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The Episcopal Writing Center is a special place. Fellows form lifelong bonds. In keeping with tradition, this year’s underclassmen wrote Senior Tributes highlighting the graduating fellows and the impact they’ve had on the program.  Elia Harper Elon University Major: Psychology and Education with a focus on Spanish Elia Harper always walked into the Writing Center with an infectious smile -- be it a genuine, radiating smile or one plastered on to mask her stress. Despite all of the strain of a busy senior year, she still greeted every Writing Center client with a warm greeting and open mind. Elia loved being a Writing Fellow because it offered an opportunity for her to help students in the Episcopal community. She also greatly valued how students would open up to her through their creative writing assignments. Through her gregarious nature and unmatched social flexibility, Elia was able to collaborate with any student under any circumstances. Elia considers one of her most memorable appointments to be one with a student who was drafting a paper that was due at midnight that same day. The student was behind in a few classes and needed some ideas on where to begin his essay. More importantly that student needed to decompress, expressing his frustration and stress. Elia was empathetic and it meant a lot for her to be able to help that student when he most needed it. Through all of her experience in the Writing Center, Elia feels more connected to the high school community as she worked with students from each grade level. Going forward, Elia hopes that Writing Fellows remember why they joined the program: to assist others. In her words, “We’re all Writing Fellows to help other people. It’s such a rewarding experience to be the person that someone looks to when they need help. The feeling of being a person who people can always come to for guidance is unlike anything else.” Elia, next year your absence will impact the Writing Center community. Your bright personality and positive disposition will be greatly missed. -- By Abby Johnson Michael Lee Michael Lee joined the Writing Center only at the beginning of his senior year but still made quite the impact on the Episcopal community through his work as a Writing Fellow. Michael is not only passionate about writing but enjoys helping others, which makes him a great asset to the Writing Center and a very understanding and helpful person to work with. Michael most enjoys tutoring creative writing, blog posts, or pieces about subjects he doesn’t know much about, which makes his sessions a learning experience for him as well as the writer he is tutoring. He remembers one particular session as really making an impact on him in his time in the Writing Center and being the best session he had all year. During that particular session, he felt that he connected with the student personally and not just academically. The advice Michael would give to tutors or those considering becoming a part of the Writing Center is to make people look at writing as not a chore but something they can actually enjoy. He says, “If you can get this to happen, the school and the Writing Center will be better off.” Michael’s passion and enthusiasm for writing will surely be missed in the Writing Center, but hopefully during his time as a Writing Fellow, he has impacted the school and shown people how great writing can be. -- By Macie Sentino  Wendy Wang
Emory University Major: Undecided "Cozy, friendly, and passionate" are three words Wendy Wang uses to describe the Writing Center. Wendy has always loved to write, so when the email about becoming a Writing Fellow appeared in her inbox, applying for the program was an easy decision. It was also a bonus that she received service hours while doing something she is passionate about. Describing how the Writing Center was a part her years at Episcopal, Wendy said, "The Writing Center did play an important role in my high school experience. I love writing and enjoy being called a Writing Fellow. I made friends with my clients. I became more confident and discovered my passion." When I heard her response, I realized that discovering your passion is why Episcopal gives us all of these opportunities, such as joining the Writing Center. Her favorite spot in the Writing Center is the desk and chairs by the printer, at which she studies and does her tutoring sessions. Wendy especially remembers a session with a seventh grader's short story. The story was very intriguing, but it needed work with character development; helping that student was one of her most fun experiences in the Writing Center. Wendy loves creative writing, but she enjoys helping people with all kinds of writing. Her strengths as a Writing Fellow are many, but I would say her greatest strength is showing rather than telling her clients how to tweak their papers through her series of questions. Wendy's most memorable moment in the Writing Center took place when she was a Freshman. She had just come to the United States, her English was not very good, and she was shy. Her tutor was so friendly and encouraging, and she inspired Wendy to become a Writing Fellow. Through her time in the program, Wendy grew less shy and more confident and outgoing. Her parting advice to other Fellows is to remember that clients are their friends, so it never hurts to have a small conversation before the session. -- By Sydney Summerville
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 The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness. – John Muir Episcopal graduate Emory Ellis is making a difference in the world through her research of forests across the globe. After graduating in 2016, Emory began studying at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. This summer she is spending her time in the Harvard Forest through Harvard University as a part of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates. Emory, who is the daughter of Episcopal graduate Randi Simoneaux Ellis ʼ90, says the experience truly is an honor:
 Think about your favorite teacher. Maybe it was kindergarten or fifth grade or even that college professor. Now ask yourself – why was this person my favorite teacher? Likely it’s not because of their ability to summarize Shakespeare or quantify quantum physics. It’s probably the teacher who helped you through cafeteria conflicts or cheered you on during a theater performance or athletic event.
After 17 years of teaching Ros has cultivated her own method of connecting with students. Here at Episcopal she freely shares her love of sports and science with everyone. It is also her passionate and playful side that students seem to gravitate toward. Beginning in April, Ros visually connected with students in a fun and impressive manner. Each day one of her 18 students created a unique and personal handshake. (Ros was inspired to take on the handshake challenge last year after watching a video featuring another teacher and his students.) Students taught their personal handshake to Ros, who then memorized the movements and performed it in turn. By May, Ros had memorized 18 individual handshakes – 18! She was able to perform each one in a sequence on the final day. Click here to see the video.  Like Mrs. Helbling’s daily affirmations, Ros’ handshake day is one example of a way that teachers connect to students and show them that they matter and they are heard. This is an important aspect of teaching that may often go unnoticed and that may not be part of the lesson plan. “I wear many hats. I teach science. I’m a nurse. I get to know them academically, but we’re also helping them be good human beings,” says Ros.
Relational teaching isn’t something written in a lesson plan. The connections simply happen as caring adults strive to teach the students in their charge and prepare them to navigate life. Ros, who didn’t initially plan to be a teacher, says her first year on the job certainly taught her the importance of this side of teaching. She looks back on that time when she was teaching in New York at an all girls’ school. It was 2001 and she experienced the national tragedy that occurred that September right alongside her students. A month later a student’s mother passed away. Ros says these are the experiences for which grad school and student teaching do not prepare you. She learned in the midst of the heartache to be there for her students and to see them as the individuals they truly are. That year did finish on a more positive note. She says even though the girls lived in a city with two professional baseball teams, most of them had never attended a game. As a lesson in persuasive writing, Ros had them write letters to the New York Yankees persuading them to give the students tickets to a game. The lesson paid off and the team delivered, perhaps creating a lifelong memory for some of the students involved.
There’s no question that Episcopal students will look back at their time in Ms. Won’s science classroom with fondness. After a year of national park exploration, outdoor learning and even a cardboard arcade Ros has made learning a meaningful experience. However, the connections and relationships she’s built with the students along the way will likely be what they remember most. After all, isn’t that what we all remember from our favorite teacher?  Librarian Tiffany Whitehead keeps a map of her travels in her office. Before leaving for a trip she often reads a novel set in that location. Before you board that train, plane or automobile for summer vacation, make sure to include reading as part of your packing list. “I believe summer is the best time to read,” says Episcopal Library Director Tiffany Whitehead. Whitehead, who is an avid traveler, says she enjoys reading books set in her vacation destination before heading out. For example, before going road tripping in Ireland she read “Love and Luck” by Jenna Evans Welch, a teen novel set in the Irish countryside. Whitehead offers these additional tips for summer reading success: 1. Pack There are now a range of options to make reading easier and more enjoyable for readers of all ages. Today’s students are accustomed to electronics, making e-readers a great reading option for students on the go. In addition, audiobooks can make a family road trip even more adventurous as everyone listens along together. Whitehead suggests loading your devices with good reads before heading out for vacation. Helpful hint: don’t forget to include options from the Episcopal summer reading list. 2. Plan To make summer reading even more enjoyable, Whitehead recommends participating in the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Summer Reading Program. Participating in the program will help students keep track of how many books they have read over the break. The library offers an extensive array of electronic and audiobook options to fill your devices before heading out. The library staff also offer events and even rewards for those who participate as an incentive to get reading. 3. Enjoy! While there is the required school summer reading list, Whitehead says summer is also a great time to read simply for fun. She recommends using the break to explore a new author or an unfamiliar genre. Whitehead says no matter how or where you read this summer, enjoy what you are reading.
Happy summer reading! It was a great year for reading at Episcopal! Students spoke with the "I Survived" author Lauren Tarshis via Skype, they celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday, they won young author competitions, battled with books, collected books for babies and competed in book trivia.  Members of the Episcopal community gathered last week to celebrate an exciting new project – the Episcopal Athletic Field House. Students, donors, school leadership, staff and cheerleaders were on hand for the official groundbreaking ceremony that marks the beginning of construction on the first new athletic building on campus since 1982. The field house is slated to be a multi-use facility where students of all ages can take physical education classes, participate in strength training and prepare for interscholastic sports. The building boasts 22,637 square feet of space for weight training, cardio training, individual sport locker rooms, coaching offices and collaboration spaces, conference rooms, classrooms, a concession stand, a sports medicine and training area and more.
Erecting a new building on campus would not be possible without the commitment and support of the entire Episcopal community. We were honored to have an array of members representing the Episcopal community participate in the groundbreaking. Participants included: Cameron Dumas ʼ18, 2018 Male Athlete of the Year; Adam Fishbien and Jennifer Price, GraceHebert Architects; Katheryn Flournoy, Board Chair; Gwen Graves ʼ88, Field House Lead Donor and Trustee; Todd Graves ʼ90, Field House Lead Donor and Spirit • Mind • Body Campaign Co-Chair; Ainsley Grigsby ʼ92, Leadership Donor; Victoria Guarisco, Leadership Donor; Hunter Heaslip ʼ18, 2018 Female Athlete of the Year; John Kojis, Director of Operations; Hugh McIntosh, Head of School; Randy Richard, Athletic Director and Robert Ward, Cangelosi Ward General Contractors. For a full list of field house donors click here.  We are especially grateful for our field house lead donors Todd ʼ90 and Gwen ʼ88 Graves. The couple, who are Episcopal alumni and parents of current Episcopal students, have generously stepped forward with a tremendous contribution to make the field house a reality. Gwen reiterated that the new facility will serve students from PreK-3 to Upper School and that it truly is a necessity for students and coaches. Todd, who is also the campaign co-chair, recognized the coaches in attendance saying the field house is dedicated to them and the work they do. “Coaches had just as much or even more of an impact on me as my teachers,” the former quarterback and track athlete shared. He went on to say that he learned the value of hard work, respect, leadership and teamwork thanks to the Episcopal coaches. At Episcopal, we strive to serve the whole child, from spirituality and academics to athletics and the arts. Such an ambitious project as a new field house is needed to better serve our students, who excel in multiple arenas while maintaining academic excellence. This school year, the Knights fielded 62 varsity and sub-varsity teams, with more than 80% of Middle and Upper School students participating in at least one sport. Multiple teams advanced to state-level competitions and several athletes plan to continue their athletic careers into college. Our students truly are thriving on and off the field.  On any given day our varsity coaching staff can be found working with even the youngest Knights, as physical education at Episcopal begins in Lower School. The coaching staff are also integral to the success of our project-based learning units, often being called upon to assist with everything from the adventures of "Charlotte’s Web" to organizing a mini-triathlon for first graders. Physical education is a key component of a well-rounded experience and this new field house will only elevate that for students, coaches and families. It truly is an exciting time to be an Episcopal Knight. We began this school year with a celebration of the renovated Lewis Memorial Chapel of The Good Shepherd. This fall we will celebrate the completion of the new Academic Commons, a facility dedicated to science and math. Now we eagerly anticipate our newest endeavor – the Athletic Field House. Episcopal is a community steeped in tradition, yet prepared for the future. We thank everyone for their support and belief in the Episcopal mission and ministry. We look forward to continued success for generations to come. The Episcopal Athletic Field House is the third stage of the Spirit • Mind • Body Campaign, which has supported all of the recent new endeavors on campus. As of now, $7.1 million has been committed toward the $9.4 million project cost of the Academic Commons and $5 million has been committed toward the estimated $8.3 million Athletic Field House project cost. For more information on the Episcopal Athletic Field House click here. For a list of additional Naming Opportunities click here or contact Capital Campaign Director Mellie Bailey at 225-755-2687. The Episcopal Writing Center is a special place where fellows form lifelong bonds. In keeping with tradition, this year's underclassmen wrote Senior Tributes highlighting the graduating fellows and the impact they've had on the program.  Louise Andreeff Georgetown University Major: International Political Economy and Business You could always find Senior Writing Fellow Louise Andreeff hard at work at the sun-lit table beside the window in the Writing Center. Her positive energy was ever present, as well. Louise made the choice to become a part of our community after attending her first appointment, as she realized just how helpful the Writing Center is to students. Louise wanted to be a resource for others, which is just one example among many of what makes Louise such an inspiration. Being a part of our community, as said by Louise, has helped her learn that “age doesn’t matter,” that anybody can benefit from learning from others, regardless of his or her grade, which is an important lesson for us all. Louise says, “The Writing Center is the only service you can get on campus in which the helper gets as much out of the experience as the other person.” Needless to say, Louise has helped the Writing Center grow in innumerable ways. Whether she was leading a Spooky Waffle Workshop or helping students tying their papers’ content back to their main claims, Louise was always making a positive contribution to our school community at large. As for current and future Writing Fellows, Louise says to always try to form a relationship with the student you are tutoring. “Try to say hi if you see them around,” she says because it’s always nice to know someone new on campus. While Louise is leaving our community next year, her lasting impact on our Writing Center will always remain. -- By Olivia Grice  Elliott Kellam Duke University Major: Psychology with a focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Elliott Kellam has contributed to numerous Episcopal groups and teams, an important one being the Writing Center. I was able to experience his exceptional skills prior to knowing him as a Writing Fellow. I met Elliott on the swim team during my freshman year. As a freshman, I was intimidated to be on a team on which I frequently practiced with upperclassmen. Fortunately, Elliott warmly welcomed me. He helped introduce me to my teammates and taught me about how the Episcopal swim team worked. I quickly adapted to the atmosphere of the swim team and felt completely comfortable in no time. As a junior, and especially as a senior, Elliott was an obvious leader of the swim team. He was able to keep everyone accountable of their work and made sure that everyone was having fun no matter how hard the practice. The physical and mental challenges of the sport just made us closer. My experiences on the swim team with Elliott may seem irrelevant in a piece about the Writing Center, but I find the experiences similar. Elliott also acted as a leader in the Writing Center. He introduced me to how the Writing Center worked and answered any questions I had about how I should interact with students that I tutored. I am confident that he has been successful in making the students that he tutored fully comfortable, just as he made me feel as a freshman. In a recent conversation, he gave me advice that I will use in my fast approaching years as an upperclassman. He told me that the main purpose of being a Writing Fellow is to give back to Episcopal. Episcopal has given me the gift of skills and knowledge of writing. As a writing fellow, I can spread knowledge and teach others lifelong skills. Elliott also advised me to be a strong leader for all. I have learned from him that a good leader will be stern, but will also be kind and spread positiveness. He told me of the importance of speaking the truth, and being okay with not knowing the answer. I will not only apply these skills in the Writing Center but in my life. When I become an upperclassman, I will remember the kindness that Elliott showed me, and spread that kindness to the future underclassmen who look up to me. -- By Sara Be  Rachel Posner Princeton University Major: Undecided Rachel Posner: one of the sweetest, most down-to-earth gals I know. Whether she is helping her friends with papers, visiting the Writing Center, or organizing waffle workshops, Rachel can be described as a “ray of sunshine.” She began her journey as a Writing Fellow during her sophomore year. She distinctly remembers her first session. She was paired with a senior, adding to her nervousness, but through this, she was able to grow more confidence in herself as a tutor and a writer. Besides her growth in confidence, Rachel also stated that through working in the Writing Center, she has been able to expand her writing skills through collaboration with others. She enjoys seeing the different writing styles she comes across, as well as the new faces she meets while tutoring. Another aspect of the Writing Center that Rachel has always loved is the community and the general space that she has utilized not only for its productive atmosphere but also as a place where she can interact with new people within the writing community. As for her specialties as a writing tutor, because Rachel excels in skills such as clarity and writing solid introductions/conclusions, her favorite writing to work with is historical essays and literary narratives. She leaves with this advice for potential and current Writing Fellows: “Being a part of the Writing Center is a great opportunity to meet new people you would not otherwise associate with. Do not take yourself too seriously and remember you are a student, too.” With that being said, we will miss Rachel greatly, especially her bright smile and positive energy she exudes through all that she does. We wish you the best of luck as you transition into the next chapter of your life at Princeton University -- we know you will kill it! -- By Kylie Madere  Sydney Veazie
Fordham University Major: International Political Economy Never spotted without her sneakers tied particularly tightly or sporting a sweeping smile covered with small brackets from her senior-year braces, Sydney Veazie will be missed by every faculty member and student at Episcopal next year. Any person who has met her even briefly knows that she is someone worth spending a few extra moments with. Being a few minutes late to class is worth it when chatting with Sydney, and you will never leave her feeling unloved. Whether on duty or not, her place is always in the Writing Center. She says “(I) never comprehended the impact such a close-knit community could have on a high school girl, not until just recently.” Her writing stands out, and her voice never goes unnoticed, on or off of the paper. In fact, her presence is a force to be reckoned with… in the best way possible. Whether on the dance floor, backstage, center-stage as Madame Hebert, or sitting in the undisturbed opulence of Episcopal’s Writing Center, Sydney is striking. As she moves on to the next four years, she plans to participate in the Writing Center at Fordham University, where she will major in international political economy studies. Fear not, though, she “will never forget the significance the community of the Writing Center offered her through her high school experience, and [she] cannot express gratification to those who helped her enough.” -- By Morgan Patty The 2017/2018 Episcopal athletic teams did not disappoint. The players and coaches gave it their all and put up impressive results. Thanks to everyone who supported the teams and cheered them on. Here’s a look back at a great year of Episcopal athletics.  Photo provided by Knightpix Football: The team fought hard all season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Team members Caden Dickinson and Cam Dumas were honored with the WBRZ Fan’s Choice Award for their performances on the field. The entire squad was recognized by Cumulus media group as the Team of the Week. Multiple team members will be playing collegiate football for their respective colleges next fall.  Volleyball: The volleyball squad had a tremendous year, finishing the regular season 20 and 13 and earning a first round bye in the postseason. Gracie Veillon was named to the All-Metro team and Emily Mendoza earned Honorable Mention. Cross Country: The cross country runners continued their dominance in the sport with another state championship season. Head Coach Claney Duplechin was named the 2017 US Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Coach of the Year, the 2017 Metro Cross Country Coach of the Year and a finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association National Cross Country Coach of the Year.  Photo provided by Knightpix Swimming: The swim team truly stepped up this fall. The boys’ team finished second place at the annual state meet in Sulphur. Head Swim Coach Stephen Anderson was also named the All-Metro Boys Coach of the Year. Swimmers Sara Be, Lilli Pellegrin, Ben Levine and Ben Naquin were also named to the All-Metro Team.  Photo provided by KnightPix. Basketball: What a season the basketball teams delivered! The girls’ team advanced to the quarterfinals after a successful regular season. Senior Tera Snell reached Episcopal’s 1000 point club and was named to the LHSAA All Star Team. She has signed to play for the Loyola New Orleans Wolf Pack. The boys’ team had a tremendous regular season and easily advanced to the playoffs. After taking down nationally ranked Riverside Academy the team finished the year as state runner up with an overall record of 33-4. Team leader Cam Dumas was recognized with All State honors and was a member of the LHSAA All Star Team and the Marsh Madness Tournament Team.  Wrestling: Episcopal’s Griffin Dynes placed third in the state wrestling championships after fighting back from the consolation bracket with a 9-1 win. This season Fox Garon secured his first varsity win over Hahnville and William Guffey won his first freshman tournament of the season against Zachary High School. Powerlifting: Celia Kiesel and John Pojman both placed third in the LHSAA regional powerlifting meet. Kolin Bilbrew placed first in the same event. Nicholas Miller earned the title of Best Male Lifter and Savannah York earned the title of Best Female Lifter.  Photo provided by KnightPix. Soccer: After a tremendous season, the boys’ squad finished as district champions. The team ultimately advanced to the state semifinals to cap off the year. Head Coach Kiran Booluck also earned District IV Coach of the Year honors. The girls’ soccer team was district runner up and was awarded the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award by the United Soccer Coaches. Skylar Yegge also earned the United Soccer Coaches Senior Excellence Award and All Metro honors. Caroline Glynn, Grace Moraes, and Sarah Whisnant were named 1st Team All District. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award.  Photo provided by KnightPix. Track & Field: The boys’ indoor and outdoor track and field teams both came home state champions. The girls’ outdoor team finished state runner up. Coach Claney Duplechin was named the 2017 Metro Coach of the Year and the US Track and Field Coaches Association Coach of the Year.  Photo provided by KnightPix. Golf: The boys’ team finished as regional champions, shooting a 322. John Hayden Wood shot an even par 72 and earned the Regional Individual Champion title. At the state tournament the team finished third with John Hayden Wood earning the Individual State Runner Up title. The girls’ team finished second overall in the regional tournament with Riely Heaslip shooting a 76 to earn the Regional Individual Runner Up title. The girls also finished first in the Baton Rouge Metro League Championship tournament. Riely Heaslip and Caroline Glynn shot a combined score of 201 to earn the Metro Team Champion title. Heaslip also put up the best score in the field earning her the Metro Individual Champion title. Athletic Director and Coach Randy Richard was named the Girls Golf Metro Coach of the Year.  Photo provided by KnightPix. Tennis: The boys’ team won the LHSAA regional tournament in Baton Rouge with several singles and doubles groups from both the boys’ and girls’ teams moving on to the state tournament in Monroe. Team members Edward Staib, Femke Maassen-Veeters, Elli SIm, and Casey Rigby earned All Metro honors.  Photo provided by KnightPix. Baseball: Several members of the baseball team were selected to the 8-AA All-District Team. Congratulations to the following:
 Photo provided by KnightPix. Softball: The softball squad put together a tremendous season, earning the district championship title! Corinne Talbot, Annslee Bourgeois, Bailey Bourgeois, Emily Mendoza, Sydney Summerville, and Savannah York all earned 1st Team All District honors. Congratulations to the 2018 Episcopal Female and Male Athletes of the Year!
We look forward to seeing everyone on the sidelines next year. A special thanks to the cheerleaders and drum corps for their support this year. Go Knights!
Home Sweet Home The PreK-3 construction lesson started by focusing on a building quite familiar to the students – their own home. Students brought in an exterior photo of their home and discussed structural features including shutters, windows, lanterns and doors. They also discussed similarities and differences among each other’s homes. Ask the Experts Students had the opportunity to see a neighborhood map when architect/designer and PreK-3 parent Mike Hogstrom spoke to them about the design and building process. In addition, landscape architect/pool designer and PreK-3 parent Jeb Barber spoke to the class about ways to beautify the exterior of a home. Children placed model trees on the project map and had the opportunity to plant flowers of their own. Many even went home and transplanted the flowers to their own yards. The class also learned more from books as teachers read aloud works such as, “How a House is Built” by Gail Gibbons and “Dreaming Up” by Christy Hale.  Hands-On Learning Students enjoyed the opportunity to test their own building skills as they constructed forts, fairy houses and sand castles, using foam blocks and Legos. They heard the story of the three little pigs and made stick houses on the playground. To end the project, students even had the opportunity to construct mixed media houses to replicate New Orleans artist James Michalopoulos’ bold paintings. While students certainly had a great time creating their structures, they were also achieving important milestones. Students acquired new vocabulary words, were introduced to new concepts and learned to think of themselves as a part of a larger community. Over the course of the year, the students have truly gained the building blocks for learning. It won’t be long before they are studying the blocks of the periodic table outside of the Academic Commons!  Fall 2017: McMains Children’s Developmental Center studio - 10 students, 5 projects Flood/Safer Sports studio – 12 students, 9 sports and 6 flood Spring 2018: Tactile Objects studio - 8 students, 4 projects New Frequencies studio - 5 students, 3 projects Middle School BattleBots - 12 students, 5 projects The first year NuVu Design Studio tally is impressive. Students have worked on innovative solutions to reduce the risk of injury associated with fishing, running and golfing. They have developed objects, such as portable toy storage and exercise equipment, to assist those displaced by a natural disaster. They have also created a way for students with limited mobility to throw a ball, sail a boat and participate in daily activities. Along the way, the journey has introduced them to field experts and local professionals. Through trial and error they have had to refine and reimagine original concepts. They have made mistakes and learned from them and even celebrated when the concept worked as planned. They’ve learned to collaborate and cooperate in order to make their dreams a reality. After an exciting fall semester, the momentum continued on into the spring with the recent spring studio showcase.
Spring: A Sensory Experience Can you imagine generating sound with color, or even fish? This semester’s Design Studio students did just that and more. Students focused the latter portion of the school year on projects involving tactile objects and new frequencies. Like the fall showcase, the projects were innovative and the students were engaged. “This was different from any other class I’ve taken,” said Davis Singletary. Singletary and Stephen Barker created Sound Pipes, a device that uses color to produce a range of sounds commonly found in nature. “This project was designed to engage the users’ imagination through the use of sound,” wrote Barker in his project brief. Aimed at elementary school children, Sound Pipes allows the user to drop balls of varying color into a PVC pipe outfitted with a color sensor to detect the color. Once detected, an Arduino board and sound software are used to assign the color a corresponding sound inspired by nature. The finished product is easy to use and fun, making it a perfect concept for little hands. From the beginning, Bailey McLaughlin knew he wanted to incorporate a live animal into his project. That creature ultimately ended up being a fish. Using laser sensors, an Arduino board and sound software, McLaughlin’s Fish Frequencies created a method for making music based on the movement of fish. The prototype, which generates interesting notes when the fish activate the laser, was well received by his classmates, Design Studio coaches and teachers.  The team of Cruz Crawford and Luke Foster produced sound by going big. The two used surgical tubing stretched between outdoor columns to create a large-scale guitar. “This project was built for anyone to enjoy, regardless of whether you are a musician or not. If you like music and like to generate sound by the touch of your fingers put your mind to it and who knows what you can make,” wrote Foster in the project’s brief. The project, labeled the King of Strings, was successful in creating chord sounds and in delighting the Lower School students who tested it. Another Design Studio team took on gravity for their spring project. Griffin Dynes and Hootie Freeman wanted to create an experience that would allow users to feel the pull of the force on different planets. Thus, the Gravity Table was born. The project involved numerous iterations. “Cultivating ideas for this project resulted in many different ideas, including a vest to simulate weight change on other planets. The idea eventually morphed into a table which held everyday objects such as, a water-bottle, a pencil and a hammer. One after another, cardboard models were broken and re-designed,” wrote Freeman in the project brief. After much experimentation, the team created a decorative, laser-cut box that demonstrates the weight of a hammer on various planets. The team’s stated goal, which was “to make learning about or educating others on gravity a more hands-on experience” was certainly accomplished. NuVu Design Studio students have achieved so much in only one school year. Providing such a learning experience right here on campus is a fitting complement to the learning that occurs within the traditional classroom. It is a great example of the innovative and thoughtful opportunities that are purposefully made available to Episcopal students every day.
We can’t wait to see what the 2018/2019 Design Studio students create!  From left to right: Louise Andreeff, Caden Dickinson, Graham Frazier, Kelli Hu, Ethan Lawson, Russ St. Romain, John Daniel Davis Members of the Episcopal Class of 2018 have lovingly referred to the school as a second home, a family and a place they will never forget. For seven seniors this is especially true as they are members of the school’s inaugural PreK-4 class so many years ago. After years at Episcopal, they are now moving on to their next chapter prepared for new opportunities and new adventures. Congratulations!  Members of the PreK-4 Class of 2005 celebrate Senior Day 2018. Members of the PreK-4 Class of 2005 who are graduating seniors of the Class of 2018: Louise Andreeff John Daniel Davis Caden Dickinson Graham Frazier Kelli Hu Ethan Lawson Russ St. Romain We asked the students to answer two questions about their Episcopal experience. Read below for what they had to say.
1. Beyond learning the color wheel, the difference between their, they’re, and there, how to find the value of x, perfecting my Spanish accent, finding my voice on stage, that my expertise does not flourish on a volleyball team, mastering kinematics equations, learning how to code, the extraordinary uplifting faculty; beyond embracing my God given talents, Episcopal has taught me to believe in myself. 2. The supportive relationships that I have developed at Episcopal have shaped me to become my best true self. Episcopal’s nurturing spirit has prepared me and will propel me to tackle ambitious challenges, and in my heart, I know that no matter how far life takes me, Episcopal will always be my home. --Louise Andreeff There isn't much needed to be said about Episcopal, all that can be said can be seen just by spending a day within the community. Episcopal is truly something special and I would not trade my time there for anything else. I have met so many wonderful people and gained friendships I believe will last me a lifetime. --John Daniel Davis 1. My overall experience has been great at Episcopal. I was able to participate in different academic, athletic, and artistic events in my time here that I have enjoyed. I’ve met some friends here that will be lifelong friends, and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. 2. This community has shaped me into being a better version of myself ever since I got here. Everyone here has pushed me to where I work hard and do the right thing. I am lucky to have gone to this school my entire life because it has prepared me for just about any obstacle in my way. --Caden Dickinson 1. My journey through Episcopal has been a little unorthodox. I went here from pre-k to sixth grade, and I came back for my senior year. There is just something so unique about the welcoming Episcopal community, and I could not miss out on the opportunity to be a part of it again for my last year of high school. I am so glad I found my way back home, and I realized that there really is no place like Episcopal. 2. Episcopal has helped me develop lifelong friendships, while also providing me with an environment that fosters personal growth and learning. The school’s balance of spiritual, social, academic, artistic and athletic life has pushed me to try new things and have new experiences. I come to school every day knowing that I will be challenged to be the best student I can be in and outside of the classroom, which is an amazing feeling to have. Episcopal has also given me opportunities and connections that I would not have had otherwise. I am so grateful for everything that the school has helped me to accomplish, and I would like to thank my friends, teachers, coaches, and everyone at Episcopal who have supported and guided me throughout the years. Even though I am sad that my time here is coming to an end, it gives me a peace of mind knowing that I will always have the Episcopal community to come back to. --Kelli Hu 1. My overall Episcopal experience has been fun. I have met a lot of awesome people and made memories that I will never forget. 2. This community has given me a lot of opportunities that I would not have had anywhere else. I have learned a lot from the people I have met during my time here. --Russ St. Romain
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