Squash Court Dedicated in Memory of Christopher Shea ’14

In the weeks following the unfortunate and all-too-soon death of Episcopal alumnus Christopher Shea ’14 in April 2016, a group of his friends’ families joined in an effort to celebrate some of Shea’s happiest and most cherished years as a student and member of the School’s squash team.
Eighteen months later, the Christopher Shea ’14 Memorial Court was dedicated on the Saturday morning of Spirit Weekend. More than 120 classmates, family members and friends filled the stands of the Goodman Squash Center for a bittersweet but priceless moment.

“EHS was an incredibly special place for Christopher,” his father noted in his remarks (YouTube). “The squash team and coaches were a huge part of that.”

Speakers at the event included Head of School Charley Stillwell, Christopher’s father Robert, his coach Frank Phillips, his roommate Brett Dewing ’14, and Rev. Betsy Gonzalez, who delivered a blessing of the space.

“We had a slogan, ‘Do the work,’ and Chris embodied that notion,” said Phillips, who served as Shea’s squash coach and advisor. “Whether he knew it or not, his efforts maintained and furthered a level of squash at Episcopal that would result in championships years later.”

Dewing recalled Shea’s willingness to work hard with and teach the squash newcomer while still having fun. “It is that trait of generosity, and of helping his friends as much as he possibly could, that makes me feel so lucky to have known him and to have had the privilege of calling him a friend.”

All of the remarks from the ceremony were recorded by attendee and friend Beth Burrus and are available for viewing on YouTube.

More photos from the dedication are available in our Maroon & Black Flickr album.
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