Episcopal Knightly News

Academics and the ARC: The 2026 Retreat

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000

On Friday, September 4th, Mrs. Sutcliffe and the Academic Resource Center (ARC) hosted its annual tutoring retreat. At 7:50 am, we opened our doors to tutors, new and old, some ready to jump into the school year and others hesitant to take on this new responsibility. Some were a little rusty on their tutoring skills, and others were ready to live, breathe, and eat tutoring. We welcomed all to learn as tutors and to take on the name of Fellow, to be a helping hand in our Episcopal community. Together, we rallied to make this year’s ARC Retreat a soaring success and welcomed students from The Brighton School, led by 2016 Episcopal alumnus Jackson Davis, to learn about our tutoring center as they build the foundations of their own, the Brighton Academic Association.

Together, we hope that this year we may advance our mission to see that every student receives the academic support they need.

The Academic Resource Center has held this retreat for as long as there have been Fellows to attend it. Even though we do this every year (especially through the eyes of a returning tutor), it’s always a nice refresher to gather with all the other Fellows and share our tutoring experiences. As it turns out, one of the first things on our to-do list was listening to an article published in a peer-reviewed academic journal–The Journal of Peer Tutoring in Secondary Schools–by one of our 2026 graduates, Jordan Harvey. Ms. Harvey wrote about an experience while tutoring middle schoolers, in which she had to decide how to balance her client's individual needs during group study sessions.

One of the following activities hosted by our more experienced Fellows from the class of 2027 was a performance in which they demonstrated positive (but mostly unhelpful) tutoring habits. Through their illustrative presentations, Kate Bernard, Harper Inzer, Diana Olinde, and Madeline Greene showed our Brighton friends and us that, as tutors, we want to foster a friendly and supportive environment when welcoming our clients.

“I thought it was really helpful and fun to have the performances,” said Jillian, a junior who is in her second year as a Fellow.

Another student mentioned how engaging it was to watch the awkward interactions between an inattentive tutor and a hesitant student. Seeing the older Fellows demonstrate bad tutoring practices helped many of the watching tutors gain a better understanding of the types of habits they should model and those which they should avoid. This activity allowed us to put into perspective how different actions make potential clients feel, and how far a friendly hello can go to putting a fellow student at ease.

By 9:45, all the Fellows broke into groups to discuss AI in academics, share tutoring experiences, and participate in mock tutoring sessions. Junior Ada Mere remarks on practicing a mock session with a Brighton student.

“Our mock session was very helpful because I played a student who was not on top of their work, was using unreliable sources, and had assignments due the next day. My hope was that [the Brighton tutor] would be able to remain calm and maintain a professional character.”

Curry, the Brighton student paired with Ada, shared, “One thing that stood out about the tutoring center at Episcopal was that all of the Fellows were extremely welcoming and eager to get to know each and every one of us.”

Brody, another Brighton student, reports a similar learning experience: “I learned how to better form a relationship with the client when tutoring them.”

“One thing that I learned about tutoring while at the center was to ask specific questions to help the client without fully giving them the answer,” said Brighton student Marley.

Sam remarked, “I learned that you should sit next to them rather than in front of them, so it feels like you’re not being taught by a teacher, but guided.”

Mr. Davis, likewise, reflected on his time at Episcopal, not only whilst participating in the retreat but also as a student here from 2013 to 2016. He remembers how supportive his teachers were–in particular Ms. Kirschner, Ms. Spaht, and Ms. Duke–and how the academics and opportunities offered helped him realize his passion for English.

“I had the idea a few years ago to start a student tutoring center at The Brighton School based on Episcopal’s,” Mr. Davis wrote, “I met with Mrs. Sutcliffe last March, and she answered every question I had and allowed me to observe some tutoring sessions with her Fellows.”

As we delved deeper into discussions about teaching and learning as tutors, time ticked slowly towards the moment when we waved goodbye to our new tutoring buddies. We continued with a few more discussions and a big group rally, and then it was soon time for us to disperse and journey into the wide world of wisdom, taking what we’ve learned to share with our community.

As much as we hope for the success of Brighton’s tutoring center, so too do they hope for the strengthening of their alliance with Episcopal: “I truly hope we can continue our partnership and that it will be beneficial for both parties; so far it has been particularly beneficial for us at Brighton.”

Reina Dukes is a Fellow in her junior year who tutors in writing, math, and Spanish. She is on the Episcopal golf team and loves to read and write in her free time. In school, she participates regularly in the literary magazine, Troubadour, and is an executive member of the club Unknighted Against Hate. She also played on the junior’s Powderpuff team.

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.

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Episcopal Recognizes 80+ AP Scholars!

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Join us in congratulating our AP Scholars!

AP Scholars with Distinction - Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Autumn Baldridge
Brennen Botos
Lauren Bradford
Bailey Burns
Caldwell Carter
Regan Danos
Rece Davis
David Dickerson
Maeve Dolan
Elizabeth Esch
Anne Bradley Ewing
Mary Ann Frey
William Garrett
Aiden Grassmann
Meredith Hill
Reece Hinton
Zach Hu
Kate Janney
Virginia Kirkpatrick
Sofia Leo

John McConnell
Nate McLean
Akachi Mere
Alex Messina
Timothy Namikas
Colleen Newton
Elizabeth Odom
Mattie Ray
Andrew Richard
Laurel Roberts
Kennedy Roth
Evan Sanders
Maximo Santana
Emma Waguespack
Priscilla Waguespack
Caroline Watson
Darren Weng
Harrison Willett
Riana Yano
Michael Zhang

AP Scholars with Honor - Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

Vivianne Bennett
Elizabeth Brien
Sadie Brien
Rik Chigurupati
Marshall Elliott
John Esnard
Olivia Graham
Alexander Hayden
Airi Homma
Sammy Ismail

Diya Kankar
Mason Kelly
Gentry Litel
James McIlwain
Alyssa Melancon
Maoya Nakahara
Daniel Piazza
Wylie Schexnayder
Oscar Worrell

AP Scholars - Granted to students who receive a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Elyse Bailey
John Bergeron
Bryce Binck
Jade Breaux
Chloe Carver
Tyler Felton
Sophia Fivgas
Andrew Freel
Samaikhya Gadi
Hollis Gray
Jordan Harvey

Zoey Hodges
Hope Johnson
Riley Juban
William Lambert
Annabel Laugier
Kate Lyons
Julian Mendoza
Aahan Narayanan
Ava Rheubottom
Edward Veillon
William Vincent

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Developing Middle School Leaders at Camp Cho-Yeh

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000

This week, 83 eighth graders and 11 chaperones headed west for an annual Middle School rite of passage. Students took part in a team-building and leadership retreat at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas, just outside of Houston.

This is an exciting time for Episcopal Middle School students, as this is the first time the camp tradition is taking place at Camp Cho-Yeh. Middle School Division Head Anne Dalton, Dean of Students Dr. Taylor Wharton and Counselor Katie Carpenter say the benefit of Camp Cho-Yeh is its proximity to Baton Rouge. Carpenter points out that because the explorers had only four hours to travel, they arrived by lunch on the first day and enjoyed a full afternoon of camp activities. Previous camp retreats have required two full days of travel, reducing camp activity time.

At Camp Cho-Yeh, students enjoyed archery, paddleboarding, ziplining and ropes courses. Campers especially enjoyed the giant swing and the aerial crate stacking. During their free time, there was a range of activities, including one-wheelers, a jumping pillow, sand volleyball and gaga ball.

In addition to the camp activities, the Middle School Student Council, with help from Dr. Wharton and Carpenter, led leadership development sessions. The sessions, “Leading Yourself” and “Leading Others,” covered everything from making good choices and empathy to integrity and the influences that impact students.

Dalton is a firm believer in retreat programs, noting that the experiences solidify a class and help them appreciate being eighth graders and leaders of the Middle School. Carpenter says the experience challenges students to do things they’ve never done before and step outside their comfort zone.

Camp Cho-Yeh was established in 1947 as a Christian camp and retreat center. According to camp information, “Cho-Yeh means tall pines.” The center features more than 800 acres of pine trees and outdoor activities for children and adults.

With so many activities, eighth graders are sure to return to school inspired and ready for the rest of the semester.

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New Grade/Same Heart for Episcopal

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Flexible seating and calm lighting create a cozy environment for reading in fifth grade reading teacher Amy Arceneaux’s classroom. While the space and the grade may be new for Arceneaux, she is right at home at Episcopal after teaching third graders for 30+ years.

A 1987 Episcopal graduate, Arceneaux lights up when discussing her new role as a Lower School reading teacher. “I get so excited about reading,” she says with a smile. An avid reader herself, she enjoys a good historical fiction novel. Now, she is thrilled to combine her enthusiasm for reading with her passion for teaching children. “I love what I do,” she says. “I love to watch them grow up. I get excited about reading because a good book can open up new worlds and perspectives,” she says. In the classroom, she hopes to help her students find books that spark their curiosity and show them how reading can stay with them long after they’ve turned the last page. “One of the best parts is watching my students grow, not just as readers, but as people,” says Arceneaux.

Arceneaux has been watching Episcopal students grow up for three decades, but her roots with the school run even deeper. She first joined the Episcopal community as a ninth grader after living in Michigan for many years. Big changes can be tough, but Arceneaux says she found the Episcopal community welcoming. She played basketball and was the team captain her senior year. She even held the Episcopal record for most rebounds for many years. Later, in her 20s, Arceneaux served as the head junior varsity basketball coach for several years. She also made lifelong friendships, and even now, her closest friends are former classmates.

Amy (first on the left) takes a water break between quarters.

A Family Affair

“Home is where the heart is,” says Arceneaux, and home for her is Episcopal. She will celebrate her 40-year class reunion next year, an occasion that is sure to be memorable because she taught many of her classmates’ children. After so much time in the classroom, her role as a teacher has made her an extended part of many Episcopal families, and she cherishes the strong bonds that have formed. “This is a loving community,” she says. “It’s a community of people who really want the best for you.”

One of those people who really wanted the best for Episcopal students was Arceneaux’s mom, Anne Weidig. Weidig was a longtime Episcopal English teacher and served as head of the English Department; many alumni still remember her positive impact today. Arceneaux is proud to have followed in her mom’s footsteps. In addition, her father, Charles, also tutored at Episcopal. Her sister, Laura Weidig, also graduated from Episcopal in 1986. The family legacy continues now through Arceneaux and her daughter, Ellie, a 2021 graduate.

A Lifelong Learner

Even with such a wealth of experience, Arceneaux continues learning about the latest developments in education. This summer, she attended the New Frontiers in Reading and Writing Summer Institute through the Reading & Writing Project at Mossflower. The experience was inspiring, and Arceneaux says the workshop provided educators with ways to encourage students to think deeply and critically about what they’re reading, something she looks forward to doing in her fifth grade classroom. As a 2026 Newton Distinguished Faculty Award recipient, she used the stipend to fund her recent professional development.

Amy is also a National Board Certified teacher, a rigorous achievement held by approximately 4% of educators nationwide. The process asks teachers to demonstrate their knowledge and provide evidence of their classroom practice and its impact on student learning. Ten years after initially earning the certification, she completed the renewal process, reflecting on her continued professional growth. In addition to teaching, Arceneaux has served in numerous roles at Episcopal, including the Head of School Advisory Committee, numerous search committees, Eucharistic minister and mentor to fellow teachers.

Beyond her Episcopal family, Arceneaux enjoys spending time with her own family, including her husband, daughter, three stepchildren and two grandchildren. In addition to a good book, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Nurturing faculty dedicated to lifelong learning and supporting the next generation make Episcopal a special place to learn and grow. No doubt, after 30 years, Arceneaux has positively impacted countless Knights. If she made a difference for you or your child, share a message of gratitude with her in the comments section below.

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Don't Miss Episcopal's Presentation of "Madagascar a Musical Adventure Jr."

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Don’t miss your chance to Move It, Move It with Episcopal Middle and Lower School actors as they present “Madagascar A Musical Adventure Jr.” October 16th through 18th in the Visual and Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available here.

Theatre Production Director Ali Brady is thrilled to work with this year’s cast of 60 students to present such a fun and humorous show. She says audiences can expect entertaining surprises, creative costumes and tons of energy.

Much of that energy will be dedicated to dance numbers throughout the show. New Episcopal Dance Teacher Hannah Knoff has enjoyed working with the cast. “They are all incredibly committed to learning and putting together the best show possible,” she says. “It is a wonderful group of young artists, and I consider it a true privilege to help them develop and grow their dance abilities throughout this process.”

No doubt, the presentation will make an impression on audiences. “The music in this show is incredibly fun and high-energy, and the choreography matches that vibe perfectly,” says Knoff. “The audience is going to have an absolute blast!”

Brady says “Madagascar” highlights the theme of friendship and the idea that it takes a village to succeed. With so many of the arts faculty offering support, the village will be on full display. Along with Brady and Knoff, Arts Academy Director Tori Taylor is pitching in as Music Director, and Arts Department Director Louis Gagliano and the Technical Theatre class students are building the set.

Tickets are available now for “Madagascar A Musical Adventure Jr.” Click here to purchase tickets today!

Upcoming Arts Events:

Theatre Seminar presentation of “8 Minutes Left”
November 13th and 14th
Visual & Performing Arts Center Black Box Theatre

Middle School Visual Art Show
November 16th - 20th

Winter Art Display
November 16th - December 11th

Dance Winter Concert
December 3rd

Performing Arts Academy Winter Recital
December 5th

Winter Band Concert
December 8th

Lessons and Carols
December 10th

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College Experts Provide Advice for Students through New College Advisory Council

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The Episcopal College Counseling team launched a new effort to boost the school’s connections with universities, ultimately giving Episcopal students more exposure and resources on their college admission journey. The College Advisory Council brings college admission experts together on Episcopal’s campus. Council members are admission directors, associate deans and executive directors from the Louisiana State University Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College, Mercer University, Louisiana Tech University and Sewanee: The University of the South.

College Counseling Director Justin Fenske says these types of advisory groups are becoming a best practice among college preparatory high schools across the country. The council provides valuable insight into the application process, including how students can best highlight their experiences and how they can stand out in a crowded admission field. “This partnership helps our college counseling team better guide students through the admission journey so that they ultimately gain admission to the right fit school for their long-term goals,” says Fenske.

The inaugural council meeting highlighted Episcopal’s signature academic programs, ESTAAR and Thesis. Science Department Chair Sarah Pulliam and Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Director Katie Sutcliffe shared the goals and processes of both programs. In addition, a panel of students shared their experiences and answered questions from council members. “The colleges were wowed by the programs,” says Fenske. Providing council members with a more in-depth understanding of ESTAAR and Thesis benefits all students applying to a range of universities because, as Fenske says it offers experts a sense of the rigor and value of an Episcopal education. He also says that while it would be difficult to have such an in-depth meeting with every college admission team, the college counselors received valuable feedback from the council on how students should present their program experiences in their applications, highlighting their research process, papers studied and projects completed.

Fenske is pleased with the first council meeting and looks forward to next year’s discussion. He says going forward, the counselors will select specific programs or topics to present for additional feedback. The team may also invite additional universities to participate. “The connections and resources available through this council are exciting,” says Fenske. “We look forward to expanding our efforts and gaining more insight to refine our processes.”

Advice from the Experts

As a bonus for students, Advisory Council members participated in a panel discussion with the entire Upper School community. Council members offered a range of advice to help students put together a strong college admissions application. Seniors were advised to finish strong, while ninth, tenth and eleventh graders were advised to be a sponge in classes and truly soak up as much information as possible. Council members encouraged students to keep an open mind in the college search and explore a variety of campuses. They also encouraged students to participate in activities and classes they truly enjoy rather than participating to boost their application. On a foundational level, council members reminded students to regularly check their email and double-check their social security numbers when entering them into the application.

Spring College Tour Announced

In addition to the recent Advisory Council meeting, the college counseling team offers a variety of other resources for students. The team regularly hosts coffee discussions with students and families and welcomes college representatives for on-campus visits. Next semester, the college counselors will also lead the annual college tour to Georgia. The visit will include the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Mercer University, Emory University, Berry College and potentially Morehouse College and Spelman College. Fenske says they intentionally plan visits to a variety of schools, from large and small to suburban and urban. The counselors then model for the participating sophomores and juniors what to do and ask on a college tour. This tradition began in 2022, and previous tour locations have included Memphis, South Carolina, Texas, Philadelphia and New York. Interested students can contact their college counselor or register using the link below.

January 20-23, 2027
Georgia College Tour
$650-950 per student, depending on attendance.
Register here.

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2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Celebrated at Halftime Tribute

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Before this year’s Episcopal Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees celebrated on the field, they took time to speak with Middle School students during Morning Meeting. Coach Claney Duplechin and Chandler Rice ’99 reflected on what Episcopal means to them and offered advice to the current students.

“Teachers never gave up on me,” Rice shared. “Episcopal gave me an environment where I could succeed.”

“The greatest lessons I’ve learned came from you,” advised Coach Dupe. “Dream big, work hard and don’t underestimate what you can become.”

The Episcopal Athletic Hall of Fame is a tribute to the outstanding alumni, athletes and individuals who have significantly contributed to Episcopal sports. Each year, new inductees are celebrated for their skill, dedication, and sportsmanship, and for the lasting impact they’ve had on the school. Check out the list of past inductees here.

Read more about the 2026 Inductees and share a message of congratulations with them in the comments section below.

Coach Claney Duplechin

Legendary Episcopal School of Baton Rouge track and field/cross country coach Claney Duplechin has completed his 50th year in coaching and is in his 48th year with the Knights. Coach Duplechin ended the 2025-2026 school year with 70 LHSAA state titles in track and cross country and 15 runner-up finishes. According to MaxPreps, that record ranks sixth nationally in all sports. Coach Duplechin’s boys cross country team had an impressive streak of 25 consecutive state LHSAA titles, which ended by two points in November 2021. That streak ranks second all-time in the US, behind only Hopi High School of Arizona, which holds the record with 26.

Under Coach Duplechin, Episcopal has won 35 of the past 42 Class 2A boys cross country titles and has been voted the top team in all classes/divisions six times. In 2018, Coach Duplechin began coaching the girls cross country team and has since won six straight titles. In addition, the boys teams have won 19 outdoor track titles and nine indoor track titles.

Beyond athletics, Coach Duplechin has been married to his former high school sweetheart and high school valedictorian, Phyllis Fuselier Duplechin, for more than five decades. Coach Duplechin graduated from Mamou High School and was a member of the football, basketball, track and baseball teams.

Accolades:

Three-time National Coach of the Year
2012 Girls National Track Coach of the Year
2013 National Federation of High School Coaches Cross Country Coach of the Year
2018 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year
Recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Louisiana Track and Field Coaches Association
Awarded the Key to the City by then-Mayor Kip Holden in 2012
2019 Louisiana High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Inductee
2020 Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
2020 MaxPreps ranking as one of the nation’s top 100 coaches in all sports

Chandler Rice ’99

Alumnus Chandler Rice’s athletic legacy lives on nearly three decades later, with multiple longstanding school records. Chandler holds the record for the 200-meter dash with 22 seconds. His 16-foot sophomore pole vault still holds the school record, and Rice also holds the #2, #3, and #20 records in the 400-yard dash. Chandler was a member of the Knights team that won District, Regional and State Championships in 1999, 1998 and 1997. The team also won the 1996 District and Regional titles and finished as State Runner-Up.

After a record-breaking high school career, Chandler continued his pursuit of excellence. He was a contributor to the University of Tennessee track and field team that won three SEC Championships and two NCAA Team Championships between 2000 and 2004. Collegiately, Chandler competed in pole vault, with an impressive personal best of 17’11”. He also competed in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter.

In addition to a commitment to athletic excellence, Chandler was dedicated to academics, earning SEC Academic Honor Roll his senior year. Chandler ultimately graduated with a bachelor's degree in sports management.

Beyond Athletics

Chandler’s connections to Episcopal run deep, as his brother Randolph is a 1996 graduate. Their parents, Randy and Margaret Rice, are longtime Episcopal supporters. Chandler has been married to his wife Jenna Rice for 10 years, and they have two daughters, Eleanora and Juliette.

Professionally, Chandler owned Patriot Industries for 10 years before he sold the company. He currently works as an Industrial Developer with Brossett Development.

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Head of School Peace Day Message

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Each year, Episcopal School of Baton Rouge recognizes International Peace Day with an All-School gathering. Dr. Steakley welcomed everyone to this year's event and reflected on the what makes our community so special.

Peace is not simply the absence of conflict. Peace is something we practice—through kindness, hospitality, forgiveness, courage, and the willingness to see and honor the dignity of every person. This is one of the beautiful gifts of Episcopal schools: we have the opportunity to model communities where difference is not something to fear or erase, but something to welcome as part of the richness of God’s creation.

We are also approaching Episcopal Schools Week of Celebration this October, a time when Episcopal schools across the country celebrate who we are and the distinctive mission we share. But here in Baton Rouge, we had the joy of getting that celebration started yesterday with a service at St. James Episcopal Church. What a wonderful reminder that our schools are part of something larger—a community rooted in faith, service, love, and a commitment to helping young people become peacemakers in the world.

Rob Devin, Executive Director of the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools, recently reflected on the life and legacy of Dolly Parton through one of her most personal songs, Coat of Many Colors. He reminds us that Dolly’s mother took scraps of fabric and lovingly stitched them together into something beautiful—a coat that became a symbol of love, dignity, and abundance. Rob suggests that this is also a powerful image for Episcopal schools.

Every day, students arrive at our schools as different threads in a great and beautiful tapestry. Some are bright and confident; others may be anxious, hurting, or worn by circumstances we cannot see. Our calling is not to make everyone the same, but to lovingly stitch those differences together into a community where every person knows they are valued as a beloved child of God.

That is the work of peace. It happens in our classrooms, our hallways, our lunchrooms, our playgrounds, our conversations, and especially in the way we treat one another. As Colossians reminds us, we are called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness—and above all, with love.

So today, as we celebrate peace, may we remember that each of us is one thread in this community. And may we continue stitching together a “coat of many colors”—a community made stronger and more beautiful by our differences, held together by love, and sent into the world as witnesses to the peace of Christ.

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Service Learning Connects Curriculum and Community

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

What do beans, squash and Egyptian hieroglyphics have to do with service learning?

At Episcopal, service learning is more than simply checking a box. Service projects are about learning, and most projects are connected to the curriculum, allowing students to process what they’ve learned while making a positive impact on their world. This semester, students are studying beans, squash and hieroglyphics, and Service Learning Coordinator Kristina St. George is developing ways to connect those lessons to service learning experiences.

St. George draws on her many years in the classroom to plan meaningful service learning opportunities. For example, she’s working with fifth grade social studies teacher Dana Kahn to organize an experience that connects to the students’ study of Native Americans. Fifth graders will learn about the Three Sisters gardening practice of planting corn, beans and squash together. Native Americans used this companion planting method to create a healthy ecosystem and feed their communities. Episcopal students will write and illustrate instructions for planting a Three Sisters garden and give those instructions and seeds to someone as a Thanksgiving surprise. St. George says the experience will also emphasize the importance of caring for the earth.

St. George is also working with Middle School social studies teacher Virginia Day to plan a project to help students connect topics from ancient Egypt to modern-day organizations. For example, as students study Nile River flooding, they’ll make connections to the Cajun Navy and the Army Corps of Engineers. Eventually, students will create an Egyptian stelae or campaign poster to educate others on what they’ve learned.

Students in this semester’s Service Learning and Community Impact course are also organizing a service learning project. After learning about the needs of area animal shelters and hearing from Episcopal parent and Executive Director of Companion Animal Alliance, students are launching a towel and blanket drive for shelter animals. Students will collect donations in the carpool circle, front lawn and back parking lot on October 5th during carpool and arrival and during the Blessing of the Animals. The towels and blankets will be given to CAA to help with local shelter animals. In addition, St. George’s sixth grade religion class recently volunteered at the Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry. At the pantry, students sort and stock items, learn more about the services offered and “shop” in the market as if they were feeding a family.

St. George says service learning comes in many forms, including advocacy, awareness, connection and education. “Service learning gets students thinking about other people, the world around them, and how they can make a positive difference,” she says. With years of lesson-planning experience, St. George excels at providing students with options that match their strengths while customizing projects to teachers’ needs.

Episcopal Upper School students are required to participate in one on-campus service experience and two off-campus service experiences each year. Not all of these experiences are directly connected to the curriculum. Each year, Episcopal teams up with Catholic High School and St. Joseph’s Academy for a youth Habitat for Humanity build. New this year, Upper School students are also invited to Episcopal Night at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to sort and package food together in what is sure to be a community building experience.

St. George truly enjoys working with students and says they take the experiences seriously and represent the school well. Much goes into preparing students for these experiences, with St. George and the other adult volunteers explaining the “why” behind each project before students participate. In addition, St. George brings in experts to reinforce the importance of each activity. Last year, representatives from the Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry presented to students, and this year, students have already heard from the Habitat for Humanity CEO and the Companion Animal Alliance Executive Director.

St. George looks forward to finding new and creative opportunities for students to learn through service. She encourages students to contact her if they are interested in participating.

Upcoming Service Learning Experiences:

Saturday, October 3rd
Habitat for Humanity Youth Build

Monday, October 5th
Donate Towels/Blankets for Companion Animal Alliance

Wednesday, November 4th
Episcopal Upper School Night at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank

November 16-20
Annual All-School Food Drive for Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry

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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.