News that Stands Out
THE KNIGHT TIMES Official Student Newspaper of Episcopal High School
December 2024
4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
Senior Style Show held in Alkek Gym
www.ehshouston.org
Volume 40, Issue 5
Fill Charlie’s Chest supports children battling cancer Toy drive honors child of Coach Raymond
LULU GIBILLINI Features Editor This year’s Senior Style Show took place on December 14, 2024, in Alkek Gym, marking a change from the usual location. The event ran from 2:00-4:30 p.m., followed by a reception, and showcased the Class of 2025 in creative and fun themes. Unlike previous years, students were able to choose their outfits, adding a personal touch to the show. They were assigned to categories like Emily in Paris, Barbie, Mamma Mia, Saturday Night Fever, Yellowstone, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Hollywood, James Bond, and Last Action Hero. After selecting their themes, students worked closely with Lenny Matuszewski, who has been producing this event for over 30 years and is a beloved part of the EHS community. As the seniors walked the runway, they were introduced with words of affirmation, personal messages, and music that they selected. This made the show more than just a fashion event—it was a celebration of individuality. This year, Coach Steve Leisz and Mrs. Courtney Lindloff played major roles in organizing the show and collaborating with students and parents. Coach Leisz emphasized the event’s importance for bringing the Senior Class closer. The show reached a milestone this year, drawing a record 800 guests, surpassing last year’s 732 attendees. Parents and the broader community especially enjoy this event as a way to celebrate the seniors. The Class of 2025 embraced the moment with enthusiasm, making the show unique and memorable. Their energy and creativity ensured this year’s style show was a success and a day to remember.
INSIDE
English III H finishes research Read about the semester -long project
PAGE 3 EHS celebrates the holiday season Learn about the origins of beloved traditions
PAGE 5 Features ........................ 2-3 Entertainment .................. 4 Culture ........................ 5 Opinion ........................ 6 Sports........................... 7 Knight Shift...................... 8
River Oaks Baptist alums Zoe Pierce and Ava Black are proud of the success of Fill Charlie’s Chest and its annual number of donated toys. Photo courtesy of ROBS Instagram. SIMONA KARNANI Copy Editor
“Fill Charlie’s Chest is the annual toy drive benefitting pediatric cancer patients that Episcopal senior Ava Black and her friend Zoie Pierce started four years ago in honor of Charlie Raymond.” Learn more about Fill Charlie’s Chest on Page 2
Evening Chapel celebrates season of Advent KARIANA CARLSON Staff Writer Advent Chapel has been an annual Episcopal High School tradition since the 1980s. It is based on the Episcopalian and Anglican service called “Lessons and Carols” all over the world. These services combine readings from the Bible and familiar Advent hymns to tell a short version of the whole story of God’s relationship with people from the Garden of Eden through Jesus’ birth. Chapel starts in a gentle dimness, and students remain seated in silence at the chime. A select group of EHS choir students opened the service with a hymn as the Matin Responsory for Advent. Following that, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was sung by the entire congregation. The rest of the service followed a traditional Lessons and Carols service pattern: a lesson read by various students and faculty, an occasional carol, and a hymn from the blue hymn books that are used each day by the students in the regular daily chapels. The chapel service concluded with a closing collect, blessing, and the collective singing of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” There is much preparation put into this annual event. The EHS choir dedicates weeks of its class time rehearsing, while
readers and acolytes smoothly perfect their readings as a contribution to the special atmosphere. Reverend Callaham said, “In many congregations, like ours, the readings are read by representatives of different parts of the community - for us, teachers, students, staff, board members, and alums - to show
how each of us plays a part in sharing the good news of Jesus’ coming.” Advent Chapel is a proud EHS tradition. The entire community gathers to reflect on the central story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. This year’s service was a perfect commencement to the joyful Christmas holiday season.
Benitez Chapel is decorated in traditional Advent colors and flowers. Photo by Catherine Miller.