One of the curricular goals of the

Middle School, they wanted to remove

reorganization was for each grade to be

the lockers to create more space in the

on one floor, and for each building to

hallways; create spaces for students

have a breakout room,” Lizzie says. “We

to gather, collaborate, and eat; and

wanted to create spaces where students

aesthetically update the common areas.

could spread out, collaborate or work on

They hired O'Brien and Keane

a project over a few days without having

ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Lizzie Callahan Chief Operations Officer Andrew Weller

Architecture, experts in designing and

to break it down or put it away before

Dean of Enrollment and Strategic

renovating churches and schools. “The

completion.”

Marketing

committee provided them with an

Another Lower School goal was to

Rachel Jarvis

educational vision of how to reorganize the

bring the specials classes closer to the

Lower School campus, and collaborated

students, where the transitions between

with them on what structural and

buildings was taking too long, particularly

functional changes could be made to make

for the youngest students. “Walking across

the vision a reality,” Lizzie says. Design

the campus for a class was taking away

Bill Owens

decisions for the finishes and fixtures

from valuable class time.” Lizzie explains.

Director of Buildings & Grounds

were made in consultation with O'Brien

“For example, both art classrooms were

Jalene Spain Thomas

and Keane, who provided the committee

previously located in Sinclair Hall. Now

with recommendations. Construction was

they are located in MacKinnon Hall and

Director of Lower School

managed by Chamberlain Construction

McBride Hall, where their respective

Corporation as the general contractor.

students are located.”

The team also concentrated on making

A great deal of thought went into

Chief Advancement Officer Beth Chase Chief Financial Officer

Jeremy Hark Associate Director of Lower School Quincey Grieve

upgraded sustainable and technological

making sure the new spaces were

Director of Middle School

changes. The HVAC systems in Lloyd

programmatically functional and student-

Jon Japha

House and Sinclair Hall were replaced

centric. In some of the renovated spaces,

with energy efficient VRF (variable

sinks were added, flooring was replaced

Middle School Dean of Students

refrigerant flow) systems, a large-scale

with safer, non-slip luxury vinyl tile

ductless HVAC system that can perform

(LVT), and new cabinets and cubbies were

at high capacity. Lights throughout the

installed for storage. New ceiling tiles and

renovated buildings were replaced with

enhanced modern lighting were installed

new energy efficient LED lights. Fourteen

in hallways and some classrooms to

new panoramic Da-Lite IDEA (interactive

enhance the environment and acoustics.

dry erase application) screens were

Finally, two bathrooms were renovated

Below left, the main floor of Macan Hall.

installed in the Lower School classrooms.

in the Sinclair Hall building and two

The screens are highly projection-friendly

bathrooms were created in the lower level

Below right, one of the renovated bathrooms

dry erase boards, with a matte porcelain

of the McBride Hall building.

surface that helps reduce glare and makes

Alicia Blowers Library Department Chair PHOTOS: On p. 18, the Early Saints classroom.

in Sinclair Hall.

The Lower School committee also

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 19

studied what could be done with the

occupants. It is also our most

well as an outdoor area for classes, doing

little white house that had remained

historically significant and beautiful

projects, or reading.

unoccupied for several years. Ultimately,

building, so we wanted to enhance and

they decided that the best use of that

reposition it as our campus 'welcome

simpler and centered around creating

building would be a new aesthetically-

center',” Lizzie says. Built in the late

more and better common spaces. During

pleasing one-story utility building to allow

1860s, it is the oldest building and

the worst of the pandemic, the students

for additional storage and maintenance

the original site of St. Agnes School,

were not allowed to use the lockers in order

workspace. It also enabled the school

established in 1924. Standing in the

to ensure adequate physical distancing.

to raze the smaller maintenance shed

center of campus and already housing

At the end of the 2020-2021 school

centrally located on the campus near

the Admission Offices, the committee

year, they realized the lockers really were

the Richard B. Lloyd House, commonly

realized it could make the perfect

not necessary, as many of the students

referred to as Lloyd House.

administrative welcome center for the

already used cubbies in their advisories.

Admission and Advancement Offices.

Removing them and widening the

Much of the reorganization of the Lower School Campus was made possible

The area in front of Sinclair Hall

At the Middle School, the goals were

hallways allowed for some built in benches

by the more efficient use of existing

received a beautiful new landscape

where students can gather, collaborate,

buildings, particularly Lloyd House.

enhancement. The empty space was

and eat. Improvements included new

“Lloyd House was an underutilized

replaced with a slate patio and student-

LVT flooring, baseboard, drywall, paint

building, so we renovated it to increase

sized seating. The area can now be used

and light fixtures to enhance the look

occupancy from 10 to 26 administrative

during recess for more quiet play, as

and functionality of the common space.

20 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

“Research consistently shows that

were being renovated. During the

higher quality indoor environments

summer, nearly 80 Lower School faculty

result in happier, more productive

and staff were moved into new spaces.

occupants, so it was the Middle School

Ultimately, a lighter, brighter visual and

Committee's hope that these lighter,

design standard for the classrooms and

brighter hallway renovations would

offices was created, which will be used

create a better learning environment

as a template for future renovations.

and result in a morale boost for our

The pandemic forced everyone to

PHOTOS: On p. 20 from the Lower School: Top left, renovated art room in McBride Hall Top right, example of new sink and cabinets in the Lower School classrooms Bottom left, the new utility building for Buildings

students and teachers.” Work has also

re-evaluate, recreate, and restructure on

& Grounds

begun on the entry vestibule. New

some level. Change can be hard, but also

Bottom right: new area outside of Sinclair Hall

benches have been installed, and the

powerfully beneficial. Change brings

area will be enlarged in the spring.

the opportunity for new beginnings.

It was quite an undertaking,

A true silver lining of a difficult time,

On this page from the Middle School: Top left, main entrance Top right, new benches in the vestibule

involving many meetings, lots of

the renovations reflect the dynamic

discussion and consultation, complex

energy that takes place within the school

spreadsheets of who was moving where

walls, which are filled with the sounds

Bottom right, classroom hallway with new built in

and when, and a number of good-

of learning, collaborating, peals of

benches

natured people who had to move twice

laughter, and squeals of joy.

Bottom left, renovated main stairway

to make it all work while the buildings

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 21

ONCAMPUS

Be that Grateful Nation The school was honored to welcome

During the summer of 2019,

Left photo: Brendan Richichi '17 speaking to the fifth grade.

Above photo: Reconnecting with his kindergarten teacher, Leslie Williams.

of the roughly 4,000 cadets that are a

back alumnus Brendan Richichi '17 on

Brendan spent two weeks at Columbus

part of the Cadet Wing. In addition to

Veterans Day to speak to Lower and Upper

Air Force Base shadowing Second

the entire Cadet Wing, we supervise

School students.

Lieutenants and observing what

the entire cadet chain of command,

Undergraduate Pilot Training was like.

which includes the four Cadet Group

from the U.S. Air Force Academy with

When he returned to the Academy,

Commanders and 40 Cadet Squadron

Military Honors and a commission as a

he began training the incoming Class

Commander.” Incoming cadets he

Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

of 2023 as an element leader. “It was

trained included recent SSSAS graduate

While at the Academy, Brendan was

one of my favorite experiences of the

Christian DePollar '19.

a four-year varsity swimmer and was

Academy so far,” Brendan said. “Having

nominated as captain in his senior year,

the opportunity to contribute to the

the Lower School campus, where he

and held numerous other leadership

growth and development of these cadets

spoke to fifth-graders about leadership

positions while in school.

is unparalleled. I was proud to watch

and why he chose to serve. He was

them complete basic cadet training and

very pleased to connect with some

the responsibilities of swimming,

I am proud every day to watch them

of his former teachers, including his

academics, and military duties wasn't

continue their journey through the

kindergarten teacher Leslie Williams.

easy. “Once I stepped on deck at my first

Academy.”

Brendan graduated last spring

During his first semester, managing

swim practice at the Academy, I quickly

Brendan's day at SSSAS began on

Later in the morning at the Upper

In the fall of 2020, Brendan

School, he visited some classes and

was humbled and learned that I was

assumed the position of Cadet Vice

then gave a thoughtful speech about

entering another level of competitive

Wing Commander. “The Cadet Vice

those who have inspired him and

sports,” Brendan said. “The intensity

Wing Commander is the second-

the importance of Veterans Day in

was always high. I felt as if I had to make

highest-ranking position a cadet can

the Chapel/Performing Arts Center.

the team each practice and prove that I

hold while at the Air Force Academy,”

Following the assembly, he had lunch

really wanted to be there and that I really

Brendan explained. “There are a

with students who are interested in

did want to contribute to the team in all

multitude of duties that the Vice Wing

pursuing collegiate athletics and/or

aspects, not just swimming.” In 2019

Commander inherits in his or her

attending a service academy.

the Air Force men's swim team won a

position. In short, the Cadet Vice Wing

Currently stationed at Sheppard Air

conference championship that gave

Commander is responsible for working

Force Base, Brendan is now in training

them the modern conference record for

with the Wing Commander (AFCW/CC)

to be a pilot in Euro-NATO Joint

most points scored by a winning team.

in executing the policy and supervision

Jet Pilot program, a NATO training

22 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

“As I listened to Taps play and echo into the distance, I thought about the words the soldier just said to me, more specifically, a grateful nation.” program aimed at producing combat oriented pilots. At the conclusion of the 55-week program, student pilots are awarded the rating of Pilot in the Air Force with flight time in the T-6 Texan II and the T-38 Talon.

Brendan attributes much of his success to his education at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes and the lessons he learned from his teachers. “SSSAS has the best faculty in the world, without question,” he said. “I cannot say it enough, the faculty truly cares about their students, not just in the sense of their academic development, but in their personal development. Nearly every single faculty member throughout the Lower, Middle, and Upper School contributed to my development as a person.” The school's mission is well aligned with success at the military academies. “SSSAS aims to develop students to pursue goodness as well as knowledge,” he continued. “At the Academy, the spirit of our honor code is to always do the right thing and live honorably. What I valued from SSSAS is that I was developed as a student and a person. Academics aside, your character is what will carry you through the challenges of life.”

Excerpts from Brendan's speech at the Upper School: “At just 18, my grandfather decided to preserve those ideals that we as Americans hold so dear. My grandfather was brilliant, funny, humble and proud; a father and husband. I couldn't help but look up to him in every way.

Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away, and on that day on April 12, 2013, my dad thought that I should receive his tri-folded American Flag.

At his burial, an Army soldier folded the American Flag and handed it to me and stated, 'On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.' As I listened to Taps play and echo into the distance, I thought about the words the soldier just said to me, more specifically, a grateful nation...

…There are over 19 million veterans living in the United States, all coming from various walks of life. Veterans are police officers, nurses, lawyers, teachers, and every profession in between. They are mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, daughters, sons, brothers and sisters…Veterans are even the kid from the Bronx that grew up to be the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and eventually the Secretary of State, they are people like Colin Powell.

And there are some veterans known only to God, laying a few miles up the road, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The common thread through all these individuals is their selflessness and desire to continue to serve. These humble heroes are more prevalent than one might think, they are our neighbors, our friends and family, members of this community, and they are even the strangers we walk past on the street... ...Remind yourself on Veteran's Day and every day that veterans live and work all around you and your support for them is invaluable. As the Army Soldier said to me—on behalf of a grateful nation—I say to you, be that grateful nation.”

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 23

ONCAMPUS

Joining Our Board of Governors in 2021-2022 Strategic Plan's fifth pillar, Enhancing our Buildings and Grounds,” Lizzie said.

“The re-imagining of the Upper School campus will be transformational with large gathering spaces, a dining room that can accommodate all of our US students, bright art spaces, state-of-the-art science rooms, and opportunity for collaboration across the subjects.”

Lizzie and husband John have three children, Lucy '21, Bo '21, and Jack '18.

She believes a Saint's education helped

Elizabeth Siegel “I love the school's mission statement and it guides our leadership and decision making at every level. We are an Episcopal day school, and that grounding in Christian values allows us to open our minds and

them to think independently, accept responsibility for their actions, form meaningful connections, be willing to take chances, and develop a strong moral compass. “I remember when my children were in Lower School, there were four character traits they would speak of: honesty, respect, compassion, and responsibility,” Lizzie said. “These words really helped me raise my children. When

Oran Warder “I am most impressed by and interested in the school's engagement with the many challenging and potentially divisive issues that are facing our community, our nation and our world. This engagement does

they would get in trouble, I would ask

not seek uniformity of opinion but

them 'was that respectful? Were you being

rather seeks to create an environment

compassionate? Was that a responsible

where genuine and respectful

Lizzie gives generously of her time and

action?'” She thinks SSSAS excels at

disagreement and perhaps deeper

talents and has no fear of taking on

meeting the student where they are with a

small and large-scale volunteer activities.

range of subjects, interests, activities and

mutual understanding can occur.”

She has been a room parent multiple

differentiated instruction. “Just looking

times, chaired the Spring Festival

at my three children,” she continued.

twice, and served for several years on

“They are all at vastly different colleges

the APT Spring Party committee. She

now (Amherst, UVA and UCLA), but all

has also served outside the school,

products of 13 years of a Saints Education.”

hearts to every person as a child of God.”

sitting on the board of the Alexandria

As seniors in 2020-2021, Lucy and

Symphony Orchestra and co-chairing

Bo saw many of the traditions they

their Children's Christmas Concert for

took for granted evaporate—the Shrine

several years; volunteering to organize

Mont retreat, Homecoming, and Sleepy

the summer Vacation Bible School at

Thompson—but she feels the foundation

St. Paul's Church; and helping with

of the mission, to prepare students for a

the 2018 Washington Winter Show.

complex and changing world, helped them

She is presently on the Development

adapt. “One of my favorite expressions is

Committee of the Child and Family

'you learn what you're taught,' and these

Network Center.

past 18 months, the staff, teachers and

In addition to joining the Board of

administrators have taught by example that

Governors at SSSAS, she is currently

when things are tough, you get out of bed,

serving as co-chair of the building

put one foot in front of the next, ask what

campaign—Saints Together, Our

is possible and find a way to do a great job!”

Campaign for Community. “I'm very

Lizzie explained. “I was impressed by their

excited about the campaign, which

ability to put out the fires while planting the

was born as a direct result of the

seeds for the future.”

24 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

Oran has been the rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Old Town Alexandria for 22 years. He and his wife, Barbara, have three sons, Zachary '08 and Griffin '12, and Wesley who graduated from Christchurch School in 2017. “I am pleased and honored to be able to give back to this community that has given so much and so generously to the Warder family over the years,” Oran said.

Oran joins the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes Board of Governors with a great deal of enthusiasm and experience with education and non-profit institutions.

In addition to serving on the Board of Governors of the Church Schools of the Diocese of Virginia from 20032005, Oran served on the Board of Governors of Christchurch School from 2015-2021. He is a longtime trustee and current president of the Ivakota

the University of Miami School of Law.

Foundation, which offers grants in

and most essential part of Oran's life is

support of organizations serving those

community, something that gained even

in need in Alexandria (particularly

greater significance during the pandemic.

Boone, LLP in Washington, D.C., where

women and children), and a member

“This challenging season in our common

he represents corporate policyholders in

of the Compass Rose Society which

life has reminded us of the strength,

a variety of complex insurance coverage

supports the global mission of the

importance, and necessity of community,

matters. Fortune 500 companies seek

Archbishop of Canterbury. At the

something that we might have previously

Adrian's representation in connection

Virginia Theological Seminary, he

taken for granted,” Oran said. “We have

with insurance recovery for cybersecurity

was an adjunct instructor of liturgics

learned so much, and have adapted many

breaches and mass tort claims, disputes

from 2001-2012, spent three years

practices that will stay with us into the

over general liability for toxic tort and

on the Alumni/Alumnae Executive

future, and yet all these point toward

environmental claims, and disputes over

Committee of the Virginia Theological

the primacy of human interaction and

officers and directors' coverage.

Seminary, and recently served on

relationships.” He believes the greatest

the Capital Campaign Executive

strength of SSSAS is the deep and abiding

bankruptcy and insolvency matters,

Committee of the Chapel of the Ages

sense of community, particularly in an

complex commercial litigation, and

campaign and now the Bicentennial

age of growing isolation and division.

complex claims resolution. As part of his

Campaign.

“Being an Episcopal school provides an

bankruptcy work, he represented multiple

expansive and inclusive expression of

creditors' committees and various other

Plan, Oran is excited by the ability of

the Christian faith and instills a genuine

financial institutions.

the school's leadership to plan and

openness and respect to every member of

adapt to an ever-changing future,

the community.”

Looking at the SSSAS Strategic

Today he is a partner at Haynes

Adrian has also worked on corporate

Adrian frequently writes about insurance topics and has been published

while staying true to our core mission

in Inside Counsel Magazine, Law360,

and values. “The work of being a Saint

and the Claims Journal. His recent

is the formation of the whole person,

articles have been on the topics of issues

mind, body, and spirit, and to engage

related to COVID-19, how president

in this process not just for our own

Biden's administration will affect the

sake, but in service of making the

insurance industry, and cyber insurance.

Before joining Haynes Boone in

world a better place for everyone,” Oran said. “We have been given many

2017, Adrian worked for Gilbert, LLP in

gifts and blessings and these gifts

Washington, D.C., and the international

and blessings are meant to be shared.

law firms Milbank, Tweed, Hadley &

Saints understand themselves to be

McCloy and Weil, Gotshal & Manges.

Adrian is not the only Saint in his

children of God and learn to recognize a child of God in every person they

family. His sister, Vivien Azer, graduated

meet.”

in 1995, his cousin Nigel Azer graduated

Prior to coming to Alexandria, Oran served as the Canon to the Ordinary to the Bishop of Delaware for six years. He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in education from Marshall University and a Master of

Adrian Azer '96 “To be a Saint and the attributes I hope are instilled are one in the same. Being a Saint means achieving

from St. Stephen's in 1988, and another cousin, Tricia Chupkovich Karppi graduated from St. Agnes in 1984. Adrian and his wife, Brooke Adams, have two children in the school, Teddy '28 and Cece '34. In his down time, Adrian enjoys

Divinity from Virginia Theological

academically, but also being a member

Seminary. He co-authored a textbook,

of a community that gives back,

“An Introduction to Ministry: A Primer

understands and values different

strengths are understanding, academics,

for Renewed Life and Leadership in

perspectives, and cherishes diversity

working to nurture well-rounded children,

Mainline Protestant Congregations,”

and diverse thinking.”

and community. “The pandemic,

Board of Governors member the Rev.

Adrian joined the Board of Governors this

and I think the school, recognize how

Dr. Ian Markham, dean and president

year because he wants to give back to a

important being together really is,” Adrian

of Virginia Theological Seminary

school and community that allowed him

said. As for the future, he is excited to see

(Oxford: Wiley Blackwell, 2016).

so many opportunities to succeed. After

the growth of the Upper School through

graduating from SSSAS in 1996, Adrian

the new construction project, and enjoys

outdoors, read, gather with family,

received a bachelor's in political science

seeing the reputation of the school

and travel. In his daily life, a primary

from Emory University and his J.D. from

continue to rise and expand.

with Saints parent alumni and former

In his spare time, Oran likes to be

being with his family and playing tennis.

Adrian feels the school's greatest

although challenging, has made me,

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 25

FACE-TO-FACE

When asked what famous scientists he finds most inspiring, Middle School Science Teacher Robert Davis replied, “Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson, because they take complex things and make them easy to understand.” Many of the more than 1,000 eighth grade Saints Robert has taught would say the same thing about him. During his 22 years at SSSAS, Robert has also served as a Science Department coordinator, sat on several committees, and directed educational and fun science-based summer camps. When athletics were shut down by COVID, he created an intriguing enrichment course, Recreation with a Touch of Science. In order to understand how to win the games they played, the students had to learn about the physics of projectiles, eyesight and aim, and friction. Robert has always been curious and inquisitive. As a child in Silver Spring, Md., his parents gave him the opportunity to roam free outdoors, where he explored, discovered, and fell in love with the wonders in nature.

Robert's favorite thing in the world is water—which he finds endlessly fascinating—so bringing the Chesapeake Bay to life in his classroom is a joy. Ask any Saint who was in his class and they will remember the famous submarine experiment, special overnight trips to the Bay, and building platforms for osprey nests. He says he feels like a kid in school, doing experiments, playing games, and sharing his greatest passion every day with his students. Robert lives to learn, constantly gathering new information from the newspaper (a paper copy he can hold in his hands), the Internet, books, and people. At home, he is Dr. Doolittle to his dog, Bailey, who thinks he is human and is in love with Robert. He also has two dozen homing pigeons and lots of fish and other aquatic pets that come and go. And, of course, there is his wife, Lisa, and their four children. Robert considers raising them to care about important things—other people, peace, nature, learning, kindness, service, justice, truth, adventure, and the mysteries of life—to be his greatest accomplishment.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVENTURE YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE? Work. I have had all of the following jobs, although almost all were for short periods of time: bus boy, newspaper delivery kid, UPS package handler, camp counselor, roofer, tutor, carpenter, proofreader, boat captain, shepherd, naturalist, lumberjack, fruit basket maker for Christmas, commercial waterman, nightwatchman, avocado picker, dish washer, lifeguard, landscaper, snow shoveler, actor, oyster shucker, grill master, orderly in a mental hospital, and 10 years on a tugboat with three years as captain… oh, yes, teacher. Teacher was the hardest and the best. Maybe a few others that I forgot.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALLY FEEL LIKE AN ADULT? I still do not feel like I have grown into being an adult. My wife is the adult. My colleagues are the adults. I just mess around and try things that seem like they might work. All the adults I know seem much more certain than I do.

I am perpetually scratching my head and wondering what is really right.

WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? I teach because I think learning and moral development are our best hope to make things better for humanity. The world is a mess. I feel like I have a moral obligation to help fix it.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE CLASSROOM OR AS PART OF YOUR JOB AT THE SCHOOL? My favorite thing to do in class is to run an experiment. I love them all launching something, burning something, using simple equipment or complicated devices, I don't care, I just want to see what happens. I could experiment all day and the best part is to watch the kids when we get unexpected results. It is delightful.

WHAT IS SOMETHING ONE OF YOUR PARENTS SAID THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET? My father once gave me the following advice: Don't give people advice. If things don't work out they will blame you. If they do work out, they will seldom remember that you advised them.

There is everything to lose and little to gain.

IS THERE AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD THAT FEW OTHERS EXPERIENCED? I have saved several people's lives.

It could have been otherwise. It makes me very careful about little things.

Robert Davis 26 ST. STEPHEN'S STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

SAINTS IN ACTION

ON THE ROAD AGAIN AP Art History class visited the Museum of African Art in September— the first field trip for some in two years!

BONDING AT SHRINEMONT The Class of 2022 and members of the Upper School faculty spent

Here they are enjoying the sun in front of a sculpture by Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, one of the artists they recently studied in class.

NEW MOVIE TRADITION A tradition that started during the pandemic, each Middle School grade level has a movie night for outdoor fun in the beginning of the year. The eighth grade was first and enjoyed the 2001 crime/comedy “Ocean's Eleven” on Moss Field at the Upper School.

two days bonding as a class during a favorite September tradition at Shrine Mont, an Episcopal Diocese of Virginia conference center in Orkney Springs, Va. Through games, social activities, and teamwork exercises, the retreat gives students the opportunity to grow as leaders and to build relationships with teachers and administrators in a fun and relaxed environment.

EXPLORING WETLANDS The Upper School Wetlands Biology class went off campus to collect Tulip Poplar, River Birch, Paw Paw, American Beech, and Hornbeam

A COMMUNITY CREATION

SAINTS PETS ABOUND In remembrance of St. Francis of

In the first Middle School project

Assisi, SSSAS held the beloved

involving all three grades, visual

annual Blessing of the Animals at the

art students explored the art of

Lower School amphitheater for our

typography, using graffiti-style

entire school community. Dogs, cats,

lettering to create bold, unique name

rabbits, lizards, and more were in

designs.

attendance!

leaves for their collections and add entries to their nature journals.

Through the observation and identification processes, students in this course learn about the characteristic flora and fauna and their interrelationships in the various wetland communities found between the Atlantic Ocean and the Virginia Piedmont.

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 27

SAINTS IN ACTION

FUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE! Fourth grade Saints set up an amazing arcade with games they

KINDERGARTEN BUDDIES

made from reusable materials called

The fifth graders love spending time

the Crenshaw Arcade—inspired

with their kindergarten buddies,

by the book “Crenshaw,” which

a special longtime tradition at the

includes themes about hunger and

Lower School that builds leadership

homelessness. To play, students and teachers donated canned goods and non-perishable foods for tickets.

The donations—all 2,229 pounds— were donated to the local non-profit ALIVE.

IT'S NOT ALL WORK...

Sometimes students (and their teachers) just need to have fun, and Halloween provides lots of opportunities. Students on all three campuses dressed for the occasion. At the Lower School they had their annual Halloween parade, and each year the

skills as well as creating social bonds that Saints alumni hold dear.

Sometimes they read to them or visit their classrooms, or best of all, have a playdate on the “big kid” playground.

The fifth graders helped their buddies onto the monkey bars, climb the ropes, and ride the zip line. A joyful bonding experience was had by all!

Middle School has a spirited pumpkin carving party. All the pumpkins are bought from the Immanuel Church-onthe-Hill to support their local charity partnerships.

ALL ABOUT THE BRAIN Middle School scientists learned all

PARENTS OF ALUMNI EVENT

about the brain! The unit culminated

The school is very grateful to the

project representing everything they

30+ parents of alumni who gathered

learned. Students gave peer feedback

together in the Wills Library and

on sticky notes and then continued to

made 100 care packages for our

make edits to their work based on the

youngest alumni in college.

feedback they received.

28 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

in an artistic, one-page summary

FACE-TO-FACE

What does Lower School Teacher Anne Kelly have in common with a messenger pigeon? They both come home again! And the message is clear, she loves working at SSSAS. Anne first joined the junior kindergarten team in 2004. In 2015 she took over as the lead kindergarten teacher until 2019, when she moved to Las Vegas with her husband, Steve. During her 15 years at SSSAS, she formed close friendships and kept in touch with many of her colleagues, students, and their families. This summer she moved back to Northern Virginia and came home to SSSAS to teach second grade. Anne's path to teaching began in her teens as a volunteer counselor in a Vacation Bible School program. Later she participated in summer mission trips to Mexico and in the inner cities of Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. She felt an instant connection to and loved spending time with children of all ages. When she was working on her bachelor's in psychology and Early Childhood Education Program certification at the University of Massachusetts, she was required to take pre-practicums as a guest elementary school teacher for a semester and was hooked from that point on. Anne's favorite thing in the world is her collection of children's books, filled with beautifully written stories and exquisite illustrations she adores sharing with her students. Just as she is inspired by planting seeds of knowledge, nurturing, and watching her students grow, Anne is captivated by gardening. In her spare time she walks and bikes, and does some adventurous running and hiking. She's participated in the overnight, long distance, Ragnar Relay Race with friends twice, and believes her greatest accomplishment was running 196 miles from Plymouth to Provincetown in the Cape Cod race. She says the craziest thing she's ever done was hiking the tallest peak in Zion National Park, Angel's Landing, one of the world's most renowned hikes and an unforgettable adventure worthy of all bucket lists. She admits to dozing off in the middle of movies, preferring fruit or potato chips to dessert, and being partial to shopping. When she can stay awake, Anne enjoys period shows, like “The Crown” and “Downton Abbey,” and she's very proud of the recent surge of award-winning Korean films.

As for music, she's pretty open to listening to all kinds, but draws the line at heavy metal!

WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALLY FEEL LIKE AN ADULT? When I graduated college, my family sat me down and said, “Anne, you have to pay your bills now.”

WHAT IS THE ONE THING IN THE WORLD YOU WOULD FIX IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND? Finding an immediate cure for all infectious diseases. It is heartbreaking that so many people have lost their lives or have become seriously ill.

FOR WHAT IN YOUR LIFE DO YOU FEEL MOST GRATEFUL? My aunt and uncle, who raised my sister and me from the age of 12. I am forever grateful for them and my cousins for loving and taking care of us.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER GOTTEN? My mom would say, “Simple is beauty.” I didn't understand that until I became an adult. Whenever I see a beautiful sunset or a breath-taking landscape, I hear my mom's words and it warms my heart.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR LIFE? Meeting my husband and marrying him.

WHAT IN LIFE MAKES YOU SMILE? Seeing pictures of my former students and their families.

Anne Choi Kelly FALL/WINTER FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 2021THE THESAINTS SAINTS LIFE 29

FACE-TO-FACE

Upper School History Teacher Steve Ebner started his professional life as a lawyer but grew disenchanted, feeling frustrated that he wasn't doing something that helped people and made a positive impact. He watched his wife spend every day as a happy and contented teacher and decided it was time for a master's of education and a job change. It may have seemed crazy to take a pay cut to be a high school teaching assistant, but Steve followed his heart and has never looked back. Steve is passionate about teaching and mentoring. Since coming to SSSAS in 2004, he has not only opened his students' eyes and helped them look at history through a different perspective, but he also has taught them to be good citizens, better writers, and advocates for themselves. Steve has learned from his students, too— compassion, acceptance, and humility. Steve was born on the U.S. Army base in Heidelberg, Germany, and raised in Northern Virginia. He has been married to Terri for 27 years, and she and son Dylan '15 are the loves of his life. To decompress, Steve goes fishing, listens to classic rock, romps with Murphy (his enormous yellow lab), reads historical and non-fiction novels, and watches basketball and football on T.V. Things you might never guess about Steve? He is a romantic at heart with tattoos under his sleeves. He gets crazy on the dance floor and is a total grill master. Which five historical figures would Steve ask over for steak and baked potatoes? Moses, Abraham Lincoln, John Adams, Harriet Tubman, and Ghandi. Wouldn't you like to crash that party?

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVENTURE YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE? When I was 22 I went to sea for six weeks with men twice my age—salty lifelong fisherman— and long lined for swordfish just like in “The Perfect Storm.” I was tested and pushed more than I ever thought I could be and it was one of the greatest confidence builders in my life.

IF YOU HAD A MILLION DOLLARS IN THE BANK, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Exactly what I am doing today—teaching and mentoring at SSSAS. I have never been happier doing anything else. It is truly a blessing to know I am doing what God put me here on earth to do.

WHAT IS THE BEST COMPLIMENT SOMEONE CAN GIVE YOU? That I have made a difference in their lives or their children's lives as a teacher, mentor or coach.

That's it, period. That what I have done has been received and mattered to someone else. That kind of affirmation is a gift beyond words.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING IN THE WORLD YOU WOULD FIX IF YOU COULD

WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALLY FEEL LIKE AN ADULT? When I took a semester off from University of Virginia to take care of my mother, who was undergoing cancer radiation treatments. Each day I went to work as a paralegal, met her at George Washington Hospital, drove her home, cooked her dinner, went to the gym and for a two hour offseason football workout, and came home to sleep.

I did that until her treatments were done. A few years later my mother lost her battle, but I had been there for her—she could count on me.

WAVE A MAGIC WAND? I would repair the political and philosophical divisions in the country. I would like people to realize that having a rational, reasonable conversation could solve so many problems. We all want the same things. To feel safe, love our friends and family, and watch our children grow up. I want for people to have common sense and love each other.

WHAT WOULD CONSTITUTE A PERFECT DAY FOR YOU? Waking up on Martha's Vineyard to the sound of waves and seagulls. Having breakfast on the back deck with my family, going out deep sea fishing for blues and stripers with my son and sister, having dinner with what we caught at my Aunt Bette's house, and watching the sun melt into the sea while holding my beautiful wife's hand.

Steve Ebner 30 ST. STEPHEN'S STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

SAINTS IN ACTION

THE SAFETY PATROL Say hello to the Lower School Safety Patrol students. More than 40 students stepped up to serve! Each day these fifth graders help with morning carpool, opening doors,

SCHUYLER BAILAR SPEAKS AT UPPER SCHOOL

greeting families, and walking our

SSSAS welcomed back Schuyler

leadership as responsible citizens.

youngest Saints to class. They are learning valuable skills and providing

SAINTSGIVING RETURNS

Bailar to the Upper School in

Our entire community was invited

October. Schuyler is the first

to gather at the Upper School and

transgender athlete to compete in

participate in the annual Saintsgiving

any sport on an NCAA Division

tradition—a morning of service the

1 men's team and graduate of

day before Thanksgiving. The event

Harvard University. He shared

kicked off on Draper track, where a

his inspirational story and how

Community Walk was held to raise

he has come to be a well-known

money for the school's programs that

and respected advocate for the

partner with Mother of Light Center.

LGBTQIA+ communities.

Families also made care packages for the children and adults in need in our community.

SUBMARINE SIGHTING Upper School students were able to learn all about it and even go inside a two-person underwater craft built by engineer Alec Smyth. Trevor Smyth '23, a student leader in the Science Club, invited his dad to bring the submarine on campus. Alec

THANK YOU PARENTS!

answered questions from students

SSSAS parents made the inaugural

to travel in the submarine. Trevor

Fall Parent Participation Challenge a

said, “Discussing new and interesting

huge success! The 510 families who

topics allows our Science Club

participated with a gift of any amount

members to learn more about topics

helped the Advancement Office to

they do not cover in class. Learning is

raise $600,000 for SSSAS!

essential to broaden our horizons.”

and shared details about what it's like

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 31

SAINTS IN ACTION

Arsenic and Old Lace The Upper School Stage One Players were excited to take the stage again in November. They presented three rollicking performances of “Arsenic and Old Lace” by American playwright Joseph Kesselring and brought down the house with laughter!

32 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

SAINTS IN ACTION

CARING FOR THE EARTH The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Club (CBW) and the Branching Out Club (below) started the year with a clean up project in Dyke Marsh along the Potomac in Alexandria,

DEBATING D.C. STATEHOOD Middle and Upper School students have been discussing D.C. Statehood.

In their first project of the year, Upper School students in AP Seminar debated D.C. statehood.

This project eases students into argumentation, research, writing, and understanding lenses and perspectives, which are essential to their work in this course. It also

MAKING CONNECTIONS Eighth graders explored some of the major memorials and historic sites in Washington, D.C. The field trip extended conversations from their history classes, including which events are remembered, which are forgotten, and how we create collective

and a tree planting at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Clagett Farm in Maryland. CBW is led by Matthew Mantey '23 and Branching Out is led

by SaraClaire Chiaramonte '24. Other Upper School clubs focusing on the environment are the Pollination & Environmental Restoration and the Eco Justice Clubs.

national memory. The students visited sites honoring wars, veterans, and presidents before designing their own memorial for an event or person of their choice.

helps them practice collaborative group work. Faculty and staff served as judges and gave feedback to the students both on the argumentation/presentation aspect of the debate, as well as on their research and accuracy.

At the Middle School, eighth grade history classes also have been deliberating and debating some current event issues. In addition to D.C. statehood, they have talked about the electoral college and supreme court terms for life. The students work in groups to consider each topic and have thoughtful discussions in order to decide where they stand on the issue and debate successfully.

BACK TO 5TH CENTURY BCE Is Confucianism a religion or philosophy? The sixth grade students studying global religions discovered that the answer depends on who you ask and how you define religion. They explored the teachings of Confucius, or as he is better known in China, Master Kong, and the enduring impact of his ideas on Chinese culture.

WANT TO SEE MORE? Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest,and LinkedIn @SSSASsaints, and find us on Instagram @thesaintslife.

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 33

FALL ATHLETICS

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY IAC Championship Meet Finish: 3rd VISAA State Championship Meet Finish: 9th Alexandria City Championship Winner: Noah Cummings '22 ALL-IAC: Noah Cummings '22 VISAA All-State: Noah Cummings '22

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY ISL Championship Meet Finish: 4th VISAA State Championship Meet Results: 4th Alexandria City Championship Winner: Morgan Lewis '22 Notable: The girls had their highest ever ISL Championship meet finish.

Alexandria Sportsman's Club Athlete of the Month: Morgan Lewis '22 ALL-ISL: Morgan Lewis '22, Emmie Vajda '23, Hannah Floyd '25 VISAA All-State: Morgan Lewis '22, Hannah Floyd '25

Hannah Floyd '25

Morgan Lewis '22

Noah Cummings '22

FIELD HOCKEY Final Record: 12-8-1 Final ISL Standing: 4th Notable: Defeated Stone Ridge in four overtimes to advance to the ISL Tournament Final.

Alexandria Sportsman's Club Athlete of the Month: Spencer Ferry '23 ALL-ISL: Amelia Duncan '22, Emmy Pascal '22, Devon Fogg '23 VISAA All-State Second Team: Ella Webb '22

Amelia Duncan '22

Devon Fogg '23

FOOTBALL Final Record: 7-4 Final IAC Standing: 2nd Notable: Received a #2 seed in the VISAA State-Playoffs.

Best record in recent history.

IAC Offensive Player of the Year: Ewan Clarke '22 ALL-IAC: Nyrique Butler '22, Danny Garvin '23, Blake Hiligh '22, Willie Jacobs '23, Jack Kolton '22, Grayson Schmidt '22, Justin Stewart '23, Michael Vaughn '22 VISAA All-State First Team: Ewan Clarke '22, Willie Jacobs '22, Grayson Schmidt '22, Michael Vaughn '22 VISAA All-State Second Team: Garrett Brennan '22, Nyrique Butler '22, Blake Hiligh '22, Justin Hill '23, Jack Kolton '22, Justin Stewart '23 All-Met Second Team: Ewan Clarke '22

34 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

Ella Webb '22

Emmy Pascal '22

Girls Cross Country getting ready for the Seminary Hill Cup race

Michael Vaughn '22 (#6)

Nyrique Butler '22

Ewan Clarke '22

Grayson Schmidt '22

Garrett Brennan '22

Blake Hiligh '22 (#7) and Jack Kolton '22 (#17)

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 35

FALL ATHLETICS

BOYS SOCCER Final Record: 8-12-1 Final IAC Standing: 5th Final VISAA State Ranking: 6th Notable: Beat the defending state champions and #1 ranked St. Christopher's 1-0.

ALL-IAC: Finn Jensen '22, Liam Matney '22, Jack Murphy '23 VISAA All-State Second Team: Finn Jensen '22, Liam Matney '22, Jack Murphy '23

GIRLS SOCCER Final Record: 6-8 Final ISL Standing: 5th (ISL AA Division) Notable: Selected as the #3 seed in the NoVA Girls Soccer Invitational Tournament.

ALL-ISL (AA Division): Lexie Jordan '22, Tahirah Turnage '22, Ali Barrow '23

Liam Matney '22

Finn Jensen '22

GIRLS TENNIS Final Record: 9-7 Final ISL Standing: 3rd (ISL A Division) Notable: Advanced to the ISL A Division Tournament finals and the VISAA State Tournament.

ALL-ISL (A Division): Mikki Taye '23 VISAA All-State First Team: Mikki Taye '23

Ali Barrow '23

Mikki Taye '23

36 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

Lexie Jordan '22

Jack Murphy '23

Tahirah Turnage '22

VOLLEYBALL Final Record: 8-6 Final ISL Standing: 4th (ISL A Division) ISL A Division Tournament Champions Notable: Upset Bullis in the ISL A Tournament semifinal and defeated Georgetown Visitation to claim our first league tournament title since 2006.

ALL-ISL (A Division): CC Jacobs '23

SSSAS Wins the 2021 Seminary Hill Cup

CC Jacobs '23

The Seminary Hill Cup (SHC) is an annual, spirited competition between SSSAS and Episcopal High School girls' varsity and junior varsity teams. After a day of thrilling competition on October 23, Saints won the Cup with a score of 5-4! The competition was tied 4-4 and hinged on the outcome of the girls varsity soccer game, which the Saints won 1-0.

The schools compete for a total of 10 possible points throughout a total of 10 different contests (1 point is awarded to the winner of each individual team contests, 0.5 points awarded for a tie). If point totals are tied at the end of the overall competition, the Cup is awarded to the school that has recorded the most varsity wins (up to five possible) in the competition. The Seminary Hill Cup's host school alternates each year between the SSSAS and EHS campuses.

2021 SHC RESULTS Saints win 5-4

SSSAS Wins JV Girls Soccer: 7-0 Varsity Girls Soccer: 1-0 JV Field Hockey: 1-0 Varsity Field Hockey: 3-1 Varsity Cross Country: 33-23

EHS Wins JV Tennis: 4-3 Varsity Tennis: 4-2 JV Volleyball: 2-0 Varsity Volleyball: 3-0

Overall Cup Results 2008-2021 Saints 7, EHS 5, Tie 1

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 37

ALL IN THE MEDICAL FAMILY A trio of siblings gives back through healthcare

By Hannah Van Sickle

Dr. Om and Mrs. Suman Chhabra were

the University of Virginia, where he has

thanks to the influence of those he came

at the helm of a burgeoning pediatric

quite literally built a hands-on medical

across during his tenure — notably Mr.

practice in the Washington, D.C. metro

career for himself. Bobby knew from

Fred Atwood, his biology teacher. He

area when they made the decision to

an early age he wanted to emulate his

further attributes learning to juggle

enroll their three children, Bobby '87,

father's career.

multiple things at a small independent

Anikar '90, and Avni '94, at St. Stephen's

“It was very inspiring to see how

school as contributing to his success as a

School and St. Agnes School. Their main

my father cared for people, and how

leader in his chosen field, not to mention

goal to raise three well-adjusted kids

giving he was of himself,” Bobby says

“great teaching and mentoring,”

hinged on a pair of factors: unconditional

of the thoughtful person he watched

support at home and access to the

changing lives. While he contemplated

myriad life lessons. “Playing football

resources required to be successful,

different careers in medicine, orthopaedic

taught me to be resilient and focus on time

contributing members of society. Over the

surgery turned out to be a natural fit.

management,” he remembers, citing these

past three decades, since graduating from

His expertise in hand, wrist, and elbow

skills as instrumental in getting through

SSSAS, each of the Chhabra siblings has

trauma, coupled with a keen interest in

medical school and later in establishing

pursued an auspicious path in healthcare,

athletic injuries and microsurgery, mean

his career. His time on the turf also

sprung from the seeds of hard work and

Bobby's patients run the gamut — from

inspired his work with athletes. Bobby

determination sown and nurtured by

babies with congenital hand differences

returned to UVA in 2002 (he's what they

their parents who immigrated from India.

to elderly tennis stars — and provide him

call a “triple 'Hoo,” having now joined the

“acute opportunities to help people, and

faculty) where he was instrumental in

improve their quality of life.”

creating the University of Virginia Hand

DR. BOBBY CHHABRA '87 Bobby Chhabra ran with his Saints education, treading a well-worn path between the gridiron and the biology lab before moving on to Johns Hopkins and

38 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

He credits his time at SSSAS as

Being a student-athlete afforded Bobby

Center. He is currently the Lillian T.

“incredibly influential” in helping him

Pratt Distinguished Professor and Chair

“learn not only how to study, but also how

of Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of

to investigate.” Overwhelmingly, he felt

Plastic Surgery, Professor of Pediatrics,

well-prepared when making the transition

and the hand and upper extremity

to Johns Hopkins (one of the toughest

consultant for the UVA Department of

pre-med environments for undergrads),

Athletics.

“I learned a lot of things at a very young age: how to listen before making decisions; how to be collaborative in finding solutions to move things forward; and how — while you might not get exactly what you want — you'll make things better if you are willing to be persistent, resilient, and focused.”

BOBBY CHHABRA

“It is both gratifying and humbling to be able to take care of so many people with difficult problems and high

specialty training in hand/wrist/elbow and microsurgery.

He's also been focused on fulfilling

expectations for performance,” says

a single dream: bringing the UVA

Bobby of what he loves most about his

Orthopaedic Center on Ivy Road to

practice: the ability to help others. “My

fruition. “To enhance the ability to

dad's influence may be seen in the fact

provide orthopaedic care — not only for

that I take care of a lot of kids,” he adds.

our students and community members

In 2014 he was featured on the Today

in the city of Charlottesville but also

Show after creating thumbs for a child

for individuals across the region, the

born without any (a rare condition called

state, and the country — is something

thumb aplasia that affects about one out

I've aspired to do for some time” Bobby

of every 100,000 infants) in what Bobby

says. The state-of-the-art comprehensive

called, at the time, “an incredibly elegant

Orthopaedic facility is slated to open its

operation.”

doors in 2022.

This spirit of giving back — modeled

After growing the department to over

both by his parents and many of the

30 orthopaedic surgeons in eight different

adults in the SSSAS community who

specialties, building a comprehensive

gave tirelessly of their time to shape his

orthopaedic center for the region from the

experience there — continues to permeate

ground up was no small feat. In hindsight,

Bobby's work. When he is not busy

Bobby points to fundamental lessons he

taking care of patients at UVA Health

learned from his parents and at school

you might not get exactly what you want —

in Charlottesville, a very busy Level 1

as instrumental in paving the way and

you'll make things better if you are willing

trauma and quarternary care center,

developing a lifelong work ethic: “I learned

to be persistent, resilient, and focused,” he

he is committed to conducting clinical

a lot of things at a very young age: how

says.

research and teaching “a wide range of

to listen before making decisions; how to

learners,'' including medical students,

be collaborative in finding solutions to

of which he's most proud? “The ability to

residents, and fellows who receive

move things forward; and how — while

navigate and negotiate obstacles, to keep

Bobby holding UVA's 2018 Final Four National Championship trophy .

As for the overarching accomplishment

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 39

“It's one thing to take care of a patient, and do it well; it's another thing to teach the next generation. ” ANIKAR CHHABRA

Anikar with former ASU football player Kyle Williams.

After being under Anikar's care, Kyle decided to pursue medicine. He spent three years as a research assistant under Anikar.

something that is a dream and a vision

grade teacher and varsity basketball

moving forward so it becomes a reality,”

coach — as vital in shaping his work

he says. Plus teaching his “little” brother

ethic. “When you're down, you can't

(who stands 6' 9” and was once his junior

get too down; when you're high, you

resident) everything he knows — save for

can't get too high,” Anikar recalls,

how to play basketball.

sharing an oft-quoted kernel of wisdom reflecting the spirit that permeated his

DR. ANIKAR CHHABRA '90 “I started beating Bobby in basketball when he was in ninth grade and I was in fifth grade,” says Anikar Chhabra, who played on the 1990 State Championship basketball team at SSSAS before dribbling his way to Cambridge where he played NCAA Division I men's hoops at Harvard.

Today, the head orthopedic surgeon for Arizona State University (ASU) credits his own days on the parquet as giving him the necessary foundation to treat the high-performing athletes he counts among his patients. “It's easy to take care of an athlete when they know you've been there before,” Anikar says of his familiarity with locker-room culture and conversing with coaches and trainers — all of which gives him “instant credibility” in orthopaedics.

Anikar credits Win Palmer — his fifth 40 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

years playing ball for SSSAS. “We were very successful,” he says. “Coach Palmer and the group of guys on that team were probably more influential in shaping who I am today than anyone outside my family.” Beyond the winning (the team lost just a handful of games over two seasons), lessons came from everyday camaraderie in the locker room and being together on the bus, which inevitably led Anikar to his current advice for any young person contemplating their future: “Enjoy the process, as it goes fast.”

Growing up, Anikar watched his father's career very closely. “It's very humbling to see somebody dedicate their life to helping others,” he recalls, pointing to a strong family background in medicine as urging him along his path towards sports medicine. Plenty of mentors along the way inspired Anikar, including Dr. Arthur Boland,

Bobby and Anikar in Arizona.

head orthopaedic surgeon for Harvard Athletics since 1975. After inevitably sustaining injuries over his own fouryear basketball career, he sought out the team physician “in the training room, in his office, and at his clinics.” While playing for the Harvard Crimson, Anikar was an economics major contemplating a career in business. After three summers spent working on Wall Street, a realization regarding the volatility of the stock market (and total lack of control surrounding outcomes) urged him back into medicine.

Following in his brother's footsteps, Anikar landed at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where Bobby was a fourth-year medical student. “There were four different stops along the road where he was my supervisor and, I'll tell you, it was great for us,” he said of his brother's influence. We get along really well, and he pushes me harder— and expects more out of me — than anyone.”

Following residency, Anikar completed his Sports Medicine Fellowship at the

Anikar Chhabra on the ASU sidelines.

University of Pittsburgh, where he was

on a much bigger scale.” In Scottsdale,

against one another, alleviating his

lucky enough to work with some of the

Anikar is a professor of Orthopedics

declaration of allegiance. Bobby, on the

world leaders in the field and help care

(where he remains active in the

other hand, admittedly “bleeds blue and

for the Pittsburgh Steelers and University

residency program) and vice chair of

orange.”

of Pittsburgh athletic teams. At the

clinical practice at Mayo Clinic Arizona.

conclusion of his fellowship year, Anikar

As head orthopedic surgeon for

Despite myriad accomplishments, Anikar remains goal-oriented. “I'm

was presented with a trio of options: stay

Arizona State University since 2007,

always chasing something bigger,” he

in Pittsburgh, return to UVA, or head to

Anikar specializes in minimally invasive

says. At present, that equates to bridging

Arizona. Although his wife is a native

surgery including arthroscopy of the

the relationship between ASU and the

of The Grand Canyon State, going to

knee and shoulder and takes care of

Mayo Clinic by building an international

Arizona meant exploring uncharted

700 athletes across all sports — another

premiere sports medicine center. “In

territory given the dearth, at that time,

facet of orthopaedics he and his brother

Arizona there is nothing like that,” he

of academic sports medicine jobs in the

share (Bobby takes care of the UVA

says. It was the absence of such facilities

southwest.

basketball team and was on hand

that urged him toward Scottsdale in the

in Minneapolis when they won the

first place.

Anikar was ultimately recruited as the director of Sports Medicine at Mayo Clinic Arizona, citing the ability to teach

national championships in 2019).

“It's hard not to cheer for your own

As his clinical practice expands, Anikar remains committed to improving

residents, fellows, and conduct research

patients,” he says, sharing an outlook

hospital systems and eliciting change

as the main reason he accepted. While

gleaned from operating on individuals

that will alter the course of medicine

he handles 500-700 patients' operations

from all across the country — including

going forward — namely, working to

every year, teaching has always been a

over 25 ASU football players in the past

shift the old-school work-ethic of living

passion. “It's one thing to take care of a

three years. “There is no reason not to

at the hospital and being on call every

patient, and do it well; it's another thing

wish for others to succeed, especially

other night. “That's not the world we

to teach the next generation,” Anikar

after coming back from an injury,” he

live in anymore, and medicine has got to

explains. “Teaching creates a much more

adds. He is relieved that the Cavaliers

change,” he adds, underscoring that one

lasting effect [by leaving] one's legacy

and Sun Devils have yet to kick off

can still be a good physician while raising FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 41

Avni and her children, Saia and Milan in May 2014.

“Just as my parents and my brothers are a huge piece of my puzzle, I want to be able to be there for my kids as they get older.”

Avni (left) at work with a young patient and a colleague.

kids and enjoying family life.

AVNI CHHABRA RAMPERSAUD

halls and gravitating instead toward

humanities became instrumental when

“We have a bigger job than just

discussion-based literature classes

securing a residency position post

taking care of patients,” he continues.

and small writing seminars. These

dental school. All the while, a mantra

The current trend of physician burnout

classes became her “happy place,” one

was being shaped: Pick something you

is hovering around 60-70% by age 50,

she literally accessed by walking to a

are passionate about, and you will make

which is why creating systems that

different part of campus to hang with

whatever path you aspire to go down

support work-life balance for those in

the English majors who exuded “a

work.

healthcare is imperative. “My sister

totally different vibe” from her peers and

has it down; she's figured it out, and

professors in the pre-dental program.

Today, after nearly 20 years at the helm of her own private practice, the

I wish I had her smarts,” Anikar says.

Avni's older brothers encouraged

The youngest of the Chhabra siblings

her, relating ways to catch up in science

along is simple: “You don't have to follow

— touted as the greatest advisor in the

classes over the summer if need be,

the cookie-cutter recipe. Find something

family — is the only one to follow in

which solidified the decision to pursue

that interests you, find your niche,” —

their father's footsteps and open her

her passions. This unique academic

which, for Avni, can be traced back to the

own pediatric practice, albeit a pediatric

path shaped Avni in ways that were

English Department at SSSAS.

dental practice.

not only fulfilling and gratifying, but

DR. AVNI CHHABRA RAMPERSAUD '94 In fact, it was the line of physicians preceding her that inspired Avni Chhabra Rampersaud to forge her own path and explore dentistry. As an undergrad at Duke, Avni was an English major, shying away from the 400-person lecture 42 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

pearl of wisdom Avni most often passes

“I always loved classes that revolved

also caused her to stand out from the

around discussion, participation, and

crowd. She contemplated advertising

dissecting novels — they were almost my

and law school, and felt the tug of

escape,” she says of the countless lessons

both the biology and English majors.

learned there. Her experiences at SSSAS

When she decided to specialize in

instilled Avni with the confidence to

pediatrics — which requires a “pretty

stand up in front of a classroom, to voice

grueling interview process” — the

her opinion, to attempt things on the

road less traveled continued to garner

unconventional path, and to be a leader.

Avni's attention. The writing and

“I developed the confidence to think

communication skills she developed

outside the box,” she says. In large part,

while pursuing a degree in the

this was due to fostering interpersonal

The siblings together, from left to right: Bobby, his wife Sandhya, Avni's husband Ed Rampersaud, Avni, Anikar's wife Lopa, and Anikar.

relationships with great coaches and

to build relationships with families

leaders as a student-athlete.

over generations. Giving back to the

“I count the time management learned

knit extended family.

History appears to be repeating itself,

community ranks high on her list of

with the next generation of student-

from playing varsity sports — in addition

priorities, second to her family, which

athletes embarking on their respective

to my excellent academic experience

she does through volunteering as a

collegiate careers. Bobby's son is a

— as valuable takeaways from my time

dentist in underserved areas and by

swimmer at Swarthmore, and there are

at SSSAS,” says Avni who played field

educating others — something “that will

six grandchildren in total (three boys

hockey, lacrosse, and basketball. “The

always be an ambition of mine,” she

and three girls, a balanced number that

all-girls education I received at St. Agnes

says.

makes their grandmother very happy).

allowed me to figure out who I wanted to

For the moment, Avni is content.

While the Chhabra siblings are scattered

be,” she says. Legendary coaches Kathy

She feels fortunate to have built a

across the country, they prioritize getting

Jenkins and Marsha Way were influential

successful career and is enjoying the

together every year to enjoy each other's

“not only in supporting my athletic

proverbial fruits of her labor, chief

company and partake in mutual interests

ability, but also in forming friendships

among them her family and striking a

like spending time outdoors, attending

beyond school.” Avni remains in regular

work-life balance that keeps her happy

sporting events, and exploring new cities.

communication with Kathy — a national

and satisfied. “Just like my parents

leader in girls' sports for more than four

and my brothers are a huge piece of

hard is a tie that binds them — as are

decades — who is up-to-date on all things

my puzzle, I want to be able to be there

shared values which include making time

athletic with Avni's kids.

for my kids as they get older,” she says.

to step back and enjoy the process. In the

Today, Avni remains driven and

For a family driven by goals, working

“My ambition may change colors and

end, for a trio of siblings well-versed in

passionate. She counts her father, who

flavors with time, but it never dies.”

successful scientific feats, Anikar distills

retired during the pandemic after 55+

Looking ahead to the next year, Bobby's

their shared approach down to an art:

years in private practice, as her closest

daughter arrives at Duke in the fall to

“Each of us has a multi-faceted approach

advisor. “To this day, I call him with

row for the Blue Devils. “[My niece]

to success, that started with our parents

questions,” she says, about staffing,

has been a huge role model for my

who still, to this day, push each of us to

running a small business, clinical issues,

daughter, a freshman in high school

do good and be a better person for the

and the basics of pediatrics — how

who plays golf,” says Avni of her close-

world.”

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 43

“Seeing thousands of my fellow Chicagoans love and support this team, this amazing group of women, is a feeling I will always cherish.”

FUN FACT: The trophy weighs 18 pounds!

44 ST. STEPHEN'S STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

A CHAMPION FOR WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Margaret Stender '74, minority owner of the Chicago Sky, revels in their 2021 WNBA Championship win.

BY SUSIE ZIMMERMANN When the Chicago Sky won its first-ever Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) championship in October 2021, the city quickly organized a celebration rally in downtown Chicago. As Margaret Stender, minority owner and chair of the Sky, approached Millennium Park for the rally, she was nervous that the crowd would be sparse and that the Sky players would be disappointed. But she had nothing to worry about.

Gaining Confidence, Leadership Skills, and a Love of Sports For Margaret, the Sky celebration also marked the culmination of her career and life-long love of sports, which was ignited at St. Agnes. As an Upper Schooler, she played basketball, field hockey, and softball, ran track and field, and served as captain of the Green Team. She received the Good Sportsmanship Cup in her senior year. Margaret also was involved in student government and served as president of her junior class, was counselor-at-large to the Honor Board, and worked on the Lambs' Tale yearbook and Ecology Club. “I hung out at school all the time,” she remembers.

“I was absolutely blown away by the size of the crowd, and all the joy and enthusiasm,” she recalls. “It was exhilarating, a sea of blue and yellow.

It was the incredibly diverse Sky crowd: women and men of all ages, colors, and ethnicities…all swaying and singing and cheering together for their Chicago Sky. What a beautiful site in today's world of division and conflict!”

Margaret was the team's first employee, founding president and CEO when the Sky was established in 2005.

She led the organization through its first six years of growth, challenges, and development. At the rally, Margaret reflected on how far the team had come from those early days when the

Margaret (right) rallying the Green Team to a win in her senior year.

organization struggled to get media coverage and sell tickets to games. In the run to the championship, the fan base grew game by game to, eventually, sellouts for the semi-finals and finals, and an enormous crowd for the celebration rally that included the governor, the mayor, and many of the city's famed pro athletes. “Seeing thousands of my fellow Chicagoans love and support this team, this amazing group of women, is a feeling I will always cherish.”

Among the teachers and coaches she admired, Margaret remembers meeting coach Kathy Jenkins in 1971 soon after she started at the school. “She cut in front of me in the cafeteria, and I thought she was a new girl,” she says, “but it turned out she was our new basketball coach!” This was the start of a coach-athlete mentorship and friendship that has continued through the decades, and the two remain close friends today.

“Kathy encouraged me to get better, to care more,” says Margaret. Kathy encouraged Margaret to develop her game so she could play basketball in college, a non-traditional path for girls at the time. “Even though Kathy was only 23 years old then, she had a vision and wisdom beyond her years,” says Margaret, who

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 45

contributions to the university. In 2007, she was inducted into the University of Richmond Hall of Fame and earned a Spider Athletics Alumni Achievement Award in 2020 for leadership and professional contributions.

After receiving a bachelor's degree in education and history, Margaret moved to Norfolk for three years to teach PE and coach girls varsity basketball and lacrosse at Norfolk Academy. A casual conversation with a lacrosse parent about a link between business and sports led Margaret to consider a career in business, and with that in mind she returned to school to earn her MBA at In the 1974 “Lamb's Tale,” the words under Margaret's senior portrait (left photo) tells her story, including: “jock, enthusiastic Green, Councilor at Large, Mrs. Jenkins, always smiling or laughing, tall, to be a gym teacher, loves math, knee socks and topsiders, legs... The photo on the right is Margaret (far right) playing basketball in her senior year.

the University of Virginia.

After receiving that degree in 1983, Margaret moved to Chicago to work for Quaker Oats, working her way up in the ranks of the consumer products company. She left Quaker to work at

remembers Kathy starting the lacrosse

help Coach Jenkins with her teams

Ameritech and Rand McNally, and later

program at St. Agnes without much

and demonstrate skills, and cement a

returned before Quaker was acquired

knowledge of the sport and, as a such,

connection with Kathy and the school

by PepsiCo in 2002. In the subsequent

innovatively and successfully applying

that would last for decades. In 1997,

years, her leadership roles included

her basketball expertise to the stick sport.

she was the inaugural inductee into the

president for Quaker Oats Ready-to-Eat

Fifty years later, Kathy's tenure was

SSSAS Hall of Fame.

Cereals and president of Tropicana Shelf

celebrated in May, along with her 800 career wins and the legacy she has built for girls lacrosse at SSSAS, in the region, and around the country.

Kathy remembers Margaret from those days as an outstanding athlete and person. “Her successes came from her strong work ethic and a passion and love for playing sports,” she says. “She inspired her teammates to play their best, and her desire to spend extra time working on her basketball skills helped me become a better coach. Margaret's love of basketball pushed me to study the game so I could stay one step ahead of her.”

For Margaret, attending the all-girls school “was a huge advantage,” she says.

“I was shy, quiet, tall, skinny, and being in that environment and playing sports helped me find my leadership voice and confidence in all aspects of school life.”

Margaret adds that the “strong-willed and at-times intimidating Headmistress Roberta McBride helped us believe we could do anything!”

During her college years, Margaret would return often to St. Agnes to 46 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

From College Athletics to Coaching Margaret attended the University of Richmond, where she was a three-sport student athlete and the first female to receive an athletic scholarship. She captained the field hockey team and was named to the 1st Team Tidewater AllStar Team. Co-captain of the basketball team for three years, she led her team to the most victories in school history at the time. She was named to the All-State Basketball team for three years, and, as a walk-on lacrosse player, made the 3rd Team Lacrosse All-State. Not a bad run for someone who said she had bad stick work, “although my basketball cutting and running skills helped make up for that by allowing me to stay open and shoot,” she reminisces.

At Richmond, Margaret also served as an Honor Council member and class officer, and was voted by the students as one of 20 seniors who made significant

Stable Beverages.

Reaching for the Sky In 2004 Margaret was introduced to longtime Chicago businessman Michael Alter, who had just decided to start a new WNBA franchise in Chicago when the league was looking for local investors. Alter needed someone to run the team, and while Margaret was skeptical at first, she was pleased to discover that the two of them had complimentary skills and values which would make a good team in building the organization.

Margaret was a business-trained marketer who capably built the Sky's brand in the community. Michael's commercial real estate expertise forged the connections and resources they needed with local businesses and politicians to build the franchise. “Ours was a fun and productive partnership,” says Margaret.

Working with the Sky also presented Margaret an opportunity to further

advance women's sports while also

move to Allstate Arena, TV broadcast

raising a new puppy, avidly bike-riding,

getting more involved with the city of

contracts, creation of the Chicago Sky

cooking, and reading.

Chicago, something she had not been

Cares Foundation, and helping to

able to do previously. And of course,

build a winning roster that included 3

she encourages today's Saints to recognize

witnessing first-hand the progress in

WNBA all-stars. “We have been proud

the lessons offered by sports, including

women's sports that Title IX has brought

to introduce our world-class athletes as

goal-setting, teamwork, hard work,

was a thrill. In 2007 at the time of her

exceptional role models,” says Margaret.

initiative, and leadership. “Use them as

University of Richmond Hall of Fame

“It has been rewarding to showcase

confidence boosters,” she says, “and skills

induction, Margaret says, “When I

strong accomplished women as an

and behaviors that can be applied to

graduated from high school in 1974,

inspiration and a force for positive social

anything that you do in life.” Her career is

one in 33 girls had the opportunity to

change.”

testament to that.

participate in high school athletics. Now

Margaret stepped down from the

Looking back on her career and life,

More broadly, Margaret worries

that number is one in three. These girls

president/CEO role with the Sky in

that American culture and society has

are learning the life lessons of sports and

2010 so she could have more time

become too focused on winning and

becoming a generation of women who

with her children and her parents, who

losing. “Winning shouldn't always mean

believe they can do anything.”

had recently moved to Chicago. She

that someone else loses,” she offers. “We

retains a minority ownership and chair

shouldn't lose a sense of kindness, caring,

was, Margaret also faced innumerable

role with the Sky, while continuing to

collaboration and empathy.”

challenges. At the time, most WNBA

attend almost every game and cheer

teams were affiliated with their NBA

every accomplishment leading up to the

counterpart teams in each market, but

championship.

As invigorating as the new job

the Sky was independent of the Bulls

When daughter Kathryn was in

NBA organization and the WNBA

seventh grade, Margaret recognized

headquarters had little experience

the need for a girl-focused basketball

with independently owned WNBA

club in Chicago, so she established

teams. However, Margaret and her

Flow Basketball Academy with former

organization's pioneering efforts to build

pro athlete and coach Korie Hlede.

the team on the court and in the front

The basketball and leadership travel

office have since led to a transformation

club works with girls 9-18 years old

of some of the WNBA's league rules to

and offers a holistic approach that

make it possible for other independent

helps athletes fully engage physical

franchises to operate successfully.

and mental skills, capabilities, and

Through all the obstacles the

preparation. The organization was able

organization faced, Margaret's

to continue through the COVID-19

appreciation of the fans and their

pandemic, first via Zoom, then in

unwavering support for the Sky has

small groups, and slowly returning to

been mutual. She fondly remembers the

full squad activities for an enrollment

team's Opening Night in 2006. “The

of up to 90 student-athletes. Flow

arena was packed and everyone was

also helps its more senior girls create

giddy,” she says. “People were thanking

basketball resumes and college lists to

me and I wanted to thank them for

market themselves to continue to play

Kathy Jenkins and Margaret remain

buying tickets!”

in college, and nine of its alumnae are

close friends today, and Kathy appreciates

currently playing at the college level.

the natural leadership Margaret has

Throughout her tenure, Margaret always sought to keep “an eye to the

In the past, Margaret served on the

Margaret speaking at the celebration for Kathy Jenkins achieving 600 lacrosse game wins in 2012.

exhibited throughout her life and career.

game and an eye to the business,” by

boards of The Latin School of Chicago

“High-performing athletes tend to be

focusing equally on the fans and the

and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago

natural leaders both on and off the field

athletes. “Pro sports seem to think first

& Northwest Indiana, and she was also a

or gym. Margaret was known for her

in terms of the game, which of course

member of The Chicago Network.

leadership, sense of motivation and the

is important,” she explains. “But it's

Daughter Kathryn recently graduated

innate ability to bring out the best in

also critical to appreciate our most loyal

from college and is working for the

herself and those around her. I love that

supporters and address what they care

YWCA in Salt Lake City, while her

she has given back to the sport she loved

most about.”

brother Nicholas, 28, is a middle school

the most. Margaret has 100% inspired

social studies teacher in Chicago Public

and given young women a chance to be a

important milestones, corporate

Schools. Proud mom Margaret stays in

part of her dream, and changed their lives

partnerships and sponsorships, a venue

close touch with both of them, while also

for the best.”

She steered the franchise through

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 47

48 ST. STEPHEN'S STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

BROTHERS KENDALL '10 AND KAMAL SMITH '14 A distinct pair of paths—and perspectives— in healthcare

By Hannah Van Sickle

When Kendall Smith '10 chose to play the

him back to Penn Nursing for grad

teacher Bud Garikes, who during Kendall's

baritone euphonium under the tutelage

school (which was ranked #1 for nursing

time was the Upper School Director.

of Dr. James Criswell in the SSSAS band,

at the time). There, Kendall embarked

Another name that jumps out while he is

it's unlikely he saw the off-the-beaten

upon a challenging three-year journey

reminiscing is Associate Head of School

track brass instrument as symbolic of the

of anesthesia training that combined his

Bob Weiman. “Bob, someone I have kept

unique path he would ultimately forge in

critical care nursing background with the

in touch with until this day, is fantastic,”

healthcare. In fact, the aspect of humility

opportunity to pursue the pharmaceutical

he says.

within success has been integral to his

and physiological aspects he sought in a

journey for as long as he can remember —

career. Kendall recalls shadowing in an

time at SSSAS? “The discipline of trying

which means he's hardly one to toot his

operating room, watching a patient get put

to organize and manage a busy schedule

own horn.

to sleep, and thinking: “Wow, that's really

while building a full day and interacting

cool!”

with different types of people, while

“It wasn't a lightbulb moment,” Kendall says of deciding to pursue nurse

Upon his graduation from the Doctor

As for an overall theme taken from his

remaining as versatile as possible [in the

anesthesia, rather a converging of myriad

of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia

process].” Kendall cites the sheer number

moments. His initial interest in medicine

(DNP-NA) program in 2021, he received

of activities he participated in, from

was piqued as a young person when

a special note from Leslie Williams —

baseball and basketball to band, as helping

several members of his family had to

his kindergarten teacher — evoking a

to shape him. His passion for music

overcome health challenges by undergoing

picture of five-year-old Kendall walking

persists (he was a DJ while an undergrad,

extensive surgical procedures. “Seeing

into SSSAS for the very first time. “Seeing

as a way to earn a bit of extra money), and

the compassion offered to them really

that message was a very cool, full-circle

his playlist is packed. “You'll find a little

opened my eyes to the human aspect of

moment,” he says, one that reminds him

bit of everything,” he says, from classical

healthcare,” he recalls. With science and

of how far he has come.

music to hip-hop and R&B (he's a big

math as his strong suits, he was motivated

Today, Kendall is a certified registered

Kendrick Lamar fan).

to “go for the best.” After an initial search

nurse anesthetist at Atrium Health in

of the best nursing schools (ranked by U.S.

Charlotte, N.C. He attributes much of

privilege of having a couple of really great

News & World Report) he aimed for the

his success to lessons gleaned from his

mentors,” Kendall adds, immediately

University of Pennsylvania which was in

Saints education — chief among them,

pointing to Dr. Wallena Gould, the

the top five.

“learning to be in a community where [we

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

were encouraged] to find commonalities

for the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia

where I would be able to challenge

among one another despite our different

Mentorship Program. Her organization's

myself and get the most out of a nursing

strengths, interests, and talents.” He

mission — to inform, empower, and

education,” Kendall says. After a

has fond memories of hands-on lessons

mentor underserved diverse populations

successful undergrad experience, rounded

in science classes with Upper School

as a means of preparing them for a

out in research and coupled with rigorous

teacher Sam Chan and Middle School

successful career in nurse anesthesia —

options like business classes at Wharton,

teacher Robert Davis, as well as the great

has inspired Kendall to pay it forward.

the unique blend of opportunities called

leadership shown by Upper School History

“I really wanted to identify a school

Further shaping has come from, “the

“That's kind of where my stage is now,” FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 49

“Whether or not that is fair, that I might have to meet the challenges of being the only African American person in the room, in the department, in the school — I can't necessarily change that for myself but hopefully, by walking through these doors, I will be able to change the dynamic for those behind me ” KENDALL SMITH

he says. “Creating access to those channels

that exist today are better than those his

providers in underserved communities

of information that weren't necessarily

mentors saw which, to Kendall, is progress

and providers who share demographic

accessible to me.” In the world of nurse

but just a start. “I'm striving to push down

similarities with individuals in high-

anesthesia, one Kendall calls “a hidden

one more domino...with integrity...while

need, minority communities. Kamal

gem,” men comprise more than 45% of the

having fun...and while also maintaining

was intrigued by the autonomy dentistry

population (as compared with less than

my sense of self and representing my

provides, namely being poised to shape his

10% of nurses in general); that said, only

community (of which SSSAS is a part)

practice to reflect his goals and create an

12% of CRNAs are People of Color, with

and my family,” which includes a younger

impactful environment. Ultimately, he was

only 3% identifying as African American.

brother who, while in a different field, is

hooked by the preventive and interactive

Eventually, Kendall has his eye on

aligned with Kendall's overarching goal:

nature of dentistry. Dentists can stave off

joining an academic faculty and working

to carve a career path in healthcare that

the spread of disease to the rest of the body

to develop an even greater presence in

positively impacts as many people as

by addressing conditions that present

organizations that promote diversity while

possible.

first in the mouth. Kamal was drawn to

increasing exposure to the field. “The

As a third-year dental student, Kamal

the ability to develop relationships with

numbers are a fact,” he admits, adding

Smith '14 is doing just that. At present, the

patients and whole families throughout

“a lack of healthcare workforce diversity

DDS Candidate at the University of North

their lives. That same summer, when

plays out in health disparities, and pairing

Carolina Adams School of Dentistry is

shadowing dentists in the field, Kamal

the two creates a sense of responsibility,”

busy seeing patients five days a week in

made two additional observations: the

he says, to use his specific skill set and

clinical rotations. His inherent interest in

dentists he met loved what they did and

create change for the better — something

healthcare emerged early on. Growing up,

they had a good work-life balance. “I

that motivates him to show up and be his

Kamal gravitated toward math and science

was intrigued, and I haven't looked back

best self, every single day.

classes and figured the most impactful way

since!”

“Whether or not that is fair, that I

to use these strengths was to help others.

Suffice it to say, he has a keen eye for

might have to meet the challenges of being

Following his freshman year at Duke

detail — something Kamal attributes

the only African American person in the

University, he participated in the Summer

to his time at SSSAS. “Mrs. Geiger, my

room, in the department, in the school — I

Medical & Dental Education Program at

Upper School math teacher, was so

can't necessarily change that for myself

the Duke University School of Medicine.

organized. She really encouraged and

but hopefully, by walking through these

“The seminar on dentistry really grabbed

helped me to come up with a study plan

doors, I will be able to change the dynamic

my attention for a number of reasons,”

and turn something, that at first was very

for those behind me,” he says, noting that

remembers Kamal. He was initially struck

challenging, into one of my strengths,”

a shift is already underway. The numbers

by the simultaneous dearth of healthcare

he recalls. Kamal participated in football,

50 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

basketball, soccer, baseball, and track and field and found that preparation leading to success was consistently an underlying spirit of the environment in all the sports he played. This mindset of practicing as if it were the game — whether presenting a workshop or refining his technique in the skills lab — is a life lesson Kamal carries with him, one that permeates myriad arenas.

Chief among his goals at present

Currently the president elect of the National Dental Association, Kamal Smith says the position has allowed him to “advance the field and make it more equitable and accessible to all those who are interested.”

is making an impact in multiple spaces while still in school. For Kamal, this translates to participating in

to my work environment, to be able to

organizations such as the Student

provide care for patients, requires me

National Dental Association. He joined

to take time for myself and my passions

SNDA at the local level his first year.

outside of dentistry,” he underscores. To

Last year he got involved on the regional

that tune, Kamal loves to exercise (he

level as a coordinator, and he is currently

goes to the gym pretty regularly) and

the president elect on the national

enjoys watching and playing basketball

level — a position that has allowed him

during his free time. He's also a huge

to “advance the field and make it more

music lover — whether listening to live

equitable and accessible to all who are

music, attending concerts or looping

interested.” In this vein, he also serves as

tracks (Kendall passed all his DJ

the executive director of The Visionary

equipment down to Kamal the summer

Institute, a nonprofit he founded in

before he started at Duke). “He taught

2020 to increase educational and career

me a couple things, and I took it from

opportunities for underrepresented

there,” Kamal says. The four-year

young men and women who are

difference between the two precluded

contemplating college, transitioning

collaborating — something he hopes to

into graduate school, or entering the

make space for in the future.

workforce.

He calls the endeavor, “a mixture

“I'm definitely leaving the door open,”

Kendall has been focused on goals

Kamal says of the potential for working

since graduating from high school; for

of both paying forward the support

together, a sentiment with which Kendall

the moment, he is keen on being present.

I received, and being that person for

concurs: “I hope to get the chance to

“I want to help people, and I want to

others I wish I would have had through

work with my brother,” either on dental

preserve a sense of enjoying the process

the graduate school process,” he says.

procedures that require anesthesia or

while I'm going about it,” he says. He

Kamal cites programs such as Johns

as a consultant. This shared desire is

notes accomplishments — such as being

Hopkins CTY Scholars (a four-year

testament to the role family has played

awarded the Supplement to Promote

scholarship and advising program

in their respective journeys to date. The

Diversity in Health-Related Research

aimed at helping underrepresented

siblings point to their parents, Maurice

grant from the National Institute of

high school students achieve at top

and Linda Smith, as teaching them the

Neurological Disorders and Stroke in

levels) coupled with the mentorship of

importance of working hard to achieve

2020, part of the National Institutes of

his SSSAS College Counselor, Mr. Tim

their goals.

Health — as reason to take pause. He's

Doyle, who led him directly toward the

“It took getting up early, it took

certain this approach will allow him

right resources throughout the college

staying at school late, and that sacrifice

to remain energized while finding the

process. Subsequently, an undercurrent

still motivates me,” says Kamal, whose

passionate space he's best suited for.

that ripples through his advocacy work is

parents woke at 5 a.m. to cook breakfast

educating others about the disparity that

and make the 45-minute drive from

step at a time lest he get daunted focusing

exists among programs and resources

Prince George's County, Md., to drop the

on the final destination. “Focus on laying

while working to increase access.

boys at school before going on to work.

one brick at a time,” he advises — no

This was the routine, day in and day out,

matter what task is at hand. “Let that

keeled and cognizant of the task at hand:

that positioned him “to reach his dreams,

build, day after day, and you end up

finding balance. “To bring my full self

to have the best opportunity.”

getting where you want to be.”

Despite the full plate, Kamal is even-

And Kamal? He's taking things one

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 51

CATCHING UP WITH YOUNG ALUMNI

E

From Toy Boats to Building Ships for Chevron

Clay Kane '13

Naval Architect and Marine Engineer

BY MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS '76

52 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

Everyone knows little kids love cars and

“I liked going on adventures in the

trucks, but when Clay Kane was a child,

different port cities, but what I really

he was all about ships and water. “I don't

wanted to do was explore the ship,” Clay

remember the exact how and why, but

says about cruises he enjoyed with his

according to my mom the first word I

mom, Amy Curtis '80, and grandmother,

could spell was Titanic,” Clay says. “I was

Odie Curtis. “I was always trying to talk to

obsessed with anything about the Titanic

the officers or the engineers but they are

shipwreck and the man who discovered

very strict for safety reasons.” There is a

it, Dr. Robert Ballard.” Clay was sure

large and intricate model of a sailing ship

he wanted to be an oceanographer and

in Amy's living room that they bought in

hunt for shipwrecks, but at some point he

Stockholm at the Vasa Museum. The Vasa

started thinking more about building ships

was one of the most powerful warships

”that hopefully don't sink.” And now he is

built in the Baltic in the 1700's. For its

doing exactly that, working for Chevron as

maiden voyage, the crew was allowed to

a new construction project coordinator.

invite family and friends aboard. “It was

the pride of the Swedish Navy,” Clay

they were. Playing in the pit orchestra

explains. “But as it sailed out into the

for the Upper School musicals was

harbor, it immediately sank. They

super fun.”

had too many people on board and it

When it came time for Clay to

just rolled over.” Remarkably, the soil

look at colleges, he was considering

it settled in had no salt so when they

mechanical engineering when he

found and excavated it in 1961, it was

stumbled across naval architecture and

extremely well preserved.

headed to the University of Michigan.

Clay and Amy both attended

Five years later he left with a bachelor's

SSSAS from Lower School through

and a master's of science in naval

graduation, and Clay's connection to

architecture and marine engineering.

the school runs deep. Growing up, he

In his senior year, Clay was part

witnessed Amy's tireless dedication to

of a five-student team that won the

the school, serving on four different

international Dr. James A. Lisnyk

boards and co-chairing two head of

Student Ship Design Competition.

school search committees. “It just

The challenge is to design a theoretical

felt like home and the right place to

but practical cutting-edge vessel. Clay

be,“ Clay says. His love of math and

and his team designed a ballast-free

science started early. “Middle School

liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier

math class with Mrs. Nuckolls was

vessel. The concept represents a

wonderful,” he recalls. “I don't know

paradigm shift in vessel design. The

how she had the patience to deal with

team implemented a cutting-edge

that many middle school boys in the

structural design theory known as

same class.” Later, he particularly

Advanced Double Hull, which allows

enjoyed AP Physics and AP Calculus

water to flow unimpeded through

BC—giving him an excellent

the bottom of the ship, as opposed to

foundation for engineering.

holding stagnant water in large tanks.

Since ballast water discharge can

Outside of math and science, Clay

contain a variety of biological materials

has fond memories of Emily Geiger's

that are often non-native—from toxic

AP Economics class. “Her AP Econ

algae to cholera—they can cause major

class was the best class I've ever

damage to aquatic ecosystems, like the

taken,” Clay says. “We had so much

Great Lakes. “The design we worked

fun, and I think every single person

on not only turned out to be a more

in the class got a five on the exam.”

sustainable solution, but was also

Although English wasn't a favorite

estimated to be 7-10% more efficient,”

subject, Clay is grateful to many of

Clay says.

5 Things to

Know about

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

1) More than 70% of our planet's surface is covered with water, and our lives are influenced by this fact every day. We rely on our water-based industries to support our society.

2) Naval architects and marine engineers design, build, and maintain ships.

3) This field of engineering incorporates elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering as applied to the engineering design process, shipbuilding, maintenance, and operation of marine vessels and structures.

4) Naval architecture involves basic and applied research, design, development, design evaluation and calculations during all stages of the life of a marine vehicle.

5) They work on cargo ships and tankers, cruise ships, aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, high speed sailing and power boats, mega yachts, tugboats, icebreakers, floating wind turbines, underwater robots, and more.

his English teachers. “We had a great group in Mrs. Zebrak's freshman class, and in junior year Mr. Wenger was so knowledgeable and so into film,” Clay says. “In Middle School I had Mrs. Wolf as an advisor and for English. We had quite a connection and she was wonderful. I credit her with my biggest improvements in writing and speaking.”

Clay loved the performing arts environment, picking up clarinet in Middle School. “Band was my escape from the academic rigors,” he says. “It just came second nature to me and I

2017 Lisnyk Winning Ship Design A ballast-free liquified natural gas carrier vessel

appreciated that the music teachers accepted our various skill levels as FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 53

and the expat community isn't large,”

Chevron crew came out and we helped

architecture intern, including working

Clay spent his summers as a naval

Clay says. “You could say it's a very

get them ready to operate the ship upon

for Chevron providing engineering

authentically Korean experience to

completion.”

support for their fleet, which is

live there—not a lot of Western food or

Earlier this year, Clay returned to

composed of oil tankers and LNG

Western style stores.” Clay enjoyed the

South Korea for another six months on a

carriers. When he finished his studies in

more immersive nature of living there

new oil tanker project. With COVID cases

Michigan in 2018, Chevron offered him

and now misses Korean food, which was

rising in the country, living and working

permanent employment in San Ramon,

fresh and delicious. While he couldn't

there took a different turn. “They had a lot

California. One of Clay's first large

travel on the level he had hoped, he did

more cases and restrictions,” Clay recalls.

projects was working on an oil tanker

get to see a good bit of Korea between

“You couldn't go out, you couldn't eat with

from inception to launch. Two years into

the first project in Mokpo, the second

more than three people, and you couldn't

the project, he was getting ready to go

project in Okpo on Geoje Island, and

travel at all. Last year it was a great place

to a shipyard in South Korea, a leading

some trips to Seoul and the DMZ. While

to be, but this year was harder. They were

country in ship manufacturing, when

he only learned a bit of Korean, he never

very slow on the vaccine rollout. This time

the pandemic hit and his departure was

found the language barrier to be much

it was much more about getting the job

delayed three months, from March to

of an issue. “I found Korea to be a very

done and going home.”

June in 2020.

welcoming country, and the people were

“South Korea had a good handle on

Now that Clay is home in California,

very proud and generous in sharing

he is back to playing golf and soccer,

the COVID situation that summer, with

their culture,” Clay says. “In my work

learning more about wine, and visiting

only about 20 reported cases a day, so it

settings, there were people from Korea,

wineries in Napa and Sonoma. After

was nice to be out there at the time,” Clay

Greece, India, Romania, Scotland,

four years at Chevron, Clay continues to

says. “When we first got there we had to

Ireland, Croatia, etc., so there were lots of

like what he is doing. “I still find ships

do a two-week isolation in our rooms, but

languages being spoken.”

fascinating…in many ways they are

after that we got to experience normal

The last phase of the project in South

antique technology,” Clay says. “People

life—or, at least, as close to normal life as

Korea took five months. “Every day

have been traveling and transporting

was possible. The only downside was not

we'd go out to the shipyard to observe

goods by sea for thousands of years and

being able to travel around South Korea

and conduct inspections, checking

ships are still so important in everyone's

or Asia, which I was looking forward to

the construction of the ship, and then

lives, providing energy and transporting

doing.”

checking all of the equipment that's

goods. While we have made many

installed to make sure it's running how

technological advances in many areas,

particularly in Mokpo, in the far

it's supposed to and installed how it

there are so many opportunities to make

southwest corner. “It's a smaller city

was supposed to be,” Clay explains. “As

them more efficient and reliable.” And, no

(traditionally a fishing/seafaring hub),

we closed in on delivery of the ship, the

doubt, if it can be done, Clay will do it.

Clay enjoyed living in South Korea,

Clay sightseeing with his girlfriend, Maddie Kramer, in South Korea.

54 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

CATCHING UP WITH YOUNG ALUMNI

doing.” That desire to learn more, do more, and be more is how she ended up working in TIAA Bank Field Stadium, along with a few fortuitous twists of fate.

Leah's no stranger to football. Her father, Bernard Joseph, is head coach of the varsity football team, as well as a Lower School P.E. teacher and DEIB program assistant at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes. He was a starting defensive end for Virginia Tech, alongside future NFL and Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Smith, but his dreams of going pro ended with an injury in his senior year. Afterwards, he successfully threw himself into coaching. And, well, her cousin is Washington Football defensive end Chase Young, who made the 2020 Pro Bowl and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Leah and Chase were close growing up. “We were the most athletically focused, the roughest and the toughest, the daredevils,” Leah says with a wicked grin. “At Disney World we went for the biggest roller coaster rides.” It would seem Leah must have grown up playing football in the backyard, but that's not the case at all. “Wrong! I begged to play football my entire life, but my dad wouldn't let me,” she says. While Chase and her brother, Terence '15, threw the football around,

L

A Love of Football and a Little Bit of Luck

Leah Joseph '13

Moving Up to the NFL

Leah Joseph is learning all the plays... of the Jacksonville Jaguar football team.

Really she is. It's not a requirement of her new NFL job as the assistant to General Manager Trent Baalke, she's doing it on her own. “I focus on the basics, like gaps

BY MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS '76

and techniques, and see if I can spot them while they're practicing,” Leah says. “That's just my own thing, wanting to know everything I can about what I'm

she had to watch from the sidelines. However, not being able to play football didn't hold her back from enthusiastically pursuing other sports.

“Sports are a great way to meet people, make new friends, and be active,” Leah says. “As I watched the Olympics on T.V. I would say, 'Ohh, I want to try that!'”

She tried ice skating and softball before settling into basketball, but she still wanted to experience more. Watching Venus and Serena Williams inspired her to try out for the Middle School tennis team in seventh grade, but her Middle School P.E. Teacher, Betsy Rice, gently steered her in a different direction.

“After tryouts they were like, 'Um, don't think this is for you, but you should try out for volleyball,'” Leah recalls. Getting cut from tennis was a gift. Leah made the volleyball team and stuck with it. In ninth grade she made varsity and went to a volleyball camp for the first time at Duke University. That was when she realized how amazing volleyball was and quit playing basketball.

At SSSAS Leah was named an Outstanding Athlete in 2010, 2011, and 2012, ISL A All-

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 55

SAINTLY FACTS

Leah went on to play volleyball at

won the AVCA (American Volleyball

Georgia Southern University, where she

Coaches Association) Diversity Award,

also put some coaching experience on

an honor that recognizes an individual's

her resume. Although she sat out the

efforts to change and improve their

2013 season with an injury, she then

community by focusing on a multitude

played in 27 matches and logged career

of issues including the fight for equality,

Favorite SSSAS Tradition: The Thanksgiving chapel service, I loved getting the entire school together and the anticipation of having kindergarten buddies in senior year was always fun.

highs (108 kills, 94 blocks) in 2014,

social injustice issues, discrimination.

Favorite book read in English class: “To Kill a Mockingbird” in eighth grade—Mrs. Sherley Keith made it come alive in the classroom.

Favorite SSSAS Event: Sleepy Thompson Basketball Tournament

Outstanding Memory: Going to Romania on the service learning trip sophomore year for spring break!

Favorite Subject: I loved Mandarin Chinese. The culture and the challenge of drawing characters intrigued me.

including leading the team in blocks.

Just as she had decided it was time

While at GSU Leah was the head coach

to move on and leave Virginia Tech, the

of the Southern Slammers Volleyball

funniest thing happened. “I had packed

Club for girls ages 13-18, and she

everything up and found someone to

worked actively on the student advisory

sublease my apartment,” Leah explains.

board. In 2016 she was a student

“Then one of my friends who is a coach

assistant coach for the GSU Eagles,

at Tech said, 'Leah, football needs an

assisting with day-to-day practices and

on-campus recruiting person and I think

organizing pre-game meals. She was

you would be great at it.'” He might have

also a keynote speaker for the athletic

thought so, but Leah wasn't so sure. She

convocation, and was an invocation

liked the atmosphere of football and

speaker for the annual academic athletic

had helped them out a couple of times

award ceremony her senior year.

before with big events, but wasn't crazy

Armed with a bachelor's in

about volleyball recruiting. But he was

psychology, Leah spent a couple of

persistent and convincing and ultimately

years as an intern in hospitality and a

recruited her.

government affairs consulting firm, but

Leah stayed and fell completely in

neither felt like the right career path.

love with the job. No question it was

Did a particular teacher/class have a profound effect on you?

Mrs. Keith had such a profound effect on me in Middle School. She shaped how I analyzed and processed literature for the rest of my academic career. She took the time to make sure I understood the 'why' when I got things wrong. I developed an entirely new level of critical thinking.

She was applying to get a master's, when

hard work, but Leah was undaunted.

Ohio State's interest in recruiting Chase

Because of the pandemic, Virginia

led to a fork in the road. She met OSU's

Tech decided to add official visits in the

Head Football Coach Urban Meyer at

summer. Starting in June, there were at

Chase's home visit dinner. “I knew I

least 15 official visits every weekend,

had to do something in sports,” Leah

each of which involved planning for

says. “Both of Urban's daughters played

200-300 people. The first week Leah

volleyball, so we talked about volleyball

didn't sleep. No one did, but every day

the entire dinner.” Urban was impressed

was unexpectedly great. “Meeting all

Did a particular coach inspire you?

My dad is my life coach in everything.

Although he never played or coached me in the sport I ended up falling in love with, he learned everything about it to help me improve my game. I also knew that whether or not he was at the match, he was always watching.

Somehow, I knew he would find out about my performance and that always motivated me.

and asked for her resume. He sent it out

the incoming players and their parents,

with a letter to a group of coaches and

selling the university, the town, event

one of them thought she might be a great

planning, all of it was right down my

fit for a coach she knew who was looking

alley,” Leah says. “It was fun to create an

for an operations person. The next thing

experience for people.”

League in 2011, and All-ISL and VISAA All-State in 2012. In her senior year she helped propel the 2012 Volleyball team to the ISL A Tournament Championship, which ended with a tough five-game loss to Holton-Arms. Off the court and on the track, she broke the school's record in the 100-meter hurdles.

56 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

she knew, she was pursuing a master's

In the meantime, Leah had kept in

of education in student affairs and

touch with Urban Meyer, sending him

athletic administration and had a job as

brief updates on what she was doing

the director of volleyball operations at

or letting him know she would be at an

Virginia Tech, her dad's alma mater.

OSU game to watch Chase. When he was

Although she never paid attention

hired as head coach by the Jacksonville

to the administrative side of things

Jaguars, she sent him a congratulatory

when she was playing volleyball, Leah

email and let him know she would be

discovered she really loved working

interested in working there. “This was

behind the scenes. For the next four

before I got the football job at Tech, but

years her duties included assisting with

I knew I wanted to move into a higher

day-to-day operations, scheduling, team

revenue sport like football or basketball,

travel, and business office logistics.

even though I wasn't sure how I would

She also functioned as a liaison with

fit in,” Leah explains. “Urban put me in

equipment and nutrition, and assisted

contact with his assistant, Elizabeth, and

with game management. In 2020, Leah

we emailed once or twice.” Then out of

“My favorite part of this job is delving in and learning everything about the game, because I love watching it and think I understand it more than the average person would,” Leah says. “Seeing it from the ground up is really interesting—from the moment a player is traded and gets off the flight, arrives at the stadium, gets onboarded, gets his jersey, and then integrates with the team.”

On game day, Leah has a full day at the stadium. “The GM has a family suite that I decorate,” Leah says. “It

STATS: WOMEN IN THE NFL This year the NFL has a record 12 women serving as coaches and an all-time high of 38.2% in League office roles. The Jacksonville Jaguars have four women, including Leah, in executive administration support roles in the front office, and 45 more women in an organization of 239 people overall—meaning only 21% of staff are women. Two are in sports performance (the director of performance nutrition and the head team psychologist); three on the business operations leadership team, including the executive vice president of business planning, the chief legal officer, and the vice president of people and culture; the vice president of football communications; and a good number of others are in senior and director management roles.

brings out the college recruiter girl in me, putting little pom poms and helmets everywhere and making sure all the food is ordered. I also cover the injured player/practice squad suite, making sure they have somewhere to sit during the game.” In addition, she ushers people on and off the field and manages the post-game family tent.

The pandemic precludes Leah from traveling with the team, but it could happen in the future. There are rigid COVID safety precautions in place that include having to wear a tracer at all times. There are pretty hefty fines for being caught without it. Her office is a separate space from the business office and because of COVID they are like

the blue, Leah got a text from Elizabeth asking her to call as soon as possible.

“I felt like I was going to the principal's office,” Leah laughs. “But I called her right away.” They were looking for an assistant for the general manager and Elizabeth thought Leah would be perfect.

Leah sent an updated resume and didn't have to wait long for a response. “I was actually playing Candy Crush at my desk during lunch when the phone rang and it was Trent Baalke,” Leah recalls. “I flew down to meet with him and we really clicked, right from the start.” She felt terrible leaving Virginia Tech after just a few months in her new job, but everyone was supportive and said, “It's the NFL and when they call, you go!”

The learning curve has been tremendous, but Leah feels like she's in her element. “It's pretty different every day,” Leah says. “It's not like the Devil Wears Prada assistant, but I will ask

Trent if he needs a coffee.” The general manager is the highest standing employee in the team's personnel department. He answers directly to the owner and has final veto power on all player-related decisions the team makes. Trent's job responsibilities include hiring the head coach, building the remainder of the personnel department staff, coordinating the rubric for scouting college prospects and compiling the team's roster in accordance to the NFL's salary cap. It's Leah's job to support him, for example assisting the large team of pro and college scouts who need credentials and parking passes for the college games and other various things from the home base that Leah assists them with. She also helps bring in free agents for a tryout, reaching out to the player, arranging his travel, helping him get settled and through the onboarding process.

cohorts that don't mix right now.

So is there any room for growth with the NFL? Leah believes there is.

“Trent actually asked me that question in my interview, but six months ago at Virginia Tech I couldn't imagine myself working in football there, much less here,” Leah says. “I didn't know how much I would like this, and I love it. And I love the NFL.” Trent is giving Leah a hand in a variety of different departments to see what she likes. “I think I want to be in player engagement and player development,” Leah says. “I want to help them to succeed off the field, which is in line with my academic degrees. But for now, I can absolutely see myself staying right where I am!”

And the answer to the biggest question of all? No, she doesn't play fantasy football. She's living the real thing.

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 57

AN EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Having grown up in Washington, D.C., I knew of the school's strong reputation. Through one of my closest college friends who was teaching here at the time, I had learned of the warmth of the community and the positive teaching environment that existed. What I did not fully comprehend at the time, but what became quite obvious early in my tenure, was that being an Episcopal school was an integral and foundational aspect of the school; and this is a major reason why I have loved being a teacher and administrator here for more than 25 years.

Episcopal schools are inclusive institutions. As the National Association of Episcopal Schools states on its website, Episcopal schools are “ecumenical and diverse ministries of educational and human formation for people of all faiths and backgrounds.” At St. Stephen's and St. Agnes our mission calls us to “honor the unique value of each

WHY I LOVE WORKING AT AN EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

of our members as a child of God in a caring community,” and this big tent philosophy means that people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed and affirmed. As a Jew, my faith is honored at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes. During my time here I have been invited to share my family's faith traditions at Lower School chapel, from celebrating the Passover story of Moses leading the exodus from Egypt to demonstrating

BY BOB WEIMAN Associate Head of School

how my family welcomes the Sabbath on Friday evenings. I showed a video of my traditional Jewish wedding ceremony to a religion

When I joined the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes

class (fortunately we were able to

faculty as a sixth grade English teacher in

Mitzvah album (braces and all) at

1993, I knew that it was a wonderful school

the evening with the traditional

and a special place.

year our chaplains wish me a happy

locate a VCR), displayed my Bar our Multicultural Night, and ended celebration dance, the hora. Each new year on Rosh Hashanah. Like other Episcopal schools, we proudly

58 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

embrace our Episcopal identity and are deliberate and purposeful in welcoming people of different faiths.

Working at an Episcopal school provides so many opportunities to learn about Christianity, the Episcopal church, and Episcopal traditions, which has made me a more well-rounded and knowledgeable person. Through observing Godly Play lessons and religion classes and attending regular chapel services,

“I continue to be proud to work in an Episcopal school whose church is at the forefront of equity, justice, and honoring human dignity.”

and at Hebrew school, and, as a family, we welcome the Sabbath through prayer, thanking God for food and drink and the Sabbath candles and for the blessing of being together.

This is complemented at school as we pray at chapel for our school community, for our sister school in Haiti, for peace and justice, and for family members (and even pets) who are sick or who have died. Our chaplains offer the right words at the

I have learned about the life and

right time to affirm and encourage

teachings of Jesus; while these stories

and comfort my colleagues and me.

are not from my own faith tradition, the messages are universal and meaningful, and I feel fortunate to hear and know them. How can one not be moved by the meaning of the lone pair of footprints in the sand?

My parents sent me to an Episcopal elementary school not only for the strong education, but also because they thought it would be enriching for me to learn about Christianity. I feel so lucky that this education continues. I am also proud of the fact that I know grammatically when to use “Episcopal” and when to use “Episcopalian!”

Some schools focus on character, but in Episcopal schools the focus is rooted deeply in biblical teachings.

Our St. Stephen's and St. Agnes mission states that we “pursue goodness as well as knowledge.” As we share with our students, if they graduate merely as strong students and artists and athletes we would have failed in our mission, as we want them to be good, kind, empathetic people. I feel grateful that as I speak with students about the choices they make and the consequences of their actions (both positive and negative) and the good they can do in the world through service, it is rooted in God's commandment to “love thy neighbor” and to serve God by serving others.

This is similar to an important tenet of Judaism- tikkun olam, which means “repair the world.”

Also, the church's focus on social justice resonates deeply with me. In my sixth grade English class I taught the novel “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,” which led to the creation of a student group called UNITE. The discussions that emanated from this book and the student group were supported and affirmed by the teachings and actions of the Episcopal Church. At that time the church had just issued the House of Bishop's Pastoral Letter on the Sin of Racism, and I was truly moved by its clarity and boldness. This fall the National Association of Episcopal Schools powerfully reaffirmed its commitment to equity in its Statement on Inclusion and Episcopal Identity. The school's longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—from the formation of student and faculty multicultural groups in the mid 1990's to our more recently developed Action Steps for Racial Justice—flow out of both our Mission and our identity as an Episcopal school. I continue to be proud to work in an Episcopal school whose church is at the forefront of equity, justice, and honoring human dignity.

Finally, I feel blessed to work in an Episcopal school, where prayer is a fundamental part of who we are. I grew up praying at synagogue, particularly during the High Holidays

I will never forget the prayers offered on September 11, 2001. As we learned of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center we believed that a terrible accident had occurred, and we gathered in the Middle School gym to pray together. It felt natural and right and just what we needed at that time.

As we began to understand the truth of that morning, the prayers that were offered were even more needed and appreciated.

When our beloved chaplain Rev. Michael Hinson passed away, prayers brought us comfort and helped us to process the sadness and disbelief that we felt from this deep loss. At his memorial service, seeing our past and present chaplains and our Bishop assembled before us helped to bathe us in love and hope during our time of mourning.

When I joined the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes community, I had a certain level of comfort with Episcopal schools having attended one for seven years as a student. So when thinking about attending chapel or religion classes or experiencing prayers at meetings and school events, I thought to myself, “I'm fine with that.” But what started out as “fine” quickly became something I truly cherish about our school community. I feel so fortunate to work at an Episcopal school where goodness, social justice, inclusion, and prayer are part of the fabric of the community.

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 59

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

YUMI RODRIGUEZ BELANGA '96

Still Cheering and Leading A conversation with the new Alumni Association Board president.

This fall Christian Ferry '93 passed the role of Alumni Association Board (AAB) president to his energetic and vivacious vice president, Yumi Rodriguez Belanga '96. Her senior page in the “Traditions” yearbook paints an early picture of leadership and spirit. Always ready to support her fellow Saints, she was a cheerleader throughout high school, including being co-captain as a junior,

1996 2022

and captain in her senior year. She also spent four years in the Students Against Drunk Driving Club; the Spanish Club, which she led as co-president in twelfth grade; and the diversity club, Unity, open to all students interested in the

something new. She started as a temp

superlative coaching, mentoring, and

different cultures represented in the

at the Military Officers Association of

teamwork.

school. During her junior and senior

America (MOAA) and in the blink of an

year, she was active with the NCBI

eye found herself leading them through

professional and runs a small business

(National Coalition Building Institute),

rapid changes in the digital field as their

which does government contracts

an organization that builds leadership

interim chief information officer and vice

in cybersecurity. He also went to an

for diversity resource teams and

president. Yumi joined the AAB in 2015

independent school and values the

conducts training in diversity, equity,

at the suggestion of her dear friend and

community a small school provides the

and inclusion skills on campuses across

former AAB member, LaKesha Bankston-

student and their family. Their daughter,

the nation. Under faculty guidance, the

Glover '96. LaKesha told her it would

Alessia '27, adores animals and has a

1996 NCBI club members hosted an

not only be fun, but also fulfilling - and

vibrant, creative mind. She loves being a

intense winter workshop to discuss how

according to Yumi she was spot on! Yumi

Saint and Yumi and Kevin have enjoyed

to overcome feelings of exclusion and

brings years of experience as a driven

watching her grow into a compassionate

increase feelings of belonging.

leader in program, vendor, and resource

young lady that values community and

management in the non-profit sector to

exploration.

After graduating from SSSAS,

Yumi's husband, Kevin, is also an IT

Yumi received a bachelor's in art and

the AAB. She is a strategic thinker known

visual technologies with honors from

for fostering a positive and collaborative

things—in the kitchen, in the craft room,

George Mason University. She worked

environment that enables employees

and in her community making new

in the hospitality industry for a couple

to grow and succeed, and she has been

connections and strengthening existing

of years, but decided to search for

recognized by senior management for

ones. As a family they love to travel and

60 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

In her spare time Yumi likes to create

explore different cultures, food, and gifts

In what ways did your SSSAS education

What traditions/values/lessons from

of nature.

prepare you for college and life beyond?

SSSAS have stayed in your life after

English class did not come easy for me,

graduating?

We talked to Yumi to learn a bit more

but as I reflect on the critiques of my

While the classroom instruction is

about her aspirations for the AAB and her

papers, and feedback on my grammar

exceptional, the lessons in goodness to

experiences as a Saint.

exercises, I realize how grateful I

each other, the environment, and our

am to have had that skill set refined

community are as well. Principles such

How does your role at the Military

prior to entering the workforce. My

as being empathetic for those around you

Officers Association of America relate

career has spanned from marketing to

and listening without judgment are still

to serving on the Alumni Association

communications, to now IT and whether

carried with me daily as I interact with

Board?

it's a proposal, a business plan, or an

colleagues and those close to me.

Although I went to college with an art

email to a peer—writing with sincerity

focus, my IT role at MOAA is centered

and thoroughness is key.

more on the other side of my brain concentrating on analytical and technical

What is your favorite SSSAS memory?

skills. I have had many opportunities,

I have many special memories from my

though, to blend both my passions for

time at SSSAS, and even from SAS (St.

creative thinking and logical approach

Agnes). From Girl Scout troop meetings

in my contributions to the organization.

in Sinclair Hall at the Lower School to

Thinking through digital strategies has

the Shrinemont bonding trips during

Yumi Rodriguez Belanga '96

some parallels to the AAB. You've got to

freshman and senior year--there was

President

think about the user/member, how they

always laughter, camaraderie, and

Erin McConnell '99

will engage in your product or offering,

impactful moments that shaped my

Vice President

and how to keep them excited for what's

view of what a team should look like. My

coming in the roadmap.

most favorite memories come from the

Meredith Bentsen '11

annual Sleepy Thompson Basketball

Jessica Bigby '00

What areas would you like to focus on as

Tournament. It was invigorating, for

Caroline Blair '11

AAB president over the next two years?

the whole school (not just the Upper

Kristin Seith Burkhalter '97

Our alumni are amazingly talented,

Schoolers), to cheer on the players and

Cam Burley '04

successful, and fascinating people.

coaches. Saints fans both big and small

David Cogar '87

We have jewelry designers, attorneys,

would pack into the gym to come to

Andrew Cordia '09

professional athletes, and successful

see their favorite team and players play

Rebecca Dickerson '11

business owners among us. I'm excited to

amongst loud cheers and sometimes

Amanda Dove '10

connect us all through local and virtual

crazy audience outfits!

Karen Washington Franklin '73

events this year. During COVID we've

Alumni Association Board

Alison Taylor Henry '02

been disconnected from our communities,

Did any of your teachers have a

Randy Hollerith '82

and I hope that in the coming months

profound or lasting effect on you?

Barbara Butler Leonard '68

we'll be able to revive those connections in

For some reason the art teachers, Ms.

Mary Olivia Cox MacLeod '71

a variety of ways. In addition to enhancing

Debold and Ms. Cain, really left great

Lisa Meltz '93

relations among our community, I'd like

lessons with me. They pushed us to be

Chris Miller '05

to continue to enhance activity within

creative and take risks in a safe space.

Marc Miller '87

our affinity groups such as the Alumni of

Through classmate critiques we grew to

Tori Miller '12

Color. The affinity groups are a great way

understand different perspectives and

Michele Phillips '12

to network and bond with peers that have

sometimes slightly tougher skin, but

John Quinn '05

similar interests.

again in safe space. Studio time allowed

Matt Shiroma '01

me to explore and gain perspective in

Nate Solberg '04

such as one geared for scientist/medical

a different way, as art classes are not

Sam Teague '11

professionals and art lovers. I'd love to get

always linear typical courses. This is

Meg Babyak Tucker '73

more data on what our alumni are doing

probably why I ended up starting my

Nick Williams '10

so we can create meaningful connections

studies in the artistic field!

Jacob Willis '06

I do have ideas for new affinity groups

through these affinity groups.

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 61

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

Alumni Reception in Washington, D.C. Alumni in the Washington, D.C. area gathered at the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan on November 2 for a chilly but fun evening together!

Rachel Pollard

Julian Wamble '07, Jessica Edwards Walton '07, Nathan Pugh '17

Lauren Fish '15, Amanda Tinkleman '15, Emma Draper '15

Caroline Secrest '14, Tre Allison '14, Tara Laughlin '15

Rodriguez '04,

Nathan Pollard

'01

John Quinn '05, David Cogar '87, Alison Taylor Henry '02, Caroline Edsall Littleton '02

Lena Witek '08, Kerry Garikes '08 Mya Reid '10, Montez Anderson '93, Samantha Russell-Porte '09

halski '12, Bianka Mic , h Teacher) 1 '1 er rn hool Englis Sarah Tu 8 (Upper Sc '7 e dl Si Dr. Andrew

62 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

Elizabeth Timberlake '98, Andrea Yannucci Geddis '00, Bob Weiman ( Assciate Head of School)

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 63

IN MEMORIAM

The Reverend Michael Hinson Middle School Chaplain, Religion Teacher, Friend

In Loving Memory 1963-2021 64 ST. STEPHEN'S STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

The Reverend Michael Hinson, Middle School chaplain and religion teacher, died on November 13. Rev. Hinson, husband to Jane and father of Lauren '14 and Sam '17, was in his 30th year of service to St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School.

Lovingly referred to as “Rev” by his students and colleagues, Rev. Hinson was a compassionate mentor, teacher, and friend. Whether he was sitting on a bench beside you or addressing a room full of students, Rev had a way of making each of us feel like the only person in the world. His love for those around him was evident in every single thing he did; being in his presence, even if just for a moment, was a true gift. Yet Rev would say that it was he who was blessed—that his family, his friends, and his students had enriched his life and given him his purpose.

“The depth of this loss is extraordinary and our hearts are broken,” Head of School Kirsten

Adams wrote in her message to the

Celebration and Memorial Service.

community. “Rev was loved deeply by

The following excerpts are from Rev.

this community, and we know many

Cavanaugh's homily.

will feel his absence acutely.”

On November 18 a beautiful

I have been hearing so many

memorial service was held at the

stories about our brother Michael

Upper School. Students, faculty, staff,

these last few days, stories about his

parents, and former teachers and

compassion and empathy for those in

colleagues came together to celebrate

this community. In fact, I have heard

Rev. Hinson's life, remember him, and

so many stories that it has become

share memories of a man who greatly

apparent to me that he shared himself

impacted our community. Rev. Hinson

with this community in the deepest

was a colleague, a teacher, a friend, a

and most profound way possible. This

counselor, and a priest to many, not

is particularly true with his vocation

just on the Middle School campus, but

in the Middle school where he spent

throughout the school and beyond. He

the majority of his 30 years while at

touched innumerable lives with his

SSSAS. Our brother Michael, shared

kind and loving spirit, laughter, and

his gifts as a teacher and a priest with

genuine care, and made them better.

generation after generation of Middle

“This week there have been times when the light around us has felt

School students.

When I say that he shared his gifts

dimmer,” said Mrs. Adams during the

with this community, I mean that he

service. “There have been moments

really shared his full humanity with

when without his thoughtful counsel

his students. Not just the church

and compassion, we have felt lost. Yet

parts, but the parts that made Michael

as we have come together to talk and

who he was. He was also someone

remember him, we have been buoyed by

who loved and loved deeply, whether

his persistent, unconditional love and

it was his love of rock 'n' roll, his

care, even though he is physically no

love of the Georgia Bulldogs, or

longer with us.”

his extraordinary love for his wife and children. Our brother Michael

The Rev. Sean Cavanaugh, Religion

understood the importance of bearing

Department chair and ES-12 chaplain,

one another's burdens and difficulties.

spoke in honor of Rev. Hinson at his

Another thing that Michael

“It's not possible to elevate a single memory. Collectively the memory is all of the private and vulnerable moments and conversations we shared with one another. Tears, Laughter, Hugs. Ultimately the memory is the Power of Unconditional Love. He taught me that each of us has more of ourselves we can give to others in Love. I love you, Michael. I miss you dearly.”

Rev. Michael Hinson, son Sam '17, daughter Lauren '14, and his wife, Jane, in 2014.

~Ron Ginyard, Jr.

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 65

“Rev was a person who always found a way to make people feel special. He always found a way to relate to every single one of his students and found a time to talk to them, whether it was talking about football or homework. I think he had a big effect on the school mostly because of how he was always so happy; I never saw him angry or in a bad mood.” ~Conall Amunson '26

sweet place in life where he basically said this is who I am and you know what, I love who I am, I love who God has made me. It was because Michael fully embraced his own humanity that he was able to embrace the humanity of others. It was precisely because he ran towards himself fully with all of the things that made him who he was, his love of sports, of music, his family, his curiosity, and his love of laughter.

Michael also embraced the things in his life that created challenges for him, in particular the things he didn't like.

Our brother Michael for instance, did not like sitting, lord knows he also did not like meetings, and he was not big on planning. He also loved to wing things, especially his homilies… ...One of the other things I've heard over the last few days as people have gathered to remember our brother

absolutely loved was to laugh, and

to know that he saw in them the

Michael, is that he seemed to have this

make others laugh within this

beautiful pieces that made them

uncanny ability to know when someone

community. I think most who knew

a whole person, even if they were

was hurting or needed a friend. In fact,

Michael well knew that his love of

afraid that those pieces were not

he often approached a hurting student

laughter came from his strong belief

good enough to share with others…

or colleague in a way that allowed that

that love could heal the wounds that

What I found so honest and

person to begin to get in touch with

pester humanity. That laughter was

even inspiring about our brother

both the pain and the hope in their

his way of saying to each of us, that no

Michael was that he ran towards his

lives. I think Michael was able to do

matter what you are facing in this life,

humanity. He ran towards it with

this because he really did want to help

it's going to be okay.

a full abandonment that I was in

heal the world, and he fundamentally

awe of. Michael really did get to that

believed that most things in life could

Michael also had this uncanny ability to remain curious about life and the world around him. I think this curiosity and willingness to remain a child at heart is what made him one of the best middle school priests the

“Rev was a loving and kind person to

Episcopal Church has probably ever

everyone. He went

seen…

out of his way to make

There were so many other things that I and others appreciated and

everyone feel accepted

admired about our brother Michael.

and that's something

One of the most profound of these

about him that I, as

admirations was Rev. Hinson's ability to connect with his full humanity.

Michael was not trying to be anything

well as many others, will truly miss. He

else in this world other than himself,

inspired everyone and

and in turn he wanted his students

made everyone feel like

to become fully themselves as well…

Michael so wanted his students and

they could go above

colleagues to be fully who God had

and beyond their

made them to be. Michael could

goals.”

have cared less about any notion of perfection. He wanted his students

66 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

~Jordin Anteneh '26

“As has been said, Michael had a way of knowing when you needed to talk and often it was even before you did. For me, it was when he would say, “let's go sit outside on the bench.”

The bench. I'm not sure if the magic was in the physical structure or the fact that we were outside, closest to God, but somehow, everything I needed to say, to hear happened on that bench and my day, my week, my purpose would become clear. I can't say for certain what it was, but I believe in my heart, that in fact it wasn't the bench or the location, it was my company; it was being with Michael.” ~KiKi Davis

it was in an ordinary way. For him it

be healed when one person cared

was almost always God's time, a time

about another one…

for connecting with those he loved.

...One of Michael's most

Unfortunately, we have had our time

distinctive traits, at least to me,

cut short with Michael, and I am not

was that he didn't always like being

ready for that to happen.

governed by the clock. There were

And this is what we mourn today,

times he would call me at the end of

we wanted more time with Michael,

the day, often on Friday at 5 p.m.,

his children wanted more time with

after a long week to simply check

their father, Jane wanted more time

in with me towards the end of the

with her husband.

day and I would think Michael

I will end with this. Michael's

really? Could we not have done this

priesthood was very much a

on Wednesday or Thursday? But

priesthood modeled on the image

inevitably I always felt better after

of a shepherd. One of the most

talking to him, because he didn't

important jobs of a shepherd is to

really care so much about what time

find people, to find the lost. Over and over again Jesus talks about shepherds as being fundamentally

“I remember in eighth grade we had a short writing assignment in religion class near the end of the year. When I showed him mine, he wrote on it ‘ready for high school,’ and this meant so much to me.

Even now, when my schoolwork seems like too much or I've done poorly on a test, I remember those words. I remember that Reverend Hinson always believed in me.” ~Jordan Resnick '22

committed to that one part of the flock who left and needs help in returning back to the community. I think one of Michael's greatest gifts was that he was constantly finding people. He was constantly finding people who lost the ability to love themselves and he let them know that they were found… ...Father Hinson's life does not end with this homily or this gathering today. It lives in each of his students, his family, and his colleagues. It lives in the faith and hope that Michael shared with those he loved, it lives on as long as we share that faith and hope with one another.

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 67

IN MEMORIAM

James D. Osuna On October 14, the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School community lost former Saints faculty member Jim Osuna. Jim, husband to Ana, also a former Saints faculty member, and father of John '90 and Catherine '93, was a beloved member of the Saints community for almost 40 years, retiring in 1999.

During his tenure at SSSAS, Jim served as a history teacher, cross country and track coach, associate athletic director, chair of the history department, dean of discipline, and head of the Upper School.

Jim left a lasting impact on the Saints community, his love for the school and his students obvious to all who knew him. Three yearbooks (1968, 1979, and 1989) were dedicated to him during his tenure, evidence of the respect he garnered across decades of teaching. Jim’s SSS colleague, Roger Barbee, wrote the following piece in Jim’s memory.

Teacher, Coach, Friend

BY ROGER BARBEE Although I went to St. Stephen’s School in 1976 to teach English and coach wrestling, I also became a student of several veteran educators in the school—especially Jim Osuna.

A teacher, the dean of discipline, and coach of cross country and track, Jim Osuna taught young men by

held at Bullis School in the late 1970’s

their different colored chalk lessons,

I was shocked to see our star two-mile

were the precursor of copy machines,

runner, Greg, immediately break away from

and every student of his quickly learned

his main competitors from Georgetown

the discipline demanded for the classes’

Prep in the championship race. Running

required notebook. In his required

to Jim, I told him our runner needed to

exactness for the history notebook,

be slowed, but he just said, “It’s okay, we

Jim taught his students the discipline

know what we are doing.” Unknown to me,

needed for scholarship by showing them

Jim had convinced Greg that he was so

that they could succeed.

well-trained and disciplined that he could sprint out early and break contact with the

associated with his world history class.

demanding that each of them arrive on

In his youth he had traveled the Nile

time, be fully prepared, and perform at

River Valley on a red Harley Davidson

their best. Although he coached in an

motorcycle and had many examples

all-boys’ school where other sports were

of ancient civilizations displayed. One

revered, he developed IAC champions

object was a stone with Sanskrit carved

in cross country and track and field. He

into it. That is fitting because not only

modernized the old asphalt track and

was it a history lesson for his students,

founded the Draper Invitational Track

but it was also a language that may have

Meet that had as its stellar race the

given us the word “mentor.” While the

steeplechase, an unusual event for high

Ancient Greek in Homer’s “Odyssey”

schools. If you came to a track practice in those days, you may have seen him driving his red Karmann Ghia down the track straightaway with a runner frantically holding onto a T-bar that he had fastened to its rear bumper. In this way he trained the runner to “stretch his legs” and realize that he could take three steps between those imposing high hurdles.

Jim built confidence in his runners.

At an IAC track and field championship

68 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

Walking around Jim’s classroom, you would have seen many objects

gives us the trusted adviser of young two runners from Prep. He did and before

Telemachus, Mentor, the Sanskrit gives

anyone could react, he was too far ahead

us “man-tar” which means “one who

to be caught. That two-mile championship

thinks.”

was an early example for me of Jim’s skill at training a boy’s body and mind.

When I asked Jim why the classrooms

For various reasons, many of us went to St. Stephen’s School. I went as a teacher and coach, but because of my

in the Upper School had slate blackboards

encounter with Jim Osuna, I gained

on three of their walls, he told me how he

a mentor, “one who thinks,” and an

and other teachers used them for a week’s

educator to whom I am indebted and

lesson. His three boards were covered with

grateful for.

information for a week. Those boards, with

IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam (Listings received prior to October 29, 2021)

Alumni Marisa “Misa” Smith '47 September 26, 2021 Sue Maguire Clifford Beckner '48 February 1, 2021 Elizabeth “Betsy” Blessing Anderson '55 June 21, 2021 Thomas Williams, Jr. '58 October 21, 2021 Lynne Riley-Coleman '60 October 21, 2021 William “Bill” Hunter '62 September 22, 2021 Barbara “Barbie” Callender Davis '65 March 11, 2020 Stephen “Steve” Fogleman '67 September 9, 2021 Christopher “Chris” Meehan '76 brother of Matt Meehan '75, Andy Meehan '80, Steve Meehan '83, and Sarah Meehan '85 August 27, 2021 Rodger Blake '78 brother of Bill Blake '77 and Wendy Blake '84 October 11, 2021 Melton McGuire '82 brother of Roberta McGuire Matthews '84 July 18, 2021 David “Dave” Lefeve '90 brother of Donald “Don” Lefeve '94 and Ann Lefeve Snyder '03 July 18, 2021 Ron “Ronnie” Haskins '95 August 4, 2021

Family and Friends Col. Alston “Al” Chace father of John Chace '77 June 3, 2019

Denise Liss mother of Mike Liss '03 November 6, 2020

Julius Kaplan husband of Ann Lanyon Kaplan '55; brother-in-law of Zoe Lanyon Smith '59 September 1, 2021

The Rev. Dr. William L. Dols father of Katherine Dols '77 and Jennifer Dols Huffman '79 March 24, 2021

Frankie Welch mother of Genie Welch Ratcliffe '74 September 2, 2021

Jay Pugh, Jr. father of Greg Pugh '83 and Elizabeth Pugh Atkinson '85; father-in-law to Aileen Lopez Pugh '85; grandfather to Tory Atkinson '19, Kathryn Atkinson '20, Nathan Pugh '17, James Pugh '17, and Olivia Pugh '17 April 10, 2021

Sharon Pugh mother of Greg Pugh '83 and Elizabeth Pugh Atkinson '85; mother-in-law to Aileen Lopez Pugh '85; grandmother to Tory Atkinson '19, Kathryn Atkinson '20, Nathan Pugh '17, James Pugh '17 and Olivia Pugh '17 September 8, 2021

Don Smyles father of Margaret Smyles '10 and Holly Smyles '08; step-father of John Moran '03; grandfather of Lillian Moran '33 June 30, 2021

Gary L. Fullem father of Patrick Fullem '17 September 10. 2021

Mary Bruce (Batte) Corkern mother of Sarah Corkern '00 and Molly Corkern Tynes Wagner '99 July 6, 2021 Bryan “Bugsy” Watson father of Lisa Watson Burnes '90 July 8, 2021 Jane Yoder mother of Dr. Anne Yoder '77 July 8, 2021 Eugene Olmi father of Tali Olmi '70 and Dr. Eugene “Gene” Olmi, III '73 July 22, 2021 Anne Harrington Kiland mother of Taylor Kiland '85 and Ing Kiland, III '92; grandmother of Kiland Hatcher '31 July 24, 2021 Capt. Edwin Smedberg (USN Ret.) husband of Beverly Hogle Smedberg '55 August 7, 2021

Lt. Col. (Ret. USAF) John Haney Jr. father of Daniel “Dan” Haney '87 September 14, 2021 Dr. Edward Heiden father of Steve Heiden '83, Victoria “Tori” Heiden Kauffman '85, Dave Heiden '87, and Caroline Heiden '91 September 23, 2021 Kevin O'Donovan father of Grace O'Donovan '29 September 23, 2021 Dr. Ayne Furman mother of Leo Braudy '11 September 26, 2021 Maria Pascoe mother of Yvonne Pascoe Carson '82 and Bill Pascoe '78; grandmother of Ellie Carson '16 and Clay Carson '14 October 16, 2021 James “Buff ” MacDonald, III father of James “Mac” MacDonald IV '12 October 23, 2021

Collin Reese, Sr. grandfather of Kendall Smith '10 and Kamal Smith '14 August 16, 2021

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 69

MILESTONES

Weddings (Listings received prior to October 29, 2021)

Alumni Susy Wanamaker '82 (Middle School English Teacher) and Mike Weaver June 12, 2021 Caroline Thompson '04 and David Eaton September 10, 2021

Katy Jones-Powe '12 and Ryan Harrington

Myra “Maudie” Braswell '05 and Mike Vaughan August 7, 2021 Lauren Cassady '09 and Bill Andrews '06 September 19, 2020 Chip Phillips '10 (Athletic Director and Upper School English Teacher) and Molly Bryant July 10, 2021 Kate Redding '10 and Christopher Vaughn '10 July 24, 2021

Caroline Thompson '04 and David Eaton

Molly Bryant and Chip Phillips '10

Kate Redding '10 and Christopher Vaughn '10

Jessica Saney and Plentis Dupree III '12

Mary Grace Killmer '13 and Will Tucker

Ashley Stone and R. Michael Kline

Katy Jones-Powe '12 and Ryan Harrington September 19, 2021 Plentis “PJ” Dupree III '12 (Middle School Math Teacher) and Jessica Saney October 6, 2021 Mary Grace Killmer '13 and Will Tucker June 13, 2021

Faculty and Staff Caroline Harvey (Third Grade Homeroom Teacher) and James Lockerby June 26, 2021 Alex Mooskin (Middle School Science Teacher) and Sean Muzzio July 17, 2021 Ashley Stone (Director of Major Gifts) and R. Michael Kline September 12, 2021

Susy Wanamaker '82 and Mike Weaver

70 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES

Caroline Harvey and James Lockerby

MILESTONES

New Additions (Listings received prior to October 29, 2021)

Alumni Caroline Edsall Littleton '02 and Judd, a daughter, Grace Mackenzie Littleton, November 8, 2019 Mary Beth Baylor Abplanalp '02 and Chris, a son, Benjamin Thomas Abplanalp, June 7, 2019

Grace Mackenzie Littleton

Megan Cummings Hansen '03 and Chris, a son, Miles Robert Hansen, October 5, 2021

Chris and Mary Beth Baylor Abplanalp with Benjamin and Andrew

Kyle Barber '03 and Ben Beitler, a son, William “Ford” Beitler, July 29, 2021 Mary Stewart Malone '03 and Brian Schneider, twin son and daughter, Charles and Georgina Schneider, July 2021

Miles Robert Hansen

Ashley DeHart Russo '03 and Paul, a daughter, Lucille “Lucy” Daniel Russo, September 28, 2021

William “Ford” Beitler

Lars Taylor '05 and Zoe, a son, Brewster Luke Taylor, August 13, 2021

Charles and Georgina Schneider

Dabney Ellett Bowe '06 and Tim, a son, Timothy “Tucker” William Bowe III, May 7, 2021 Andrew Howell '06 and Taylor, a daughter, Avery Charlotte Howell, July 8, 2021

Lucille “Lucy” Daniel Russo

Tim Sellon '06 and Alexandra Dirrane, a daughter, Louisa Jack Sellon, September 17, 2021

Brewster Luke Taylor Timothy “Tucker” William Bowe III

Andrew Cordia '09 and Elizabeth, a son, Edward Cordia, September 10, 2020 Jay Sheffer '10 and Lauren Ashley, a daughter, Kensington Blair Sheffer, July 6, 2021

Share Your News

Avery Charlotte Howell

To tell us more about the milestones in your life, please email Meredith Robinson, Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement, at mrobinson@sssas.org.

FALL/WINTER 2021-2022 THE SAINTS LIFE 71

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The wonder and joy of learning about light through bubbles in third grade science.