Knightly News

LAUNCH 2024 was a tremendous success. Beginning with presentations on Thursday morning and continuing through Friday, the event featured a range of Episcopal students at their best. It also highlighted the strong community of supporters that help LAUNCH liftoff.

It Takes a Village

Long before the presentations begin, the LAUNCH community works hard to ensure a successful day. For example, next year’s class of presenters prepare the sound and lighting systems, set up presenting spaces, decorate campus and deliver an inspiring introduction of each presenter. Thesis Director Katie Sutcliffe, Library Director Tiffany Whitehead and the students study the details of the day to establish an agenda that showcases the students and their many talents. 

New this year, LAUNCH Fair expanded the LAUNCH community to involve members of Mu Alpha Theta, Quiz Bowl, world languages, art, dance and ESTAAR. “We want many more students and teachers to be able to showcase their ideas if they choose to,” says Sutcliffe. “LAUNCH Fair is a way to make more voices heard and allow students to lead these joyful learning experiences.” LAUNCH Fair begins after lunch on LAUNCH Day, and students choose which presentation or activity they want to explore. This year, options ranged from learning a line dance or sharing a digital story to competing in trivia or creating an art piece.  The Fair adds an interactive element to the day beyond the presentations and discussions.

When listening to presentations, the audience also gets an impression of what it takes to conduct research, write and edit a paper, and prepare a TEDx-style lecture. It takes a village, and that was evident throughout the day. The presenters shared powerful family stories and highlighted the positive influences of parents. Students also drew from the expertise of the Episcopal community. Students interviewed a variety of experts, including Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Bishop Shannon Duckworth and alumnus and CEO of Reach Records Ben Washer ’97, who was the Lindley Spaht Dodson Speaker Series guest speaker this year. In addition, numerous faculty advisors helped with idea formation, editing and general support.

Thoughtful Topics with Real-World Applications

Members of the Episcopal Students Take Action in Advanced Research or ESTAAR program showcased the potential that can be realized when Upper School students work with college students and professors. Through the partnership with LSU, this year’s ESTAAR students gained real university lab experience as they investigated the future of building materials or explored their hypotheses regarding aquatic life.

LAUNCH also highlighted the world in which these teens live. There were discussions on the influences of social media, the prevalence of video games and the future of artificial intelligence. Students thoughtfully contemplated the realities of war, political division and the health of the planet.

A Community of Well-Wishers

As these young adults presented, they were surrounded by the Episcopal community as family members and friends cheered them on. Alumni returned to campus to soak up the Episcopal energy, and even Bishop Duckworth was in the audience. It was a great day for learning and a great day for showcasing the Spirit of Episcopal.

Congratulations to this year’s LAUNCH presenters, and thank you to the team who supported them.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.