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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4: Turn and 5: 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.