Episcopal Knightly News

Through Quiet Leadership Student Vestry Members Create a Culture of Belonging

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd welcomes visitors with calm, comfort and a sense of peace. This sacred space, at the heart of the Episcopal experience, feels like a hug on a hectic day. A group of dedicated Upper School students plays a key role in cultivating this atmosphere, and while much of what they do takes place behind the scenes, their efforts are felt in countless ways.

The Upper School Student Vestry is made up of 22 students who lead through service to their classmates. Head Chaplain Casey Duncan says these students are “an extension of the chaplaincy” as they offer support, prayer and spiritual leadership. These servant leaders plan each Upper School chapel service, serve as officiants and readers, and share their personal experiences with the entire student body through chapel talks. In addition, these students provide input regarding Upper School spiritual activities, such as Day of Peace or service-learning experiences.

Student Vestry members appreciate the opportunity to serve. “My main goal as a member of the student vestry is to be a spiritual outlet for anyone who needs one and a role model to the younger members of the Vestry,” says senior Riley Juban, who has been on Vestry for four years now. “I want others to understand the weight of the role as a spiritual leader at Episcopal and see all of the opportunities to be a light in someone else's life! I want to be a face anyone can see and know they are safe to come to for any reason, and know I am always someone who will make them feel heard.”

An environment in which students feel heard, seen, and welcome is an important component of the Episcopal identity, and Chaplain Duncan points out the tremendous impact Vestry members have in creating this culture of belonging. She says these dedicated students pray for the school at each Vestry meeting and display tremendous bravery when sharing their stories. “They are willing to speak because they care about God and others,” she says.

As servant leaders, much of what Vestry members do may go unnoticed, yet members find great value in participating. “The vestry works very hard behind the scenes to be beacons of light in our community and to support our peers in all they undertake,” says second year Vestry member Jake Frey. “When I joined the vestry, I decided I wanted to spread the word of the Lord and serve at the Eucharist. I would hope to bring more peace to the community as well as a safe space where people can talk and be able to express themselves without judgment.” Second year Vestry member Danitza Hamer says she joined Vestry “because I want to serve God and our community here at Episcopal, and enjoy working on projects to benefit our community. It deeper roots us in God and religion, and helps unite us in all we do.”

Chaplain Duncan says interest in the Vestry is growing with an intentional focus on student-driven initiatives. For example, Middle School students requested a weekly Bible study, and this year, the Upper School Student Vestry is answering the call. A group of five freshman Vestry members is establishing a Wednesday Bible study for their younger classmates. Vestry members also support the Knights for Christ group, which organizes Bible study for Upper School students.

This year, Chaplain Duncan and the Vestry members are inviting more classes and students to participate in chapel services. Members of the Student Council have already organized a service, and other groups will do the same later this year. “My hope is that more classes bring what they’re learning into our worship,” says Duncan. “Chapel is the foundation of our school experience and is not separate.” She says worship in the chapel should include a multitude of voices and everything from artwork and music to different languages and talents.

The student leaders play a big role in establishing this environment. “Members of the Student Vestry make a difference at Episcopal by being open, friendly, and accepting of other students,” says Riley. “I can confidently say that all members of the vestry are kind and pleasant people who want the best for their neighbors, and that their Christ-like attitude is lived out every day. I’m really proud of the current Vesty for stepping into their older roles in the new school year, taking the initiative to recruit new members and get things done, and for everyone’s eagerness to serve the Episcopal community.”

Sometimes leaders are quiet as they encourage others to let their light shine, but their impact is anything but silent. Join us in thanking the members of the Student Vestry who work hard to care for their school community. Share a message of gratitude with these student leaders in the comments section below.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 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 enrollment@ehsbr.org or 225-755-2685.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Coach Phil Bode Shares Stories and Wisdom with the Next Generation

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

“Can you tell us a story?” Coach Phil Bode says students have always enjoyed the stories he tells, and he is often asked to share them while in the classroom. Now an Episcopal substitute teacher, this former wrestling coach and wrestling advocate is sharing his stories with the world in hopes of making connections. “The best part about sharing experiences with other people is that they don’t have to go through the pain that you did,” he says.

Coach Bode grew up on a farm in Iowa. He and his brothers and sisters milked cows, fed chickens and worked hard. That work ethic led to success on the wrestling mat and a lifetime of lessons. “You earn what happens to you,” says Coach Bode. “Once you step out on the mat, it’s always on you.”

From Farm to Bayou

Coach Bode found his place and his community on the wrestling mat. As a teen, he was on the Algona High School wrestling team that made a name for itself as the 1969 Iowa State High School Wrestling Champions. Coach Bode was the team captain and graduated as Outstanding Wrestler. The champions got the attention of universities across the country, and recruitment letters flooded in. As a farm boy from Iowa, Coach Bode’s goal was to go someplace and do something he’d never done before. When the wrestling coach from LSU arrived in Iowa for a recruitment visit, he offered the opportunity to set records that would never be broken because Coach Bode would be the first to set them.

With the spirit of an explorer, Coach Bode appreciated the opportunity to make his mark, and he accepted a scholarship to LSU. He went on to be a two-time Southeastern Conference Champion and two-time Runner-Up. After graduating with a degree in English and Health, Physical, and Recreation Education, he taught for seven years. Eventually, he got a job with an electrical supply company and remained there for more than 30 years.

Baton Rouge became home for Coach Bode, and he raised his family here. At a New Year’s Eve party in 1973, he met a woman named Ann, and the two were married eight months later. They now have three children and six grandchildren. Two of their daughters, Andrea and Amanda, also went into education.

Leaving a Legacy through Sport

Even as he worked full-time and raised his family, Coach Bode's love for wrestling never wavered, and he still shares his passion for the sport with anyone interested. Coach Bode founded wrestling clubs in the region and started programs at Episcopal, Redemptorist, Brusly, St. Amant, Zachary, Live Oak, East Ascension and Dutchtown. He says 1,000 kids have wrestled because of these programs, and he still receives notes and letters from former athletes today. “I coached people who are now coaching,” he says. He’s also coached people who have gone on to become entrepreneurs, actors and educators.

As he looks back on his incredible career, Coach Bode remembers a high school teacher who once told him a legacy is like a bucket of water. When you stick your hand in the bucket and pull it out, that’s how long people remember you. For years, Coach Bode didn’t quite grasp the meaning of that until he understood that the tale is not about the hole in the water, but the ripples made by the hand. Coach Bode has certainly made ripples. In 2000, he was honored as the Louisiana USA Wrestling Man of the Year, and he has also been inducted into his high school hall of fame and the Brusly High School Hall of Fame.

Stories to Prepare the Next Generation

Coach Bode has been a familiar face on Episcopal’s campus since 2011, when he became the school’s full-time substitute teacher, a role that allowed him to share stories with students of all ages. Even though he’s no longer full-time, he says students still ask for a story while he’s here, and he uses it as motivation to get them to complete assignments. The stories are typically about simpler times from his childhood in the 50s and 60s, and each tale has a moral. He reminds students that “not every lesson is in a book.” He also points out that life is full of lessons if we simply pay attention to what’s around us.

Now, Coach Bode is sharing his stories with the next generation through the book, “My Stories I Like to Tell.” It’s another meaningful opportunity to leave a positive ripple in the world. Middle and Upper School students will have the opportunity to learn more from him at a special book signing event in Aldrich Library. Check out the details below.

“My Stories I Like to Tell” Book Signing with Coach Bode
Wednesday, September 23rd
1:25 pm – During office hours and flex
Preorder books at episcopalschoolstore.com/products/phil-bode-book. Books will also be sold during the event.

Has Coach Bode positively impacted your life? Share a message of appreciation in the comments section below.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Congratulations to the 2026 Episcopal Homecoming Court!

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to this year's Episcopal Homecoming Court!

Class of 2027

Kate Bernard

Madeline Greene

Riley Juban

Chandler Amacker

Mason Kelly

Daniel Lindsey

Class of 2028

Sadie Civello

Marielle Doherty

Caiden Duff

Jude Young

Class of 2029

Avery Bradford

Drew Hebert

Sochi Mere

Louise Pesses

Class of 2030

Kris Kirkpatrick

Adele Q=Petersen

Grant Smith

Amelia Vasquez

Homecoming Game: September 18th

The Knights host Catholic High Pointe Coupee for the 2026 Homecoming game. The action gets underway at 7:00 pm. Buy your tickets early through i2tickets or purchase at the gate. Or even better, buy your annual Squires Pass to attend all Upper School and Middle School home athletic events for the year with one easy purchase. Visit www.i2tickets.com to get Homecoming ready!

Can’t make the game? Fans can catch the game live on VSN. Visit the link to sign up: https://www.varsitysportsnow.com/browse.

Pre Game Squires Tailgate:

Join Squires for a pre-game tailgate party sponsored by Wall 2 Wall. The fun begins at 5:30 pm under the big tent in Lot 18 behind the Field House. Everyone is invited, so stop by to grab your gameday gear, a bite to eat and get gameday ready!

Alumni:

We love welcoming our alumni back to campus and catching up with old friends. Stop by the Graves Family Field House Terrace beginning at 6:30 pm for jambalaya, drinks and a fun place to enjoy the game. Deadline to register for complimentary tickets is September 14th. Click here to register. We hope to see you there! Always a Knight!

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Congratulations to Class of 2027 National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Scholars!

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Episcopal is pleased to recognize seven National Merit Semifinalists and two Commended Scholars from the Class of 2027. The nine students represent approximately 12% of the school’s senior class.

Join us in congratulating these students in the comments section below.

National Merit Semifinalists

Rik Chigurupati

Ainsley Ebey

Tyler Felton

Jack McConnell

Nate McLean

Andrew Richard

Evan Sanders

Commended Scholars

Elyse Bailey

Maoya Nakahara

According to the National Merit Scholarship Program, nearly two million students compete each year, with approximately 16,000 advancing to the semifinal round. Semifinalists are top scorers on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test(PSAT) in their state.

National Merit finalists will be announced in February, with winners named in the spring. The selection committee reviews student grades, activities and leadership, as well as school information, to determine the winners. Scholarships are then awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Program, corporations, colleges and universities.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

New Initiatives Help Develop Middle School Leaders

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Bravery, effort, advocacy and determination. Middle School administrators want to encourage these leadership traits and more as the entire school community focuses on Developing Leaders this year. Division Head Anne Dalton, Counselor Katie Carpenter and Middle School Dean of Student Life Dr. Taylor Wharton are thrilled to launch new initiatives to help sixth, seventh and eighth graders become leaders in their school and beyond.

Leadership Groups

This year, Middle School will have its own Honor Council to guide students through academic concerns. The group will be modeled after the Upper School group and led by the Upper School Advisor, Patrick Doring. “The primary purpose of the Honor Council is to uphold the integrity of the Honor Code by conducting investigations into potential Code violations and reporting their findings and recommendations for consequences to both the Division Head and Dean of Students,” says Doring. “The Honor Council also serves to educate the school community about the importance and expectations of the Honor Code, thereby strengthening the community as a whole.”

In addition, the Middle School Student Council will include more students with bigger responsibilities. Dr. Wharton says students will lead morning meetings and provide insights for school dances, field day and other community activities. She points out that as students of this age are figuring out who they are, it’s important to provide them with meaningful opportunities to grow and develop. This year’s Student Council will play a significant role in the Middle School culture.

Leadership Live

How do you lead? How would you have led differently? These are some of the questions that Episcopal community members will be invited to answer as part of the new morning meeting Leadership Live panel discussions. Dr. Wharton says Student Council members will interview invited guests on the Visual & Performing Arts Center stage in front of the entire Middle School student body. The goal is for students to learn directly from leaders and to understand the qualities that make a good leader. The team hopes students recognize their leadership potential and are inspired to make their school a better place.

Leadership in Action

The Middle School team is also launching a new recognition program to encourage on-the-spot leadership. Dr. Wharton invites faculty and staff from all divisions to complete a Leadership in Action comment form when they witness a Middle School student leading. Student leadership comes in a variety of forms and may be a student opening a door, helping someone carry supplies or offering an encouraging word. Nominated students will be recognized at morning meeting and celebrated by their peers. Administrators hope the positive reinforcement serves as inspiration for classmates.

Middle School Joy

Middle School can be tough, making intentional and positive character development essential. “It doesn’t have to be a difficult right of passage,” says Dalton. “We’re focusing on joy and responsibility. We want them to take healthy risks in school now before they reach Upper School. We want them to learn to set expectations and how to deal with failure.” Carpenter agrees and says she wants students to put themselves out there and do their best. She frequently encourages students to simply try.

Exciting things are happening in Middle School this year. Congratulations to the student leaders who were recently elected to lead the charge and make a difference in their school!

Honor Council

Eighth Graders:

Winnie Borman

Elizabeth Levy

Ellis Wood

Seventh Graders:

Cappa Spaht

Lydia Sutcliffe

Sixth Grader:

Turner Smith

Student Council

Eighth Graders:

David Dampf

Mazie Smith

Ellis Wood

Seventh Graders:

Connor Moroney

Chloe Rogers

Rivers Vey

Sixth Graders:

Reese Caccavo

Lucy Castille

Carter Wellons

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

REUKNIGHTED: Coach Van Hiles '93

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Head Girls Track & Field Coach Van Hiles ’93 was a standout Episcopal athlete during the days of landlines, cassette tapes and the original “Jurassic Park.” Now a Knights Athletic Hall of Famer, Hiles develops the next generation of student athletes, one race, one jump and one play at a time.

As a student, Coach Hiles left a lasting mark on Episcopal football, basketball, and track and field. He was a gifted football player, earning a scholarship to the University of Kentucky and All-SEC honors before being drafted by the Chicago Bears.

The NFL took Coach Hiles far from Baton Rouge and created many exciting opportunities. After playing for the Bears, he started his own engineering firm and was a member of a team developing the first Motorola NFL headset. He met Chicago native Tracie and the two married in 2000. Life in Chicago was good, but then, with the 2008 crash, the Hiles looked to make a change. Coach Hiles still feels grateful that Tracie agreed to relocate to Baton Rouge. Once here, the two enrolled their children, Jayden ’24 and Makyla, at Episcopal.

Back on the home track

While Coach Hiles had not planned on returning to his home field, his son Jayden brought him back, and Coach Hiles still beams with pride remembering the moment his son expressed interest in the long jump. “I didn’t introduce it to him,” he recalls. “He found it on his own.” That shared love for a common interest was all it took for Coach Hiles to return to the Episcopal track. At first, he observed practices, offered advice and enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with his son. Eventually, Makyla also picked up the sport, and to Coach Hiles’ delight, the entire family began discussing track and field at home.

Looking back, it makes sense that Coach Hiles is back on the track. Though he had a natural talent for football, his heart always belonged to track and field. He says he learned early on that the sport fosters lasting connections among athletes and spans the entire school community. He says it’s also the perfect balance of team effort and individual accomplishments. Coach Hiles loved the excitement of competing independently in hurdles and jumps and was also proud to help his team become state champions.

Coaching the next generation of Knights

Welcoming and approachable, Coach Hiles has now coached Jayden, Makyla and countless other Knights to similar success. He’s coached two long jump state champions and three high jump state champions, while helping the boys and girls teams capture a combined seven state championship titles and three state runner-up finishes. He’s also found time to apply his NFL experience as an assistant coach for the Episcopal football team.

Coach Hiles is a family man, an entrepreneur and an engineer. Yet, he still makes time to work with Episcopal athletes, including those currently enrolled and several who now compete at the collegiate level. He puts in the extra time because he knows it matters. “If the kids don’t think you’re invested, they won’t perform their best,” he says. There’s no question that Coach Hiles believes in the students and Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. “I’ve seen this school change a lot,” he recalls, thinking of the former Episcopal bus circle and the house that used to sit where the Visual & Performing Arts Center now stands. “It is a great community that supports each other. You don’t get lost in the shuffle. You can participate in a lot of things, and you’re pushed to be better.”

Coach Hiles is sure to push the Knights to another great season, and students are fortunate to have him as a mentor.

Were you coached by Coach Hiles or a teammate of his from decades ago? Share a message of appreciation for him in the comments section below.

Track and field action gets underway later this school year. Meanwhile, if you want to catch Episcopal runners in action, the cross country team begins its quest for additional state titles in September.

Saturday, September 19th Episcopal Round Table Run Highland Road Community Park

Don't forget Homecoming is Friday, September 18th!

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Reimagined QUEST Center Spaces Spark Inspiration and Discovery

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Permanent STEAM Stations, a Mini Knights Maker Space and a new Light and Shadow space are coming to the QUEST Center in Foster Hall this school year! These reimagined spaces are sure to inspire creativity and exploration in a facility dedicated to purposeful play.

QUEST Coordinator Stacy Hill can’t wait for students to interact with the new spaces. Last year, after hearing from first through third graders that they’d like to return to the QUEST Center for center time, Hill piloted a space within Investigation Station with those students in mind. Students loved the STEAM Stations, including the Air Toobz center, the light table and the magnetic ramp wall. The pilot was such a success that STEAM Stations are now a permanent part of Investigation Station, and students will return once a month to explore. Going forward, Hill will continue to add age‑appropriate experiences, including a sensory area modeled after early childhood spaces. Because the stations are mobile, Investigation Station can still transform into a hub for dissections and similar lessons, demonstrating the benefits of flexible design.

In the early childhood room, the new Mini Knights Maker Space becomes a permanent station, like the beloved sensory bin and tinker area. The Maker Space area provides students with a range of materials, such as tape, popsicle sticks and cardboard tubes, and Hill will challenge the little Knights to see what they can do. This is one of her favorite lessons as she loves watching students discover through creation. In the past, she’s seen a child turn a cardboard tube into a watch and popsicle sticks into an airplane. This new dedicated center is sure to spark creativity, giving the little Knights the freedom to imagine, build and test their ideas.

This year, a new Light and Shadow Space within the Production Studio invites students to experiment with lamps, a light table and even an old overhead projector. The projector, which many teachers will recognize, allows students to examine and magnify objects. The interactive light table and mini lamps allow students to study how light interacts with colors and shapes. Hill says the applications for this new space are exciting, and she looks forward to seeing the discoveries students make inside.

While all three spaces have reimagined components, they will also continue to serve their original intent. Essentially, the design expands the QUEST learning opportunities and creates new ways for students to grow.

Teachers make learning fun

These reimagined spaces highlight the talent of Episcopal teachers. They are masters at designing environments that support multiple learning goals at once, and they recognize the educational potential in everyday materials. Teachers also model flexibility and creativity, adjusting spaces to meet developmental needs and learning objectives. More importantly, they make learning fun so that students are so immersed in play that they don’t realize they’re building essential skills. “There’s not a right way to play in these areas,” says Hill. “We provide materials, and the students provide the magic.”

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Episcopal Students Road Trip through Italy and Learn a Lot Along the Way

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

This summer, 36 students and six chaperones spent nine days road tripping through Italy. Upper School history teacher Clara Howell says the trip was packed with as many classes and learning opportunities as possible, with a focus on art and history. Along the way, there were also the unexpected joys that make traveling so impactful.

Experiential learning that students will never forget

“My favorite part of this experience was definitely the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire,” says senior Noah Henderson. “It was awesome to see all of this history in one place, with lots of it still intact as well!”

The Episcopal explorers took part in a variety of experiential activities, including Gladiator School, where they learned archery and other gladiator techniques. They painted frescoes in Florence, took cooking classes and learned to paint with watercolors. The group saw Michelangelo’s David, toured the Vatican Museum, and was in awe of St. Peter’s Basilica. The trip was filled with learning opportunities, and Howell and fellow chaperone Dr. Karin deGravelles appreciated the chance to watch students take in their surroundings. For Howell, it is especially rewarding that six students from the trip are now in her AP European History class. With the school year underway, students are learning about the places they visited, and Howell even shares photos of them from the trip.

As is often the case with big adventures, the Italy road trip also included unexpected experiences that truly made the trip epic. Howell points out that the visit coincided with the Giro d’Italia finale, and the group actually watched cyclists pedal quickly through the streets of Rome. Students were also in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Leo prepared for a prayer service in the gardens. In addition, Howell says Episcopal equestrian Stella Silva was thrilled to be in Villa Borghese park at the exact time as the CSIO Roma Piazza de Siena, an elite international jumping event. Stella and Howell took a few moments so that Stella could watch several of her favorite riders and get up close with the horses. Even the natural world seemed to align for the explorers, as they timed a visit to the sea just at sunset. deGravelles recalls the joy she felt in hearing a student exclaim, “I’m going to touch the Mediterranean!”

Creating community thousands of miles from home

Nine days in Italy established lasting connections among the explorers. As students threw netting over each other at the Gladiator School or tried different forms of art or food, they naturally developed friendships. The personalized lagniappe moments allowed students to get to know one another and become a community of explorers. Senior Noah Henderson says he was most surprised by the bonds the group formed. “I went with a lot of people I had never really met before or only talked to briefly, but while in Italy it was super easy and really fun to get to talk to these people more,” he says. “This experience benefited me upon my return because it definitely helped me start a lot of conversations with people I had not talked to in months. It also helped me stay connected with teachers while away over the summer, so when I returned it was really easy to come back.”

Learning through travel

International travel, like the Italian road trip, reflects Episcopal’s commitment to global education and experiential learning. These experiences are designed to support academic learning while fostering curiosity, empathy and a broader sense of responsibility in an interconnected world. In addition to the trip to Italy, students have recently traveled to destinations such as Costa Rica and Iceland. There are also domestic and interest-based experiences, all focused on learning through exploration. Learn more about Episcopal travel opportunities here and join us on our next adventure.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

A Summer of Success!

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Summer is often a time for students to experience learning beyond the classroom. Students participate in a range of activities showcasing their leadership skills and personal interests. Congratulations to these students on their recent success! Look for more student success spotlights in the future.

International Weightlifting Standout

On August 29th, senior Baron Baker finished third overall in the Pan American Games in Ecuador! Baron had a 125 kg snatch and a 173 kg clean and jerk for a total of 289 kg and another American record for his age and weight group!

Earlier this summer, Baron also represented the US in the 94kg weight class at the Youth World Championship in Cali, Colombia. His clean and jerk and total are both new U17 American records! Baron surpassed the USAW Youth 94kg “B” standard by eight kilograms and finished ninth in the snatch, fourth in the clean and jerk and eighth in the total. Baron has worked hard to achieve such success, training for hours five days a week at X Factor.

Chess Success

Episcopal senior Matteo Runge represented Louisiana in a national chess tournament featuring the best players from high schools across the country. Matteo went 4-2 and was ultimately ranked 11th of the 50 states competing! He finished out in a 5-way tie for 8th place and, after two losses, won his final three matches.

International Equestrian

Senior Corinne Boydstun recently won the Worlds Championship Horse Show in the 14 – 17 country pleasure class! The event attracts competitors from across the world and includes more than 2,000 horses. In addition, Corinne impressed at this summer’s ASB Three-Gaited Junior Exhibitor division at the Cleveland Tri-State Charity Horse Show—winning both the qualifier and the championship unanimously.

Episcopal Royalty

Sophomore Kadie Sumbler was crowned Miss Louisiana Teen USA! This week, she represented the state of Louisiana at the Miss Teen USA competition, finishing in the Top 20 and earning the People’s Choice Award!

National Crossword Creator

On September 23rd, the LA Times will feature a crossword puzzle designed by Episcopal senior Nate McLean! This is the first puzzle constructed by Nate to be published nationally. The LA Times puzzle is published locally in The Advocate and is found online at the LA Times or the Washington Post.

Tackling National Affairs

Junior Maddie Falcon and sophomore Graham Hanby were selected to attend the YMCA’s Conference on National Affairs. This annual event brings together student leaders from across the country to raise awareness of national issues and increase the understanding of the federal government and its relation to state, national and international matters. Jack says he felt like he was among the brightest students in the country. “CONA not only contributed to my understanding of social politics and debate, it also helped shape who I am today.”

Camp Crisp

Juniors Hunter Easley, Maddie Falcon and Julian Itriago participated in Camp Crisp, a summer STEM internship through the LSU Ag Center. The two-week paid experience focused on agricultural science and climate-resistant crop systems. During the session, students attended seminars led by university faculty on plant diseases, research careers and scientific methods. Students explored research areas including soil science, pest management, artificial reproductive technology used for livestock and endangered species, and crop production through field and lab activities. Students conducted small group experiments and data collection on the LSU campus, as well as in various LSU research stations.

Louisiana Middle School Teacher of the Year

This summer, new Middle and Upper School Choral Music Director Bridget Zerinque was named the 2027 Louisiana Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education. The award was presented at the 20th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The recognition highlights Bridget’s work at the Mathematics, Science, and Arts Academy East in Iberville Parish, where she taught K–12 music and built a comprehensive vocal music program centered on musical excellence, student leadership, and opportunities for students to discover their voices through music.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Convocation Address Highlights Importance of Being a Good, Honorable Person

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Honor Council President Nate McLean reflected on the Episcopal Honor Code at Upper School Convocation. He reminded classmates of the importance of effort, respect and accountability and the role of the Honor Code in student life.

Good morning. I am Nate McLean, and this is my third year serving on the Honor Council. We are gathered here today to witness the freshman, new students, and new faculty sign the Honor Code. But before you all sign the Honor Code, I’d like to spend a few minutes talking about why it is important. Although there are many principles of the Honor Code that deserve recognition, in the short time that I have I would like to discuss what I believe to be the most important values: effort, respect, and accountability.

Firstly, effort is an important aspect of life, one that has much to do with your own honor and dignity. When you sign the Honor Code, you make a vow to follow its ideals. While the ultimate goal of the Honor Code is to create a better communal life together, it fundamentally starts with your own personal efforts to uphold the code. Sure, you could come here, sign the Honor Code, and then completely disregard it. You could cheat and Chat your way through high school, if you get away with it. But you wouldn’t just be going against the Honor Code (which you wouldn’t care about in this scenario), you would be sacrificing your own honor itself. Sure, you made it through high school without trying, but at the expense of your character and your pride. Only through effort and intentionality can you build character and uphold your honor.

Additionally, the Honor Code encourages us to be honorable by reminding us to respect those around us. When signing the Honor Code, we vow to respect others, not undermine our life together, and not infringe upon the rights of others. This respect is necessary for a community in which we can safely express our interests and opinions.

It seems like a simple task, respecting those around us, but it takes a good bit of effort and understanding. Respect may look different for different people: someone may feel disrespected if their friend doesn’t talk to them in class while they’re doing classwork, but someone else may feel more respected if they’re mostly left alone to do their work. Either way of feeling about the situation is equally valid, which shows that it takes patience and understanding to figure out how to best respect your peers. Respect should be taken into account alongside the first value, effort, because you have to put in effort to learn how to best work with others.

Lastly, accountability is another important value reflected in the Honor Code. When signing the Honor Code, we vow that our “word will always be trusted.” If we want to be trustworthy people, we must first be responsible and accountable people. Becoming accountable has a lot to do with honesty: we have to be honest with ourselves and with others if we want to learn from our mistakes.

Let’s say I put a blasphemous image of my friend Tyler on the senior wall without his permission and no one noticed it. It doesn’t seem like such a big deal if no one noticed it. And it would be ridiculous for me to turn myself in when I could just leave it alone and not get in trouble. But to be accountable in this situation, I should be honest with myself and think about the impact beyond “not getting in trouble.” Such an action might be destructive to our friendship. I’m not saying I would turn myself in in this situation, but I guess that’s kind of the point of having accountability: you should be able to make the right decision even when there’s no punishment. The accountable thing for me to do would be as simple as just taking the photo down.

So even if you walk out of here and completely forget about everything I said, I hope that you at least retain the idea that putting these principles of Honor into action. Being accountable for your actions, respecting other people, and actually trying in life go beyond the Honor Code itself. The real importance of the Honor Code does not lie within itself, but in your actual efforts to be honorable. Because when you graduate and look back on your time here, you’re probably not going to think about whether or not you followed the Honor Code to a T, but whether or not you actually tried to be a good, honorable person.