Episcopal Knightly News

Congratulations to the 2026 Episcopal Valedictorian!

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to the 2026 Episcopal Valedictorian, Tim Namikas. A successful member of Episcopal’s ESTAAR program, Tim has represented the school and his research statewide, nationally and internationally. Tim is an Episcopal Webster Scholar, a National Merit Finalist, a Presidential Scholars candidate and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He also contributed to Quiz Bowl and served as the President of both Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society. He was recognized with Honors for his performance on the American Chemical Society U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Exam. He was an active debate team member and was selected to the district team, which competed at two national tournaments. Tim does all of this while also competing as a member of the Episcopal boys soccer team and the new Episcopal bowling team.

Tim will attend Princeton University and study mechanical engineering. We asked him to share more about his Episcopal experience.

1. What are you most proud of in your academic career thus far?

I am most proud of being selected to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for a computer science project studying the applications of machine learning in cybersecurity. The project was self-driven, and taught me much of what I know about scientific research and the academic writing process. Attending ISEF was an amazing experience, and it opened my eyes to what's possible for even high school students.

2. What is the most important thing you’ve learned during your time at Episcopal?

Episcopal taught me the importance of relying on the people around you. The teachers here are truly remarkable and it's clear they care about me as a person. It's been amazing getting to know the faculty, and I have learned to use these relationships to accelerate my learning and grow as a person. I am also graduating with an incredible class, and I have seen firsthand the difference that showing up for each other and supporting your friends can have.

3. Why did you choose Princeton?

I chose Princeton because I feel it suits me well. Princeton is a high-quality institution focused on critical thinking and creativity, qualities that are particularly inspiring. They also offer generous financial aid, which sets them apart from other options.

4. What are your goals for your time in college?

In college, I hope to develop my passions. Academically, I hope to be exposed to sustainable energy technology and explore the areas of research that interest me. I would also like to grow in leadership and service positions, as I discover what the university has to offer.

Please join us in congratulating Tim. Share a message with him 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

Student Athletes Honored with Female/Male Athlete of the Year Awards

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Episcopal student athletes and families had much to celebrate at the recent Knight of Excellence Athletic Awards Banquet. With four state championships, numerous individual state championships, seven students continuing their athletic pursuits in college and the successful creation of a new bowling team, the 2025/2026 athletic season was one to remember.

Congratulations to our student athletes, and thank you to the families who support them!

Each year, Episcopal recognizes two outstanding student athletes with the Michael Babers Male Athlete of the Year award and the Annslee Laura Phillips Female Athlete of the Year award. These honors recognize athletes for their athletic success and their exemplary teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship and academic achievements. Join us in congratulating this year’s winners!

Annslee Laura Phillips Female Athlete of the Year: Caroline Watson

Caroline Watson has been a cornerstone of Episcopal Athletics, excelling across volleyball, basketball and softball throughout her high school career. A four-year standout in volleyball and basketball and a three-year contributor in softball, Caroline has earned multiple First Team All-District honors, highlighted by being named Basketball All-District MVP in 2026. On the court, she has been a dominant force, earning Offensive MVP and Overall MVP honors for three consecutive years.

Caroline’s impact is further reflected in her scoring milestones, surpassing both the 1,000-and 2,000-point marks while earning All-State and All-Metro recognition. Known for her leadership and consistency, she has been a driving force behind her teams’ success. Caroline’s commitment to her team, humility and strong character make her a truly deserving winner of the 2026 Annslee Laura Phillips Female Athlete of the Year.

Michael Babers Male Athlete of the Year: Jeremy Mitchell

Jeremy Mitchell has emerged as one of the school’s most accomplished and versatile student athletes, competing in basketball and track for four years while contributing to football for three. A dynamic leader across all three programs, he earned First Team All-District honors in football, basketball and track, while also being named Football Offensive MVP. On the hardwood, Jeremy led his team in steals, assists and free throw percentage, serving as team captain, and on the track, he earned regional championships and multiple honors as an outstanding field athlete.

Jeremy’s success has extended across both indoor and outdoor track seasons, where he contributed to championship performances and demonstrated consistent excellence. A 2026 team captain, he has been a steady leader and competitor throughout his career. Jeremy will continue his athletic career at Loyola University New Orleans on a full scholarship, and his commitment to growth, leadership and perseverance makes him a deserving winner of the 2026 Michael Babers Male Athlete of the Year award.

Join us in congratulating Caroline and Jeremy. Share a message with them in the comments section below.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

An End of Year Message from Dr. Steakley

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The 2025/2026 school year was one of Building Community, and it is rewarding to look back and see all the ways you embraced this idea and leaned into the strength and compassion of our Episcopal school family.

Thank you to our parent groups—Parents’ Guild, Squires and Arts Krewe—who embraced the spirit of community with enthusiasm. From Knight Under the Stars and Sunglasses at Knight to the tennis mixer, tailgates and numerous moments of teacher appreciation, you created spaces where we could connect, share school spirit and feel at home. Your generosity and commitment help make Episcopal a special place to learn and grow.

Thank you to our students who carried the theme forward in their own creative ways. Faced with a new Upper School cell phone policy, you chose connection over complaint. I was thrilled to see you playing volleyball and other games each day in the quad as you found new ways to be together. Your leadership reminded us that community grows strongest when we choose to see opportunity in change.

One thing that hasn’t changed is our community’s commitment to each other. You wrapped your arms around Lower School student Talyn and her family in profound ways, and I know that you will continue to support them. In challenging times, our community shows up. Thank you.

Of course, as a school, there are countless opportunities to learn together, and this year’s STEAM Knight was an exceptional night of learning and exploring with students and families from all divisions. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to present this meaningful experience. It was the perfect opportunity to share in a love of learning as a community.

This year, we also celebrated many accomplishments. We honored Upper School teacher James Moroney as the inaugural Outstanding Educator. Everyone who knows James recognizes his commitment to students, and students truly love him for it.

Our community also celebrated tremendous student success.

7 National Merit Finalists
4 Commended Scholars
4 Presidential Scholars Candidates
75 AP Scholars
Academic success in clubs
2 student artists selected for the LSU School of Art Statewide Juried Student Exhibition
1 student artist recognized by the George Rodrigue Foundation Scholarship competition
7 student artists to continue their commitment to arts education in college
1 Lower School student artist selected for the Le Carrousel du Louvre exhibit
Inspiring performances of “Mamma Mia!” and “High School Musical Jr.”
A record-breaking food drive for Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry
Hosted record-breaking Mu Alpha Theta and Quiz Bowl tournaments
1 alumnus selected as a 2025 Truman Scholar
2 new Episcopal Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
1 social studies teacher selected as a 2025-2026 Holocaust Memorial Museum Fellow
1 English teacher selected as a Grosvenor Teaching Fellow
4 state team championships and numerous individual state champions
7 members of the Class of 2026 will continue their athletic pursuits in college

We also expanded our community beyond campus. We welcomed an internationally acclaimed opera singer, embraced our Mums of Alums, traveled together to Quebec, the Florida Keys, Mo Ranch, Costa Rica and more. We welcomed the 2026 CW Austin Learning Disabilities Conference and members of the Chilean exchange program.

Such an inspiring year fills me with hope and a shared sense of purpose for the future. In the spirit of community learning, I hope you’ll join our faculty and staff in this year’s summer reading: “Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically & Responsibly: Exploring AI With Intentionality, Curiosity, and Care” and “The Power of Moments.”

We are energized by the work ahead in our Strategic Plan, especially our commitments to growing the endowment to support students, faculty and facilities, and establishing the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. These initiatives will strengthen the foundation of Episcopal for years to come.

Next year, we will welcome new leadership. These individuals are already part of our community, and we look forward to welcoming them to these new roles.

Michelle Grantham, Lower School Division Head
Rev. Casey Duncan, Head Chaplain
Marian Castille, Upper School Dean of Student Life
Stephen Anderson, Director of Security and Campus Services

As we head into summer, I am grateful for the trust you place in us, for the joy your children bring to campus and for the countless ways this community lifts one another up. May the months ahead bring rest and renewal.

We look forward to building the next chapter of our community together. See you in August!

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

College Announcements 5.8.26

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Demetrick Johnson
Southern University
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Aahan Narayanan
Emory University
Major: Psychology

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Alumni Return to Episcopal for One of Life's Biggest Moments

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

“Charlotte and Joffre’s decision to be married in the same chapel creates a rare, multi-generational love story that makes the setting incredibly sentimental for a Valentine’s Day celebration rooted in tradition and family.” Bailey Russell ’12

Episcopal’s Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd has already served as the venue for three alumni weddings this year. Alumna Charlotte Russell ’15 married Tom Joffre Meek II on February 14th. Sister and fellow graduate, Bailey Russell ’12, coordinated the wedding and described the celebration as blending “romance, legacy, and design.” She says the venue is one “deeply rooted in our family’s history.” Charlotte and Bailey’s mother, Beverly Hise Russell ’76, married the girls’ father, Rory Brett Russell, in the Episcopal chapel in 1993. Not only did Beverly graduate from Episcopal, but she also taught and coached volleyball. Generational connections like the Russells are common in a school community with more than 60 years of history.

Celebrating Life’s Major Milestones

Alumni Relations Coordinator Lindsay Turner ’97 says alumni weddings in the chapel allow graduates to continue celebrating life’s major milestones in a familiar setting. For example, Turner points out that students graduate each year in the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd. The chapel is also the venue for other important events, such as the Fifth Grade Sweatshirt Ceremony and Junior Ring Day. “The chapel is the heart of our campus, whether it’s a big event or the weekly opportunity for our community to gather in faith and communion,” says Turner. “I am thrilled to see so many alumni including Episcopal in all stages of their lives. It truly illustrates the strength of our community and how Episcopal connections last a lifetime.”

The chapel was also recently the setting for the wedding of 2018 graduate Scott Wicker, who returned to his alma mater with his new bride to start a new chapter together. In addition, alumnus Connor Pellerin ’17 married Laurel Whittington, daughter of alumnus Robert Whittington ’84, in a ceremony that featured seven Episcopal graduates. “Photos from our alumni weddings are a visual reminder for me of how truly connected our Episcopal community is,” says Turner. “In just one photo, the spirit of Episcopal is captured with a groom, a bride, bridesmaids and family members all linked through a shared educational experience unlike any other. The time we spend together here is meaningful, and having alumni return like this is a sweet reminder of that.”

Wedding Guidelines for the Perfect Day

Turner welcomes any alumni interested in celebrating a wedding in the chapel to contact her at turnerl@ehsbr.org. She advises that there are guidelines for couples to follow, and those interested will receive those in advance of securing a wedding date.

Join us in congratulating our recently married alumni couples. Share a message with them in the comments section below.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Building Community through Faith

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

As members of the Class of 2026 approach graduation and reflect on the Episcopal community, common themes emerge, like their favorite class or teacher or that game they’ll never forget. Recently, as student-athletes Lauren Bradford and Zach Hu announced their intentions to continue athletics in college, another common theme emerged: Knights for Christ.

Knights for Christ began two years ago when Lauren presented Coach Taylor Wharton with the idea of creating an Upper School club where students could discuss their faith among peers. Coach Wharton was happy to join the effort as an advisor, and the group began. Since those early days, membership has flourished, and now more than 65 students regularly attend meetings. The group was so important to both Lauren and Zach that they mentioned it as part of their athletic signings.

A Community of Support

“I enjoyed the cross-grade devotionals that Knights for Christ provided the opportunity for, because it allowed me to grow closer in my faith while also gaining a lot of new friends and girls I can count on to keep me accountable to my faith,” says Lauren. “Our teachers provide amazing academic opportunities, our coaches bring us wonderful athletic opportunities, and Knights for Christ allowed for a Christian environment and religious fellowship with many other members of the Episcopal community.”

Knights for Christ has built a community among members, with meetings including food, faith discussions and friendship development. Zach, one of the group’s leaders, says that sense of community has helped him grow his faith and connections. “It has also allowed me to explore parts of my faith and identity, as I have felt comfortable expressing my goals and struggles with classmates who support and encourage me,” he says. “Knights for Christ is important because it allows students and members of our community to grow their faith, lead and serve others, and, most importantly, grow their character while supporting and encouraging others to be the best versions of themselves.”

Student Leadership Ensures Community Continues

Community is found in countless ways at Episcopal. Coach Wharton is thrilled that Knights for Christ is a student-led effort. “Knights for Christ is more than a club — it is a group of students willing to live boldly for Christ, love others well, and put faith into action every day,” she says. “Watching these students step out of their comfort zones to honor Jesus and serve others selflessly has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”

Lauren and Zach are confident that Knights for Christ is in good hands as the next group of leaders steps up. “I hope it can continue to be a positive community where all can grow in their faith and support each other through the trials and tribulations of life,” says Zach. “I hope that this group continues to build and include members across all grades; fellowship is not limited to a specific friend group or type of person, but everyone is welcome,” says Lauren.

Knights for Christ is a great example of the student-driven efforts that occur at Episcopal. When students take the initiative, a strong community is built. The group also showcases the whole child experience, with students succeeding athletically, academically, spiritually and artistically.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Gratitude and Nostalgia at the Final All-School Eucharist

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The final All-School Eucharist of the 2025/2026 school year overflowed with community, joy, gratitude and nostalgia. Father Patrick reminded everyone gathered that this was the last time this configuration of the Episcopal school community would be together. He encouraged everyone to remember that the present moment is the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact. With seniors and their kindergarten buddies sitting front and center, he advised seniors to cherish this time and the gift they’ve been given to make a difference in the lives of their buddies.

PreK/K All the Way

The occasion also recognized 19 graduating seniors and their families who began their Episcopal journey in PreK or kindergarten. Over the course of that time, students achieved countless milestones, and Head of School Dr. Carrie Steakley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of those life moments.

Inaugural Outstanding Educator Award Recipient

The last All-School Eucharist was also an opportunity to recognize a beloved faculty member with the inaugural Outstanding Educator Award. Dr. Steakley introduced this new tradition to honor a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional teaching and mentorship, making a lasting impact on students. Recipients are honored for their strong commitment to student success, active contributions to campus and community, and dedication to leadership and lifelong learning.

The 2025/2026 Outstanding Educator Award honoree is James Moroney.

Below is Dr. Steakley’s description of Moroney’s impact on the school community.

This year’s inaugural recipient…

Balances high-level academic rigor with high levels of student engagement and support.
The recipient is among the first to step up for “the extras” – serving as a coach, club sponsor, Student Council Sponsor, Thesis Advisor, prom chaperone, and so much more.
The recipient is involved at some level in all divisions of the school having served as both Middle School and Upper School faculty member, Middle School coach, and Lower School parent and champion of the Lower School Mu Alpha Theta tournament.
His coaching history includes being the Middle School soccer coach to this year’s senior girls who saw two state finals and two state semi-finals during their varsity years, and he has continued supporting these soccer players through Upper School by regularly serving as the announcer for their varsity home games.
This recipient is a Senior Class Favorite: Has taught many of our seniors multiple times from 8th grade through senior year as he moved from being a Middle School faculty member to an Upper School faculty member. He was also selected by the current senior class to be their Junior Ring Day speaker last spring, and finally, he received an overwhelming number of individual recognitions at this year’s Teacher Appreciation Nights, a direct reflection of the respect and admiration the Class of 2026 holds for him.
A deeply invested stakeholder in the school, this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award is Mr. James Moroney.

In a year focused on building and celebrating community, the final All-School Eucharist did that and much more. Congratulations to Mr. Moroney and all of the PreK/K All the Way members of the Class of 2026. Share a message with them in the comments section below.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Annual Mums of Alums Luncheon Celebrates Community

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The annual Mums of Alums luncheon drew an enthusiastic crowd of Episcopal mums eager to catch up and spend time together. Development Director Katie Thompson says this year’s attendees seemed to truly appreciate the opportunity to gather. Alumni Relations Coordinator Lindsay Turner ’97 enjoyed seeing the multi-generational group gather to celebrate a shared love of the next generation and the school that connects them all. Head of School Dr. Carrie Steakley thanked those in attendance for their lasting impact and reminded them of their important role in student success.

Mums of Alums showcases the strength and love of the Episcopal community in a year where the school is focused on community. Thank you to all of the mums who make Episcopal such a special place. A special thank you to Jenny Civello for hosting this year’s gathering.

As we approach Mother’s Day, Episcopal wishes our mums everywhere a happy and restful day.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Episcopal Educator Sets Sail for Fellowship of a Lifetime

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Photo credit: Angela Thomas

As a young girl, Upper School English teacher Melissa Easley dreamed of studying oceanography. Curious and conservation-minded, she envisioned life aboard a boat exploring the sea and everything in it. Fast forward to the summer of 2026, and Easley will realize her childhood dream as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow aboard the National Geographic Endurance.

Excellence in Geographic Education

Easley was selected as one of 36 educators nationwide to be a 2026 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow through Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. The program is named in honor of Gilbert M. Grosvenor, chairman emeritus of the National Geographic Society. According to the partnership, the fellowship “is a professional learning opportunity for pre-K-12 educators who will embark on expeditions around the world. Through this extraordinary travel experience, the Fellows will deepen their geographic knowledge through immersive, field-based experiences they will bring back to their classrooms, communities and professional networks to ignite curiosity around the world. They will also take on a two-year commitment to support National Geographic’s education initiatives and may be asked to conduct webinars, co-design resources, participate in meetups, and mentor other educators.”

Easley’s field-based experience is an expedition to southeast Greenland, a first for National Geographic- Lindblad Expeditions. Easley, along with three other Teacher Fellows and a group of explorers, will embark on the ship in Iceland, cross the Denmark Strait and take in coastal Southeast Greenland. The trip includes hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Easley is particularly eager to see the Arctic Fox. After exploring the remote, uninhabited region, the team will return to Iceland for departure.

Photo credit: Michael S. Nolan

Wonder and Appreciation for the Natural World

After this tremendous learning opportunity, Easley looks forward to returning to the classroom to inspire Episcopal students to connect with nature. “People need to feel connected to a place to want to protect it,” she says. She points out that the goal of expeditions such as this is to foster a mindset of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, and the hope is that teachers convey that passion to students.

Easley already educates Episcopal students on environmental issues through her English IV: Literature of the Mississippi River class. A tour of the Water Institute’s Mississippi River model motivated Easley to create an English class that uses a storytelling lens to engage students with the local environment. “I have a lot of knowledge of other places, but that was personally missing for me a little bit,” she recalls of her own educational experience. In English IV, students read "Rising Tide" and "James" as core texts. In addition to the typical reading, writing and researching students expect in an English course, they also participate in activities, including field trips. Students tour the Water Institute and plant trees in Bayou Bienvenue. “We want the students to make connections between our classes, and this course bridges numerous disciplines,” says Easley. She believes the course is an ideal example of the whole child learning for which Episcopal is known.

Professional Development with a Tremendous Student Impact

Easley says the summer expedition will certainly inform how she approaches teaching going forward. For now, she’s keeping an open mind about how this professional development opportunity will positively impact students. The thought of connecting Louisiana’s wetlands to the Greenland fjords through exploration and learning is a dream come true and one she can’t wait to share with the Episcopal community and beyond.

INQUIRE

TAKE A TOUR

APPLY

Lauren Bradford to Play Soccer for Rhodes College

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was 4 years old, and I have loved it since I was playing in bows with my dad as my coach!” Lauren Bradford ’26

From bows to gold and navy, and now to the Rhodes College Lynx, Lauren Bradford is thrilled to continue playing the game she loves at the next level. “I love it as a way to expend my energy and stress, and it’s the best way to challenge myself outside of the classroom, mentally and physically,” she says.

Lauren says Rhodes was the perfect fit, not only for the soccer opportunities, but also because she can realize her college dreams of Greek life, studying abroad and earning a great education. “It is also in our region, so I can stay relatively close to both my family, friends, and comfortable southern culture!” she says. “I am so excited to have this opportunity because it is allowing me to continue everything I love from high school while expanding what I do with so much added freedom. With running and soccer, I am involved in three sports that require so much both mentally and physically, and I am beyond proud that the work I’ve done, while having so much fun, has paid off!”

At the recent signing, head girls soccer coach Lynn Bradley praised Lauren’s ability to successfully manage academics, athletics and life. “She’s an all around student athlete,” Bradley said. Bradley also complimented Lauren’s strong work ethic and said Rhodes is fortunate to have Lauren join their team.

As Lauren realizes her dream, she has the following advice for classmates with a similar goal. “My advice to other students who want to compete at the next level is to figure out what you want from a school before you look at it for sports, solely,” she says. “The collegiate experience is so much more than just soccer, so I think finding the school that is your fit academically, socially, and athletically is so important!”

Lauren is an active member of the Episcopal community. In addition to sports, she founded and serves as a leader of the Knights for Christ organization. She also serves as the National Honor Society treasurer and coordinated this year’s NHS American Cancer Society Walk/Run. She is a Mu Alpha Theta Tournament Chair and an active member of the Science Club.

At Rhodes, Lauren will study biochemistry on a pre-dental track.

Lauren is sure to make a positive impact at the next level. Please join us in congratulating her on this opportunity. Share a message with her in the comments section below.