Stories from the 2010s
Many alumni in the Classes of the 2010s learned to accept change and gracefully navigate situations outside of their comfort zones. These are their stories.
Celeste Jones '12:
“It was the little things at Episcopal the built up a sense of resilience and strength: running through the wind tunnel between Blackford and the Baker Science Center in the middle of the winter to make it to my engineering class on time; learning to actually understand the language and imagery in the Shakespeare plays we were reading in Mr. Morgan's English class... without reading SparkNotes; standing up in front of the whole dining hall to announce a sports game and trying to come up with something more creative than 'if you seem 'em in the halls, wish 'em luck!'; and even trying my hand at a painting class when I knew I'd always been a sports kid.”
Harrison Clement '12:
“It has been a true struggle to overcome the loss of my dear friend, Barker West, not long after we graduated from EHS. It was a testament to and reminder of how strong EHS bonds always are, but especially in trying times. Having such strong, resilient support from the friendships that stemmed from Episcopal helps you keep your perspective on life.”
Haley Lyerly '13:
“The complex time management I learned at Episcopal—balancing academic, athletic, leadership, and social requirements—trained and positioned me for my college experience where I was both a student and dual-sport athlete. It also created a solid foundation for my current experience, where I teach fourth grade and continue my education in a masters program. The basic structure and expectations set forward at Episcopal provided a skill set that allowed me to forge ahead with balance and resilience in the life I'm creating.”
Pendleton Bogache '15:
“When I didn't get a single through the room lottery, I was devastated, but I ended up finding my best friend to this day in my to-be roommate. I also remember that I had to attend Monday night tutorial with Mr. Collins on Berkeley every single week in order to finally conquer statistics.”
Kate Oldham '15:
“EHS challenged me in so many ways. Faculty members pushed me outside of my comfort zone and encouraged me to apply to spend a summer in China through the United States Department of State. I had to figure out how to work with a soccer coach who didn’t understand how to communicate with me. I spent countless hours in Dr. Miller’s tutorial to do well in his econ class (and was rewarded by scoring a 5 on the AP exam)! There were multiple nights in a row of staying up late to produce the get issues of the Chronicle to press on time. And finally, I conquered my fear of public speaking by presenting a large research project to everyone taking AP Biology and several other teachers in the science department.”
Maya Glenn '16:
“I was the captain of the dance program at EHS, and in the week leading up to our dance concert, the show was not where the teachers and I would have liked for it to be. It was tempting to feel discouraged, but I did not let myself give in. Instead, I worked with the teachers and students to create extra rehearsal times and lead the team through Saturday morning rehearsals to make sure our movement was in sync.”
Gracie Burke '17:
“Episcopal allowed me to find new passions by pushing me outside of my comfort zone. My first crew regatta as part of the Episcopal team was really the first time I participated in a sports event, and I was really nervous, but my coaches and teammates challenged me. I’ve loved rowing since. Joining the choir was also new for me. I did the musical my freshman year, and I’ve always loved to sing, but it was something I did in private. Mr. Straub and my friends in the musical really supported me and encouraged me to join.”
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