The Knight Times / May 2026 Issue 10

New Knight Social is an exciting tradition designed to welcome incoming freshmen and help them feel at home on campus from the very beginning. This year, the event took place on May 12 from 4 to 6 p.m., giving new students a dedicated time to connect, explore, and get comfortable in their new environment.

A key part of New Knight Social is the opportunity for freshmen to meet their advisory. Advisors serve as mentors, offering guidance, answering questions, and helping students adjust to high school life. Alongside advisors, students are also introduced to FAM, the Freshman Advisory Mentors. These are experienced upperclassmen who are paired with each advisory to support freshmen as they transition into the community. Because FAM members have recently gone through the same experience, they provide relatable advice and a reassuring presence that helps ease nerves and build confidence early on.

One of the most memorable aspects of the event was the campus scavenger hunt. Working in teams with their advisory and FAM leaders, students explore different areas of campus while completing fun and interactive challenges. This activity helps freshmen become familiar with important locations, from classrooms to common spaces, in a way that feels engaging rather than overwhelming. It also encourages teamwork and communication among students who are just beginning to get to know one another.

Ultimately, the event helps freshmen form connections, gain confidence, and begin their high school experience with excitement for the year ahead.

Arts Pillar wraps up school year

ETV presents student video productions

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Softball, girls golf, baseball, and boys and girls track win gold

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The Class of 2026 celebrates the future on College T-shirt Day

“College T-shirt Day celebrates the accomplishments of the Senior Class and what is to come in the next four years. Students had the opportunity to gather with each other in the courtyard and capture some of their final moments at EHS. It was a bittersweet event to kick off the beginning of the end.”

Senior Tribute Chapel honors Class of 2026

MIMI WRIGHT

Production Editor

Every year, Senior Tribute Chapel brings the school together to honor the graduating class. This year, the student body gathered in Alkek Gym on May 8 to celebrate the Class of 2026 and send them off in a meaningful way.

This year’s theme came from the prayer recited after Eucharist every Friday: “Send us now into the world in peace, to love and serve the Lord, with gladness and singleness of heart.”

Reverend Tori Gilliland said the theme was chosen to show that what happens inside Chapel shapes how students live outside of it, and that seniors would leave feeling sent in the name of something bigger than themselves.

Seniors Nicole Blanco and Mary Taylor delivered heartfelt talks addressed directly to their classmates, reflecting on memory, community, and what it meant to be a Knight. Both Senior Deans also played an important role in the service.

The ceremony was intentionally designed to mirror a typical Daily Chapel. By leaning into the familiar, Reverend Gilliland said, the service gave new depth and meaning to four years of everyday rituals shared by the whole school community.

Two beloved musical traditions brought the service to a close. The Laudate and the School Hymn were sung together with the Senior Class. Seniors linked arms as

they sang, a moment Reverend Gilliland described as one of the most special and moving of the entire morning.

The service left the graduating class with a meaningful charge. God goes with you, and so does the responsibility to show up

for the people around you, a fundamental aspect of EHS and its mission.

“Who around you needs someone to link arms with?” was the parting question left with the Class of 2026 as they walked out of the Chapel doors for the very last time.

Student Council takes on new leadership for the 2026-27 year

HIMALI WICKRAMASINGHE Staff Writer

Being a student body officer is a highly distinguished position that requires dedication, courage, responsibility, and most importantly, enthusiasm.

The responsibilities of a student body officer include leading Student Council meetings and Student Senate committees, planning events such as Relax and Review Week and Homecoming, serving on the Honor Council, showing up and speaking at community events on campus, and representing EHS by upholding the values of honesty and integrity.

As we go into a new school year full of new challenges, changes, opportunities, and adventures, the right leadership matters. On April 16, 2026, the entire student body gathered in the Underwood Theatre, as current senior student body officers

Palmer Popov, Richard Agyeman-Yeboah, and Henry Branch, stepped down to welcome four new dedicated students, eager to take on this exciting new responsibility - Juliet Egan ‘27, as the student body president, Mary Khalil ‘27, as the student body vice president, Olivia Bailey, as the student body parliamentarian, and Reede Robinson, as the student body secretary. After campaigning hard and delivering heartfelt speeches, these four students bravely stood before the entire student body and vowed to do their very best to look out for the best interests of the student body, and to uphold both the responsibilities of their new positions and the values of EHS. While these positions all have different titles, they collectively work and learn as a team to ensure that every need is met, and most importantly, that everyone is having a memorable school year.

Editors say farewell to KT

SIMONA KARNANI Co-Editor in Chief

I’m sure we’ve all been fooled by a headline. Maybe it was what you wanted to see or believable enough to feel true. Moments like this show how easily information can be distorted, and why journalism matters.

I came to Episcopal knowing I wanted to join the newspaper. My middle school didn’t have one, but I knew I wanted a space where my words had weight. People who know me know I love to talk, and through Simona Says, I was able to express opinions I was already eager to share, but newspaper taught me that having a voice also means using it responsibly. In a world where stories can be tweaked and headlines misleading, strong writing is a skill you can’t fake. Over the last four years, I’ve learned to keep asking the hard questions and chase after them even when faced with a no. There’s a responsibility that comes with putting words into the world; the awareness that what you write has an impact far beyond yourself.

ANYA PANT Co-Editor in Chief

Dear Readers of The Knight Times,

If you haven’t read one of my articles yet, my name is Anya, and I’m so honored to have served as the Co-Editor- in- Chief for the 2025-2025 school year. In my time as editor, I have been so lucky to have grown not only as a writer and editorialist, but also as a person, and I like to think as a leader.

When I joined the newspaper as a freshman, I really didn’t know what to expect. In truth, I only joined the newspaper to have a guaranteed class with my friend, but soon, I fell in love with the writing, editing, and layout process. I recommend

And that’s what makes journalism even more important. In a world where information is constant and AI can generate stories in seconds, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real, biased, or simply convincing. It’s easy to accept what we see at face value. Journalism challenges that. While technology can replicate words, it can’t replicate the integrity behind them.

However, what I will miss the most is the community that came with it as well as Mr. Framel’s critiques which only pushed me to grow with each piece I wrote. As I leave, I take more than my articles I’ve written, but that words have power and using them well matters more.

any incoming or current freshman to join, even if you don’t know if you like writing, I promise you, you will pick up a new skill and new sense of community. Newspaper has also given me a way to branch out. Even though my biggest fear as a freshman was getting assigned to the infamous “Speaks Out” back page and having to ask seniors personal questions to which they raised their eyebrows and responded with a confused “What did you just ask me?”, I wish I had the chance to lay it out one last time because I love learning more about the EHS community. All in all, I could not have loved my experience in newspaper more, and I’m sure Mr. Framel is elated that I am out of his hair. (Advisor’s note: He is not)

College Shirt Day lets EHS seniors show off their exciting futures

ETV brings films to life

DARIA MASSEY Co-Editor-In-Chief

From short films and 2D animations to athletic hype videos, ETV does it all. The spring showcase is an exquisite compilation of pieces and a true embodiment of the students’ undeniable creativity and hard work throughout the semester.

The showcase was presented in Sarofim Hall on Monday, May 4; however, ETV members begin the creative process as early as the summer. To guarantee a smooth production process, students write, cast, and storyboard each individual scene before filming even begins.

From there, they spend months developing their projects and bringing their ideas to life through careful production and editing. ETV students demonstrate remarkable dedication, often filming after school and editing late into the night. This meticulous

process certainly pays off, yielding films that are both thoughtful and intentional.

“Viewers should take a moment to appreciate all the beautiful minds that dedicated time and energy to making their creative visions come to life,” senior and head ETV producer Sofia Kennedy notes.

Sofia will be attending the University of Southern California in the fall, where she plans to continue pursuing film and television production. Sofia’s film “Copacabana” was featured in the showcase, alongside various other works.

This year’s remarkable spring showcase demonstrated the effort, collaboration, and strong passion behind each individual production. Events like this provide students with a platform to share their voices and execute skills in storytelling and production. With each semester, ETV continues to raise the standard for student filmmaking.

Light and Shadow launches EHS into “The Unknown

”

Masterworks and Spring Music Concert

showcase EHS musicians

Every year, Light and Shadow asks its contributors a question, and this year, that question is a little harder to answer.

The 2026 edition released May 5 is built around the theme of “The Unknown,” and the team behind it will be the first to tell you that getting there wasn’t simple.

Early in the semester, the editorial staff consisting of advanced creative writing students worked through writing exercises and broad brainstorming that slowly pulled the edition into focus. This was something more psychological than years past. But landing on “The Unknown” came with an immediate problem: How do you keep it from feeling like just another version of last year’s “Elsewhere”?

The answer came through art. Editors spent weeks collecting paintings, photographs, and pieces that felt right before they could even explain why, and eventually, a clearer picture emerged. This edition isn’t about escaping into something dreamlike; it’s about staying. Sitting with reality, finding the hope buried inside of it, and growing from there. That tension

shows up across the magazine’s work, with grayscale, deep shadow, and the occasional burst of color that hits harder for being so rare.

Under the guidance of Faculty Advisor Ms. Jordan Harris, the team behind the school’s award-winning magazine has shaped an edition that is equal parts personal and communal. No one captures that better than Senior Production Editor Taft Mohair III, who has been with Light and Shadow multiple years.

“This magazine launch in particular means so much to me because it’s been a reflective journey of how far I’ve come,” Mohair said. “Freshman year, Ms. Harris submitted my piece without me even knowing what Light and Shadow was; now, I have the opportunity to work with a team of amazing people who care as deeply about literature and art and their intersection as I do. Together, we’ve gotten to explore and create this cohesive book of life’s incohesive experiences. I hope this magazine means as much to audience members as they flip through it as it meant to me and my collaborators, because art in any form will always be the defining agent of what it means to be human.”

ANYA KALE Features Editor

The EHS Music Program delivered yet another high-yield performance at its Masterworks Showcase on April 29. The concert was an exhibition of all the diligent work the program has put in this spring semester and featured performances from the choir, orchestra, and joint renditions of numerous popular songs with both groups.

The choir and orchestra played the hymn “Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates,” written by German Pastor Georg Wiessel. Choir students also performed “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and “At the River” by the Groove Armada.

Junior Will Saindon and sophomore Jackson Markworth performed solos for “I’ll Be on My Way,” which they had

previewed earlier in the week in Chapel at weekly Tuneful Tuesday.”

The EHS Band played songs from the score of 2010 film How to Train Your Dragon and multiple songs by the band Coldplay. This was the first musical concert at the newly opened Crain-Galloway Center for the Arts (CGCA), specifically in the Sarofim Hall.

“Mr. Beam was super excited about getting to bridge the music sections and play [with] both choir and band together in the new building,” said sophomore Whitney Sen. “He was totally right, and it was a great experience to be one of the first groups to perform in the [CGCA].”

The Music Program has a bright future ahead of it with the stellar renditions given at the Masterworks and Spring Music concerts, and the performances of all forms that will come in Sarofim Hall.

Slice of π

NEEL MOGRI Guest Writer

Hi everyone! My name is Neel Mogri, and I am the outgoing Mu Alpha Theta President for the 2025-2026 school year. Before serving in that role, I was treasurer and a shadow officer of Math Club. For the past four years, math club has given me a place at EHS, one where I have been able to compete in math competitions and connect with other people with the same stem-based interests that I have. If you get as involved in math club/MAT as I have, you really come to think of it as Dr. P’s family for students who have an innate and genuine interest in math. To all of the graduating seniors, we’ve done a lot of math over the past four years, including trying to memorize the unit circle ten minutes before our Precal drill, or taking a notoriously hard advanced integral test, and it has taught us so much about problem solving and just grinding through difficult problems. We won’t remember these specific tests, but we will remember all of the lessons that we took away from them.

This club and family could not have happened without the other officers who served with me, so I want to give them a brief shout out. I am so grateful for Katie, Taft, and Will for all their help with managing Mu Alpha Theta, and our outgoing math club officers did a fantastic job

putting on events like Pi Day and various competitions throughout the year. Thank you to Jenna, Kate, Julia, Elizabeth, Sean, Olivia, Lily, Jocelyn, and Patrick for all your hard work and dedication to the club this year. I cannot be more excited about the future of this club because of our brilliant incoming Math Club and Mu Alpha Theta officers: Lily, Olivia, Julia, Sophia, Ava, Ryan, Jack, Lauren, Elizabeth, Kate, Molly, Sean, and Patrick. I hope everyone has a math-filled Summer! (Don’t forget about the EHS Summer Math Programs for Middle and High School students at EHS in July.)

Finally, I need to say a big thank you to Dr. P for running and managing this entire operation. None of our events and competitions would have happened without her dedication and willingness to organize all of us.

CLASS OF 2026: COLLEGE BOUND

’26 - THE PERFECT MIX

CALIFORNIA (11) University of Southern California - 2 CalPoly State Univ, San Luis Obispo - 1 California State University, Sacramento - 1 Loyola Marymount University - 1 Pepperdine University - 1 San Diego State University - 1 University of California, Berkeley - 1 University of California, San Diego - 1 University of California, Santa Barbara -

ARIZONA (1) Arizona State University - 1

of over 1.5 million students, are Commended Students

OKLAHOMA (5) University of Oklahoma - 5

ARKANSAS (1) University of Central Arkansas

LOUISIANA (9) Louisiana State University - 3 Tulane University - 2 University of Louisiana-Lafayette - 2 Loyola University New Orleans - 1 University of New Orleans - 1

FLORIDA (6) University of Miami - 3 Florida Institute of Technology - 1 Rollins College - 1 University of Florida - 1

Opinions

Standard schedules challenged by innovative school calendars

CAROLINE JOHNSON Co-Editor in Chief

The traditional American school calendar dates back to the 1800s, when city schools transitioned from 12-month calendars to nine months. The decision to give children the hottest months off of school was aimed in increasing attendance and addressing concerns over children’s health inside the hot school buildings. This new, 180-day school calendar has been the standard in the US for almost 200 years. But, as social norms, family schedules, and modern technologies change, it’s time to take another look at the American school calendar and address modern concerns.

Today, air conditioning, providing transportation to public schools, and nurses on school campuses are all considered standard. That being said, these integral components of modern schools address the concerns that led to the accepted school calendar: the heat related illnesses, absences, and inability to walk to school in high temperatures would no longer be prominent issues for students in the summer. This opens up a number of new paths for school districts to take, but most popular is the year-round calendar. This unconventional approach to the school model aims at avoiding the “summer slide,” another name for the academic regression many students face during a three -month summer. Instead, the summer break is split up throughout the year using a 45/15 sched-

ule: four, nine-week quarters are separated by three-week breaks, taking place over the course of the entire year. In 2024, around 10% of American public schools followed this schedule, reporting lower burnout for teachers and students and lower childcare costs for families. However, this unconventional schedule leads to conflict for students’ summer plans like internships, jobs, or sports without the traditional three -month break.

Finally, the most common unconventional school calendar in Texas is the fourday school week. Typically running from Monday-Thursday for an hour longer than traditional schools, the four-day weeks were developed to save utility, transportation, and wage costs in lower-income and rural areas. Under this schedule, both students and teachers report a better work-life balance and increased flexibility for appointments, student’s jobs, and tutoring, but state-testing pass rates (particularly in math) tend to drop in schools implementing this design.

What all of these models represent is the flexibility and innovation that modern-day schools have, but often do not take advantage of. Students and their families have different problems and priorities than those of the 1800s, so change in school calendars should be welcomed and viewed with an open mind. And, if changes are made to school schedules, the most beneficial to the students are those that increase their learning and well-being, not just a budget.

Creative jobs become more and more adaptive in global economy

PAIGE PAN

Opinions Editor

For decades, the argument against pursuing a creative career has rested on one idea: financial instability. Yet in today’s economy, which is being increasingly defined by rising costs, layoffs, and shifting labor markets, that assumption no longer holds up. The reality is more complex: so-called “stable” careers are increasingly unpredictable, while creative paths are evolving into viable, adaptive economic choices.

Let’s start with the broader economic backdrop. Inflation in the United Kingdom surpassed 10% in 2022, the highest in 40 years, while major cities saw dramatic increases in cost of living. In New York City, Manhattan rents rose more than 8% in a single year, with Brooklyn climbing nearly 15%. London rents jumped approximately 20% from 2022. These increases have strained workers across all industries, not just those in traditionally lower-paying creative fields. When basic expenses rise this quickly, even salaried employees in corporate roles can find financial security slipping out of reach.

At the same time, job stability in conventional sectors has weakened. Advertising agencies, media companies, and even major tech firms have implemented waves of layoffs in recent years. In early 2024, industry reports highlighted widespread cuts across creative departments as companies reduced budgets amid economic uncertainty. Organizations like NPR announced staff reductions of around 10%, while global firms scaled back hiring or eliminated roles entirely.

The message is clear: a steady paycheck is no longer guaranteed, regardless of profession. Against this backdrop, creative careers begin to look more like a strategic

Caffeine’s role as a crutch for use in day-to-day life

KARIANA CARLSON Executive Editor

Caffeine used to be something you grew into. A morning coffee before work. Maybe a soda in the afternoon. Now it’s practically a requirement for being a teenager. While studies show that overall caffeine intake among teens has remained relatively stable over the past decade, the sources of that caffeine have shifted in ways that are more concerning. Soda consumption has severely declined, but coffee and, more importantly, energy drinks have surged, with energy drinks alone now making up the largest share of caffeine intake among adolescents.

This shift matters because caffeine is no longer just an occasional pick-me-up. It has become a daily coping tool, or a crutch for many. Research shows that about 73% of children and teens consume caffeine on a given day, meaning most young people are regularly exposed to its effects. At the same time, newer sources like energy drinks are more concentrated and heavily marketed toward young consumers.

The Knight Times

manoeuver. Data supports this. In a survey of over 100,000 art graduates, 90% reported satisfaction with their education, and nearly 75% would choose the same path again. More significantly, about 74% found work related to their field of study, which is higher than placement rates in disciplines such as biology, accounting, and mechanical engineering, which fall below 60%. These figures challenge the notion that creative degrees lead to dead ends.

Another key factor is the rise of selfemployment. Approximately 75% of professional artists work independently, often managing multiple income streams - from freelance contracts to online sales and commissioned work. This tactic reduces reliance on a single employer. Rather than placing all financial security in one job, creatives distribute risk across several sources of income.

The global workforce is also rethinking priorities. In one survey, 36% of creatives reported changing roles after 2020, and another 20% were actively seeking new opportunities. Notably, 80% of those who made a change said it was the right decision. This shift reflects a growing recognition that financial stability alone does not guarantee long-term well-being, especially when paired with burnout or lack of purpose. Even within business leadership, creativity is increasingly valued as an economic asset. In a study of 1,500 CEOs worldwide, creativity ranked as the most important leadership quality for success, showing that innovation, adaptability, and original thinking, skills often cultivated through the arts, are central to navigating modern economic challenges.

Ultimately, the idea that creative careers are uniquely unstable no longer reflects reality. In a volatile global economy, stability is constantly being redefined.

Health professionals are already seeing strong effects. Emergency physicians report that teens are increasingly arriving in emergency departments with symptoms such as high anxiety, rapid heart rates, and heart palpitations after consuming highly caffeinated beverages. In one widely reported case, a teenage girl, Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a 17-year-old Texas cheerleader, died in October 2025 from cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart) caused by excessive caffeine consumption, leading to a wrongful death lawsuit against an Alani Nu distributor. She was reported to drink more than one energy drink daily, each one containing 200 mg of caffeine per can. Her family pursued the legal action against Alani Nu, highlighting growing questions about how these products are marketed and consumed by minors.

Part of the issue is that teens are more sensitive to caffeine than adults. Even moderate amounts can disrupt sleep patterns and increase anxiety, even if it’s not obvious to the individual. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents consume no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. This is an amount that most energy drinks surpass in one serving. Their highly attractive labels, trendy names, and social media commercials appeal directly to younger audiences, causing the attraction.

But caffeine culture isn’t just about marketing. It is a deeper issue in teen life. Many students rely on caffeine to compensate for exhaustion caused by early school start times, academic and athletic pressure, and packed schedules. It has become a shortcut to staying awake and somewhat functional throughout the day, leading people to consume more than they realize. Overtime, it creates a cycle of dependency: many can’t survive a caffeine-free day without side effects. I find that when I drink caffeine on back-to-back days and then cut it out for a day or two, my head hurts from the second I wake up in the morning.

None of this means that caffeine is inherently dangerous in small amounts, but the normalization of high doses of it is a trend worth questioning. Sleeping, eating balanced meals, hydrating, and stress management remain far more safe in maintaining energy. Teen caffeine culture is not just about what students are drinking. It’s about why they feel they need it in the first place.

Spring SPC Sports

Girls golf takes home the win and boys finish fourth

BENTLEY BEICH

Social

Media Coordinator

The boys and girls golf teams both delivered impressive performances at this year’s SPC Championship, held at the Golf Club of Houston. While both teams showed determination and skill, the girls team stood out with a first-place finish in a tightly contested tournament. The girls took home the first SPC win in 10 years

The girls team started with an outstanding performance, winning against rival St. John’s. The two-day competition came down to the final scores, with Episcopal finishing just three strokes ahead after being right behind St. John’s both days. A major highlight was Kariana Carlson, who improved her score by ten strokes on the second day, playing a crucial role in the comeback. Sophomore Kate O’Keefe, junior Kate Clark, and seniors Ella Rothwell and Ava Airhart

delivered powerful performances, displaying teamwork with positive attitude and perseverance.

The boys team competed the week prior and secured a strong fourth-place finish. Despite difficult weather conditions on Day One, the team showed resilience and composure. They improved their score by an impressive 15 strokes on Day Two.

Junior Tyler Kuo earned All-SPC honors with scores of 78 and 75, leading the team’s effort. The other four of the top five - junior Thomas Fitts, sophomore George Governale, and seniors Luke Michael and Dylan Katz, all made key contributions to improve the second day.

Although golf is often seen as an individual sport, both teams proved the importance of supporting one another. The girls championship win highlights not only their talent, but also their ability to compete under pressure and come together as a team.

Baseball dominates everyone

en route to an SPC championship

CHARLOTTE MEHNERT

Senior Editor

The varsity baseball team, looking to recapture the SPC title, made short work of the Kinkaid Falcons in the championship game 11-1 and closed out the year with a 29-8 record. Throughout the tournament, they established themselves as a complete team on both sides of the ball.

The team delivered a 13-3 victory over Houston Christian in the semifinals. The offense tallied eight hits, highlighted by Brooks Allen’s two doubles along with doubles from Marco Quintanilla and Bryce Bloom-Timmons. Carlos Thachar and Tommy Hetherington each added a triple to the count, helping the team secure a dominate victory.

Junior Preston Gorski’s effort on the

mound was exceptional as he threw a complete game shutout while allowing two hits.

Against the rival Kinkaid in the championship at Jess Borg Field, the Knights dominated with a run-rule win. Allen and Bloom-Timmons each doubled, with Bloom-Timmons collecting three hits. Pitching was once again a factor as Will Bozeman had a great performance, a complete game, multi-strikeout domination of the hapless Falcons. Senior Miles Young added a towering home run in the sixth inning to right center for the cherry on top.

Throughout the season, the team outscored their opponents with a 202-run differential. Collectively, the boys hit .338, stole 106 bases, and paired this offensive firepower with a 2.65 ERA. They also held opponents to a .218 batting average.

Boys LAX earns third place finish, girls sixth in the SPC tournament

BENTLEY BEICH

Media Coordinator

Social

The boys lacrosse team showed determination and continued to improve even after their run at the SPC tournament, finishing third overall. In a tough matchup against Kinkaid, the Knights fell 14-3, but their effort and execution stood out throughout the game and their season.

According to Head Coach Jacob Tatum, the team “played well and executed [their] game plan,” emphasizing that lacrosse is a game of momentum. The Knights handled Kinkaid’s runs with composure and responded with strong teamwork, especially when facing a zone defense.

Support from the sideline made a difference as well. The bench and fans stayed loud and encouraging. Even faculty made the time to support the Knights. On the field, Tyler Shanley dominated at faceoff, winning nearly 90% and giving the team key possessions.

Despite the loss, the Knights are building momentum. After a recent win over Rockwall, 13-10, they are in the state tournament and have advanced to the final round.

Boys and girls track continues SPC success

CLAYTON COX Sports Editor

One spring sports program that was able to achieve a massive title run across both boys and girls in SPC this year was Track and Field. Throughout the season, Track and Field athletes worked every day to set themselves up for the success they experienced, capturing championships in dominant fashion.

The girls were able to secure an early lead and never let it go. The title was never in doubt as the team stood out in both track and field events. Athletes like Mary Taylor used her versatility to participate in multiple events, and Gigi Bass also contributed with her first-place finish in the 1600-meters.

The boys were a different story. The 4x800-meter runners pulled off an upset over St. John’s.

Softball bests St. John’s for ninthstraight SPC win

JULIA LEVAN Copy Editor

Rain, resilience, and relentless heartthat’s the story of the EHS Softball team’s 2026 SPC Championship run at ScrapYard on Saturday, May 2.

Game 1 sent a clear message to the field when Episcopal crushed Trinity Valley 15–0. Game 2 followed at 2 p.m. against Fort Worth Country Day, when the Knights ground out a 5–1 victory and punched their ticket to the championship.

In the title game against the St. John’s, the Mavericks took a 1–0 lead in the fourth. In the fifth, senior Claire Johnson reached first on a hit-by-pitch, advanced on Amanda DeBusk’s sacrifice bunt, stole third, and scored on a clutch single by freshman Lauren Herr. Sophomore Caroline Loper then set the table for Elliot Loper, whose ground ball created the sequence that led to junior Hayleigh Hubbard launching an RBI double to center field and giving the Knights a 2–1 lead. Then came the most stressful thrilling stretch of the game. In the top of the sixth, the Knights found themselves in a defensive nightmare with the bases loaded and no outs. Episcopal’s defense bounced back by securing three straight infield fly outs.

The top of the seventh was straight out of a movie. Jordan Bey stood in the circle completely unfazed by the Mavericks’ roaring crowd. With a runner at first and no outs, the Mavericks bunted. After the batter was thrown out at first, second baseman Eleni Gagliardi threw behind the advancing runner at second who had made a wide turn, and the Knights celebrated a double play. One out from the title, EHS induced a flyout to left field, sealing a 2–1 championship victory.

The win marks Episcopal’s ninth consecutive championship and twenty-fourth SPC championship in program history.

MIMI WRIGHT Production Editor

Going into SPC, the atmosphere felt both serious and competitive for varsity girls lacrosse. The team had trained the entire season for this moment, and that buildup made the tournament feel truly special.

The tournament opened on April 16 with a dominant 13-4 victory over Duchesne Academy, instantly boosting team morale. Freshmen Caroline Otto and Mattie Kincannon stood out as tremendous assets throughout the weekend. Stepping onto the varsity stage as a freshman is no small feat, but both players rose to the occasion and brought incredible energy to the team. The following day brought a matchup against rival Hockaday. Coach Stephanie Colson encouraged the girls to channel their nerves into focus, connecting with the team on a genuinely relatable level. Though Episcopal fell 18-8, the girls competed with everything they had.

Captains Lucy Davenport, Annie Schaefer, Sophia Ibarra, and Mary Elizabeth Pennington led a group that “set goals and held each other accountable” and “lifted up each other through wins and losses.”

This 2026 season was no doubt one of the most difficult and challenging competitions for both teams. Their obsession with achieving greatness resulted in the Knights coming home with two more trophies and two more titles to add to the banners.

Tennis looks for better times with a young team

CLAYTON

COX

Sports Editor

EHS tennis faced a challenging season in 2026. With a new coach and new players, there were destined to be obstacles. However, with the support of the seniors’ leadership and dedication from all players, the team performed admirably.

Countless hours of practice and training before SPC helped the team become more organized and prepared for tough matches. Both the girls and boys varsity worked to bounce back from past seasons. While the team was ranked lower than hoped, they went into SPC with a positive attitude.

The boys first opponent was Kinkaid, who they lost to 4-1, with William Fitts securing the lone win for the Knights. The girls lost 3-1 in their opening round with Margaret Black earning the SPC victory. While this season was no doubt difficult, the tennis program hopes to make a comeback in 2027. With offseason and preseason training, who knows what could happen next year.

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