Knightly News

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 [email protected] or 225-755-2685.