Stories from the 2000s

The classes of the 2000s reflect on what it was like adjusting to living on campus, learning through academic trials, wrestling at 6:00 a.m. with Coach Castle, and more.

Kate Leggett Mabry '00:

“Even though I really did like EHS from the start, I spent my freshman year in a constant state of homesickness and being aware and embarrassed that teachers were so concerned about me as the homesick kid. Then, in my sophomore year, I outgrew that homesickness, and I guess it was a pretty remarkable turnaround because I was recognized with the First 48 merit scholarship at the close of that school year which, to me, rewarded a positive effect on and engagement in the school community.

“Soccer presented another memorable challenge for me. I always loved soccer and played it throughout my childhood, so I thought myself a pretty above-average player. Then Ms. Marsh became the varsity soccer coach in my sophomore year, and boy did she prove me wrong. I spent much of the season on the bench, feeling particularly singled-out as the 'weak link' in practices. I'm sure it was all in my head, but it did have me down in the dumps about my future visions of soccer stardom. I was determined to stick it out through the season and told myself I could try another sport the following winter. I did just that, and junior year I tried out for varsity squash. I made the team and loved it: loved the sport, loved our silly team trips to away games, and adored Mr. Morgan as the coach. I was not by any means a superstar squash player, but I was so proud for not quitting soccer mid-season the year before, for sticking with it and ultimately finding a better fit and more happiness playing on the squash team.”

Lauren Vance '02:

“EHS taught me resilience in too many ways to count, but my favorite one to remember is how my pride and love for our athletic teams overrode my fear of public speaking as I announced basketball and lacrosse games at lunch.”

Case Anderson '03:

“I remember getting to the wrestling room at 6:00 a.m. to practice with Coach Castle and even with volunteer wrestling alumni like Nick Carosi '97 to prepare for the upcoming state tournament. I also recall walking through the library with Mr. Epes after school as he patiently guided me towards a possible thesis statement for my essay about William Faulkner's ‘A Rose for Emily.’”

Chris Joseph '03:

“6:00 a.m. wrestling workouts with Coach Castle were unforgettable.”

M.R. Rowe Litman '03:

“Episcopal forced me to work through so many anxiety-inducing situations. Walking into the dining hall for the first time, not knowing a single person; repeating a math class freshman year, feeling behind my classmates and working hard to catch up; trying out for a sport I'd never played; meeting with Mr. Jackson over and over again to improve my history grade from the lowest grade I'd ever received; and having the courage to read scripture in front of everyone in chapel.”

Maizie Clarke '04:

“I will never forget the enormous effort of preparing my work for my AP Art final portfolio review.”

Taylor Embury '05:

“Mr. Rogers ripped my essays apart with a red pen on a weekly basis until I finally found my voice.”

Kate Hanlan Hollo Kegan '05:

“When I arrived as a new sophomore, I did not know many students and was placed in a single. It was tough at first, but the experience pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and into a new community. I'm eternally grateful for the network of wonderful people I have gained and the confidence to continue to step into the unknown.”

Thomas Light '06:

“Working through the August heat in football training camp was made worth it when we got the ultimate victory at Woodberry at the end of the season. Extra effort also paid off for me when I had to retake the SAT after I was disappointed with my first score. I studied hard and ultimately achieved the score I needed.”

Julia Rowe Wise '06:

“I visited Mr. Halm almost nightly (at least that’s what it felt like) on Berkeley to make it through AP Biology. He was so incredibly patient with me. It was tedious, but it showed me that I could achieve the same results as my classmates--I would just have to put in a little extra effort. That is a lesson I still carry with me today.”

Kelsey Montz Duffey '07:

“I spent countless hours with a study group each week to make it through AP Economics senior year. Our group became so close throughout the year and ended up finding that we actually enjoyed a subject we thought we'd never understand.

“On the athletics front, I made the varsity soccer team as a freshman but was one of the worst on the team. My coaches and teammates pushed me to work harder and improve, and over time I gained confidence and skill and felt like I really earned my place on the team. On the other hand, getting cut from JV basketball was tough. Luckily afternoon community service was a 'sports' option at EHS.”

Teddy Peterson '07:

“As a freshman, it took time to learn to live away from home at such a young age and to understand an unfamiliar culture compared to where I grew up in the Midwest.”

Tucker Clarkson '08:

“EHS forced me to come to terms with my own intelligence relative to my peers. I thought I was smart until I got to EHS. The High School taught me that I have to work hard to truly compete.”

Tajh Restrepo '08:

“For a city guy like me, EHS was a tough transition because I was not used to being in one place for a long period of time, and I had to find ways to stay constructive while being on campus four days out of the week. That also meant I had to learn how to confront issues with my peers. Living on campus can be tough because you are with the same people daily, so it was usually best to resolve an issue rather than let it fester.”


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