Connections, Summer 2025

Connections

MAGAZINE OF THE EPISCOPAL ACADEMY

DECLINE to From DOMINATION

With novellas, coins, and political campaigns, EA Classics gets a bold, unforgettable makeover. Page 4

Kindergarten students learn about life cycles with the help of baby chicks

The Episcopal Academy 1785 Bishop White Drive Newtown Square, PA 19073

Office of Communication 484-424-1478

mgodin@episcopalacademy.org

Office of Alumni Engagement 484-424-1772 alumni@episcopalacademy.org Editorial

Editor-in-Chief: Michele Godin, Hon.

Contributing

Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau, Hon. P ’16 ‘19

Contributing Photographers:

Mark Tassoni

Ellen Erikson

Patty

James

Gerrin McKinnie

Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau, Hon. P ’16 ’19

Jessica Siso

Design:

Production:

T.J.’S TAKE

Chalk Dust and Chatbots

Our “From the Archives” section on the last page of this issue highlights some of the biggest technological events in our school’s more recent history. Today, it feels fitting to take a look back, as we face one of education’s most pressing—and most exciting—questions: How might artificial intelligence support, challenge, or transform the craft of teaching?

I have personally been exploring the use of AI a lot in my work lately, but I wanted to dig deeper into ways we could leverage this rapidly advancing technology in the classroom. What began as an experiment in observation quickly evolved into a deeper meditation on collaboration, trust, and the enduring power of great teaching.

I set out not to revolutionize a classroom, but to partner with a master teacher and see whether AI could add value to his already exceptional practice. My goal was modest: explore real, everyday ways that AI might assist—not replace—teachers. I wasn’t looking for gimmicks. I was looking for gains.

To do that, I chose a multivariable calculus class taught by a veteran educator whose command of the subject is matched only by his clarity at the chalkboard. The twist? I don’t understand multivariable calculus. At all. That was intentional. It forced me to rely on observation, curiosity, and the tools of AI—rather than my own content knowledge or pedagogical bias—as I tried to support the learning environment.

Over two full class periods, I took notes while prompting AI tools in real time: What are common student misconceptions here? How could this concept be applied in real life? Could AI generate an example problem, or suggest a follow-up question to check for understanding? I even photographed the board and asked AI for feedback. Later, I sat down with the teacher for a reflective debrief.

Did AI revolutionize his teaching? No. But that’s not the headline. The real story lies in what this process revealed: the immense potential of AI—not just as a shortcut, but as a thought partner. And, perhaps more importantly, the experiment reaffirmed what we risk forgetting in our race toward the future: excellent teaching is already a kind of intelligence—lived, human, and deeply relational.

What worked? AI proved remarkably good at generating real-world applications for abstract math concepts. It could quickly create visuals to help illustrate complex 3D shapes. It offered efficiency in preparing problem sets and brainstorming checks for understanding. The teacher appreciated these touches—even if they didn’t prompt major shifts in his core approach.

What didn’t work? AI couldn’t improve on his finely honed methods for checking conceptual

understanding or replace the quiet power of a chalkboard and a well-phrased question. At times, it risked adding noise where clarity was already in place. The teacher wasn’t looking for faster prep— he enjoys the craft. And pedagogical nudges fell flat: his methods are intentional, and they work.

But here’s what lingered: the conversation. The act of stepping into a classroom—not as an evaluator, but as a curious partner—and engaging in sustained reflection around pedagogy was, in itself, transformative. In that sense, AI became a catalyst for something far older and far more essential: professional dialogue rooted in mutual respect and a shared desire to grow.

This small experiment also planted seeds. Since our collaboration, that same teacher enrolled in a professional AI course for higher ed math faculty and began using AI to co-design lessons for colleagues.

And so, as we grapple with AI and how it may eventually change the course of how we all live and work, I offer this experience as a reminder that context matters. Relationships matter. Curiosity matters. The most effective use of AI in education won’t come from top-down mandates or flash-inthe-pan tools. It will come from educators willing to explore, to experiment, and to reflect together on how we can use these tools to both strengthen our craft and to prepare students for effective utilization in their own lives.

We are at the beginning of this story, not the end. I encourage you to keep one question close: What might be possible when we bring the best of ourselves—and the best of these emerging tools— into dialogue?

Let’s find out.

Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. The Greville Haslam Head of School

DECLINE to From DOMINATION

By Michele Godin,

This year’s campaign trail was fierce and exhilarating. Every speech was a calculated move; every poster, a polished piece of propaganda. The attack ads were merciless. A great deal of work led up to this final public debate. Could the candidates successfully sway undecided voters? There was so much riding on today.

Plot twist—this is not Washington D.C., but Latin classrooms across EA’s Middle School! For the past decade, students have been immersed in the cutthroat world of ancient Roman politics. Representing emperors from Diocletian to Tiberius, teams wage a fierce campaign of research, rhetoric, and reputation, culminating in a final debate during the last week of school that could make or break their imperial legacy.

“This is absolutely nothing like the Latin class I remember,” shared David Dugery ’86 after visiting a classroom in February. “Today, I understand the value that comes from studying classical languages. Back then, I thought it was a waste of time.”

Long gone are the days of rote memorization and regurgitation. Dugery witnessed the complete opposite. Students were moving about the classroom, working in their teams to construct replicas of ancient Roman coins, aqueducts, and arches.

“I was blown away by their level of engagement,” he explained. “They were so into it. They weren’t just sitting and memorizing text but working together to create something, and they were having so much fun at the end.”

A DEAD LANGUAGE REBORN

Let’s rewind to a little over a decade ago. What some would consider a dead language was facing imminent death at EA, too. While students were still required to take Latin in 7th and 8th grade, interest beyond that was on a steep decline. Enrollment in Upper School-level Greek and Latin elective courses was at an all-time low, threatening the continuation of the program.

Steve Bosio, Hon., who was then leading the Classics Department, knew something had to change. With two-thirds of all English words deriving from Latin, the study of this classical language offers many benefits. This highly organized and logical language hones attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Mr. Bosio was determined to save the Classics.

“I posed the question, ‘Do we need to give a final exam?’ I knew there had to be a more engaging way to assess what students were learning,” Mr. Bosio reflected. “We all agreed that there had to be a way to make the learning a more enjoyable experience. We wanted the end of the year to be filled with excitement instead of dread.”

As the team watched students compete, cheer, and celebrate during the History Department’s end-of-year Geography Bee, they realized that was the energy and excitement they wanted to replicate through their curriculum. Additionally, they knew that students were self-selecting out of the more advanced classics courses in Upper School because they were so challenging and just didn’t feel accessible to everyone. There was a stereotype they needed to break. They decided to work from the bottom up and start by focusing on the Middle School years.

MEET the EMPERORS

First, the team decided to move away from traditional textbooks and memorization of vocabulary in favor of shorter and— oftentimes—more engaging novellas. The novellas, which offer stories based on mythology and include repetitive vocabulary and pictures, gave students context and helped them decipher words that were still new to them. Students read a chapter or two in class each day and, within a few months, were often reading entire chapters fluently, Mr. Bosio explained. The brevity of these novellas also kept things interesting for students, who looked forward to reading an array of new stories with new characters.

Next up, the Classics teachers aimed to find new ways to motivate and incentivize students. Dr. Lee Burnett, Hon., described by colleagues as a “master at gamification,” had recently joined the department and suggested designing a year-long competition.

Enter the 8th Grade Emperors Project, an innovative assignment where students are grouped into teams and tasked with building a modern-day political campaign to promote their assigned emperor. Throughout the year, they must study the pros and cons of both their emperor and other teams’ emperors as well as produce political videos and propaganda, design a team coin and monument, and participate in a pentathlon to earn points and a top spot within the “Emperor Power Rankings.”

To demonstrate their newfound knowledge, students invite family members and friends to an “Evening with the Emperors” event in the spring, where participants cast votes for the top emperor. Teams share more about their emperor’s greatest accomplishments and leverage their public speaking and persuasion skills to sway voters.

“The first year, we hosted the event in Maple Hall,” explained Mr. Bosio. “I remember contemplating what we would do if no one showed up!” Luckily, his fear never came to fruition, with that first year—and every one since—being a remarkable success and even requiring the event to relocate multiple times to larger spaces on campus.

Dr. Brian Burke ’62, a numismatist, is often in attendance. A passionate supporter of the Classics, he is the namesake of the Brian Burke ’62 Classics Fund, which supports the department’s work and helps provide a small budget for each emperor team to use in producing their campaigns. He helps students find their emperors’ coins in a special collection gifted to EA by Warren Smith, husband of the late Linda Smith, Hon. (who led the school’s library for many years).

Each year, teachers are more and more impressed with the engineering ingenuity on display. “Except that one year when an aqueduct gave out,” laughed Dr. Burnett. “We had a big puddle on our hands to clean up!”

The year-long project culminates in a heated public debate during the final week of school. Middle School students and teachers pack the Carrafiell Family Theater to watch as the highest-scoring teams work to convince them that their emperor reigns supreme. The energy in the theater is palpable, and the cheering and jeering reverberate through the Crawford Campus Center.

GAMIFYING GRAMMAR

Dr. Melanie Subacus, the current Richard Lounsbery Chair in Classical Studies, shared that parents regularly comment on how shocked they are by their kids’ level of investment in Latin. She gives all the credit to Mr. Bosio for the vision he had and the rest of the department for bringing that vision to life.

Not a group to rest on its laurels, the department continues to tweak and innovate more each year. In celebration of the 10th year, some ‘X-tra’ elements were added to the Emperor Project.

“We called this year ‘Project X’ and included ‘X Factors’ like an emperor draft for students to rank and select their team’s emperor rather than having the faculty assign them; Grammaticus Maximus, a grammatical gladiatorial showdown; and a corrupt judge at the Evening with the Emperors,” said Dr. Subacus.

The team also developed and launched a year-long Greek mythology-themed board game for 7th grade called Fato Profugi, loosely translated to mean “exiled by fate.” Students must complete missions, dodge monsters and pirates, and journey over sea and land, but only one team will survive the final descent to the underworld and live to tell the tale.

The game helps incentivize students to take a deeper dive into mythology through challenging projects and reading assignments that help earn them badges, which offer extra powers and advantages to be used during the game, Dr. Subacus explained. Teachers also build in fun seasonal challenges, like dressing as a Greek mythological character for Halloween, to help students earn more badges. A giant game board hangs on the bulletin board along the Classics hallway, showcasing where each team is along their journey.

Other unique classroom activities geared toward helping students recall past learning have included Latin poetry slams, escape rooms, Roman House Hunters, and crafting mean tweets.

THE CLASSICS STRIKE BACK

Today, the Classics program is thriving, with 20 percent of Upper School students electing to continue their study of Greek and Latin. It helps that EA deploys “crossover” teachers, where the beloved Middle School Classics teachers also teach coursework in Upper School, allowing students to continue learning from those who helped inspire their newfound love of the Classics.

Dr. Subacus shared that much of the content being studied in Upper School classes is equivalent to college-level work. “We focus on finding some of the most challenging authors but scaffolding the coursework in a way that our students can easily process it,” she said.

New sections and courses are being added regularly, including a capstone course focused on philosophy that will be offered this coming year. Additionally, new teachers who join the department are carefully selected based not only on their subject matter expertise, but on their ability to relate to kids and enthusiastically embrace the new approach to teaching classical languages. The work continues, but one thing is clear: this once-dying discipline has found vibrant, new life at EA.

DEBATE DAY DRAMA

As we travel back to Middle School in May, the final debate is underway. Thanks to impressive opening statements and the favor of faculty judges and classmates, Caesar, Caracalla, and Diocletian have advanced to the final round and delivered persuasive arguments. And now, it’s time to cast the final votes. As points are being tallied, students cheer and jeer while watching all of the expertly produced attack ads on the big screen.

A hush falls over the crowd as Dr. Subacus approaches the podium. Team Caesar rejoices as she announces that they won the debate, scoring them some big points for the Emperor Power Rankings. Then, a Project X “X-factor” twist comes into play, with Team Nerva gaining extra points for the best campaign flyer, ultimately putting them over the top.

“Emperor Nerva reigns supreme!” Dr. Subacus emphatically declared.

PROM NIGHTS, RIVER LIGHTS

As prom night unfolded and twilight fell over the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row lit up in a dazzling display of blue and white. The iconic riverfront shimmered in school spirit to celebrate EA’s Class of 2025 and the close of another successful spring rowing season. The special tribute was made possible through the generosity of the crew captains’ parents and coaches, who helped add a little more magic to an unforgettable night for EA’s senior class.

Kristen Powell, 32 Years

Throughout her 32 years in the Middle School Science Department, Kristen Powell, Hon. has been an incredible teacher, coach, and mentor to hundreds of students and colleagues. Known for embracing new ideas and always putting students first, she has inspired scientific curiosity both in her classroom and as chair of the Science Department. A strong advocate for health and wellness, Kristen also dedicated countless hours to coaching cross country, track, and lacrosse. While she will be deeply missed, we know she looks forward to more time with family in retirement. Best wishes, Kristen!

Jen Rea, 32 Years

A master teacher, trusted colleague, and beloved leader, Jen Rea, Hon. has been a cornerstone of the Lower School for 32 years. Through her work as a homeroom teacher, she has helped generations of our youngest learners realize their full potential and caringly offered her wisdom and expertise to her peers. Her ability to inspire, connect, and elevate those around her has truly made our school a better place. Best wishes in your next chapter, Jen!

Kim Piersall, 23 Years

Throughout her 23 years of dedicated service as a teacher, coach, dean, advisor, and committee member, Kim Piersall, Hon. has made a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues. She has been

CELEBRATING OUR RETIRING FACULTY AND STAFF

Five members of the EA community retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year with a combined 102 years of service. “The contributions of our retiring faculty and staff have shaped our community in meaningful ways,” said Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. “We are grateful for their years of devotion and wish them happiness and fulfillment in their journeys ahead.”

instrumental in shaping Middle School traditions, developing curriculum, mentoring new faculty, and coaching multiple athletic teams. A past recipient of the Class of 1940 Award, Kim’s positive spirit, passion for teaching, and commitment to students have left an enduring legacy. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement, Kim!

Becky Brinks, 13 Years

Becky Brinks has been the heart of our community service efforts for the past 13 years. From coordinating Days of Service and Student Serve gatherings to organizing May Term service trips and leading meaningful journeys to Haiti, she has inspired countless students to see service as a way of life. Becky’s dedication to serving others has fostered strong partnerships with many community organizations, leaving a lasting mark on both our school and the wider community. You will be missed, Becky!

Julie Kerich, 2 Years

Julie Kerich has spent two dedicated years as Senior Associate Director of College Counseling. With more than 20 years of experience in college admission and counseling, she quickly became a trusted guide for EA families, helping students approach the process with clarity, confidence, and care. A true team player, Julie traveled far and wide on college visits, spearheaded new College Counseling initiatives, and freely shared her expertise. Her warmth, insight, and unwavering belief in our students will be missed. Best wishes, Julie!

Where Are They Now?

What have beloved former teachers been up to since their EA days? This spring, we caught up with retired Upper School History and Psychology Teacher Lynne Hay, Hon., retired Classics Teacher Tim Kent, Hon., and retired Lower School Teacher Nancy Reinhard, Hon. Curious who is reading five books a month, has returned to the classroom as a teacher’s aide, and recently read a translation of The Odyssey? Scan here or search for EA Unlocked wherever you access your favorite podcasts to hear about their action-packed retirements and strong connections to the EA community.

Faculty & Staff News

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND COACHING

Upper School Math Teacher Tom Goebeler, Hon. was selected as a 2024 University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award recipient. Each year, entering freshmen at the university are offered the chance to nominate a teacher “whose influence brought them to where they are today.” Aryav Dhar ‘24 embraced the opportunity and nominated Dr. Goebeler for the prestigious award.

After such an incredibly successful athletic year at EA, it was no surprise that four EA coaches earned “Coach of the Year” awards. This year, we celebrate Boys’ Lacrosse Coach Steve Colfer, Baseball Coach Tom Grandieri, Indoor Track and Field Coach Zach Richards, Hon., and Girls’ Lacrosse Coach Josie Tomaino.

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE

Director of Squash Demer Holleran was named one of Princeton’s Top 25 Greatest Athletes for her achievements in squash, lacrosse, and field hockey. A three-time intercollegiate squash champion, she led the Tigers to national and Ivy League titles and helped the lacrosse team reach its first Final Four. After a decorated professional career and coaching at Penn, she joined EA in 2017, where she continues to inspire young squash players.

In June, eight faculty and staff members were honored with special awards for their outstanding work and dedication to EA.

Upper School science faculty continue to make an impact beyond the classroom!

This spring, Ron Smith published his second book, Adventures in Backyard Gardening: Inspiring Young Gardeners to Grow Their Own Food, while fellow teacher Cheryl Cossel authored the article “Automated Assessment Feedback to Encourage Student Self-Reflection” in Chemistry Solutions, a journal of the American Association of Chemistry Teachers. Additionally, Jennifer Jones was elected Regional Coordinator for the National Association of Biology Teachers, a three-year leadership role that will connect her with biology educators across PA, NJ, DE, VA, MD, and DC.

HONORARY ALUMNI SOCIETY MEMBERS

In June, Treasurer of the Alumni Society Board of Managers Jamie Evans ‘96 P ‘30 ‘34 ‘34 presented six teachers and staff members with an honorary membership to the EA Alumni Society. This longstanding tradition honors full-time employees who have dedicated 10 years of service to EA.

AROUND THE GREEN

BLEEDING GREEN

The only time it’s okay to trade EA’s signature blue and white for green? When we’re cheering on the beloved Philadelphia Eagles! All season long, the EA community backed the Birds: proudly playing and singing the Eagles’ fight song (and going viral doing it!), wearing lucky game-day outfits, and greeting one another with a simple, “Go Birds!”

After the Eagles’ dominant 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win, Tavis Sanders ’26 even had the rare chance to capture the Eagles’ victory parade from the media stage! Fly, Eagles Fly!

A STEM CELEBRATION

This April, all divisions came together for the 3rd annual STEMposium, a vibrant celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year’s event featured 70+ student research presentations, including 1st and 2nd place-winning Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) independent projects, Lilley Independent Studies, and Lower School projects. The day included hands-on STEM stations, robotics demonstrations, and presentations from clubs and classes, all seeking to spark curiosity and plant seeds for the next generation of scientists, coders, and creators.

EA’S NEW BOARD CHAIR

Ann T. Semmer P ’21 assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees in July. A trustee since 2014, Ann brings a strategic mindset, deep institutional knowledge, and a steadfast commitment to EA’s mission. She has served in numerous leadership roles, including Treasurer, Vice Chair, and Chair of the Finance Committee, and currently leads the Strategic Plan Task Force.

Ann succeeds Elizabeth A. Corrigan P ’17 ’19, whose tenure as Chair since 2021 was marked by vision and achievement. Under Beth’s leadership, Episcopal completed the $125 million Shape Tomorrow campaign, expanded the endowment, and strengthened board governance. Her principled stewardship and devotion to the EA community leave a lasting legacy.

Ann, a seasoned financial executive and former Managing Director for the J.P. Morgan Private Bank, shares Episcopal’s belief in the power of education to shape character and community. She and her husband, Jeff, are the parents of Will Semmer ’21.

“Ann understands not only where we aspire to go—but who we are at our core,” said Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. “We are incredibly fortunate to have her leadership in this defining chapter for EA.”.

TIMELY TOPICS, TIMELESS TRADITION

Spirited students, alumni judges, and three rounds of sophisticated debate about timely topics: the 2025 MacBean Bowl had it all! Started in 1995 and sponsored by Junto— EA’s oldest club—this year’s MacBean Bowl featured eight teams that debated about the possession of firearms by school teachers, with Gray Collins ’25 and Elizabeth Hershey ’25 ultimately named the winners. Thank you to this year’s alumni judges: Matt London ’13, Jack Brinker ’16, Emma Sargent ’18, Bo Aldridge ’21, Evie Aldridge ’23, Albert Chen ’23, Austin Bouvel ’24, Khoa Tran ’24, and former English Teacher and Junto Advisor Jen Maier, Hon.

AROUND THE GREEN

COLLEGE ADMISSION LEADERS SHARE INSIGHTS

The College Counseling Office was thrilled to welcome four distinguished college admission leaders to campus this spring: Melissa Falk (University of Richmond), Kevin Mathes (Bucknell University), André Phillips (University of Wisconsin), and Kaitlin Oliver (Hamilton College). During their time at EA, the panelists provided advice and key takeaways during three engaging events: “Welcome to the Admission Committee Room” for juniors and their families, a “Coffee and College” panel for Upper School parents, and a “College Counseling Roundtable” with EA counselors.

MATH SUCCESS AROUND EVERY CORNER

Keep the math accolades coming!

This winter, eight Upper School students competed against 11 schools at the Philadelphia Independent School Math Olympiad, narrowly losing to George School in the Championship round. Meanwhile, Middle School Honors Math students excelled nationally and regionally— three placed in the top 5 percent of the AMC 8, and EA also posted strong results in the Pennsylvania Math League 6 and 7 contests.

THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG

Is there anything cuter than baby chicks and Kindergartners? As part of their spring unit on life cycles, the Kindergartners in Kempley Bryant, Hon.’s class took part in the much-anticipated chick hatching project. From the moment the eggs and incubator arrived, the classroom buzzed with excitement. Students closely monitored the eggs each day— tracking their development, eagerly awaiting the first cracks, and finally welcoming the fluffy new arrivals.

OPEN CLASSROOM WEEK

Teachers opened their classrooms up to each other in January in the inaugural Open Classroom Week. Organized by the Center for Teaching and Learning, the week offered faculty the chance to block out time during the school day to visit colleagues’ classrooms and observe their innovative teaching practices. With the wealth of talented and experienced educators at EA, there were ample opportunities to learn. With more than 100 classroom visits, the week created quite a buzz!

SCIENCE OF JUMPING

Joachim “Yaya” Johnson’s ‘25 athletic journey took flight when he traded basketball for track in ninth grade, discovering a natural talent for field events. Fast forward four years, and he is not only PA’s top ranked in the Triple Jump, but earned the top American ranking at Penn Relays. He also won the indoor state championship for High Jump and has smashed countless records, including one set in 1975.

This is where his passion for computer science, also discovered at EA, comes into play. With help from his teacher, coach, and mentor, Mr. Matthew Davis, Yaya conducted a Lilley Independent Study project to examine the biomechanics behind his jumps. His intensive research, analysis, and dedication to putting his findings into practice helped him to achieve even better results, including breaking a 50-year-old record. Yaya will continue his track and field career and computer science studies at Harvard this fall. Scan to hear more from Yaya and Coach Davis.

FROM THE SIDELINES Fall 2024

Season highlights included a national ranking, three Inter-Ac & PAISAA championships, and maintaining the Banner. Follow @EA1785_Athletics on Instagram for real-time updates throughout the year.

Boys’ Cross Country (10-0)

Inter-Ac

Champions

For the 5th time in six years, the team won the league title. They finished 2nd out of 42 teams at the Paul Short Invitational and 2nd at the Delco and PAISAA Championships. The team wrapped up the season with a decisive 19-39 win against Haverford during EA/Haverford/ AIS Weekend. Curtis Conner ’26 set the new home course record (16:08.5). Five runners were named to All Inter-Ac teams.

Girls’ Cross Country

The girls had a strong season, finishing 4th in the Inter-Ac and PAISAA Championships. The team ran to 2nd at the Penncrest Invitational and 5th at the Delco Championships. Kendra Williamson ’27 became the first EA runner to win the individual title at the Delco Championships. She also set an EA course record (18:22.3) on EA/AIS Day.

Field Hockey (14-7-1)

EA Field Hockey finished 2nd in the Inter-Ac and posted national wins over teams from NJ, OH, and TX. In the postseason, the squad faced Notre Dame in the semis of the PAISAA tournament in an epic battle that ended in a double over-time loss. On EA/AIS Day, the contest ended in a 1-1 tie after 7v7 suddendeath overtime as the girls won the Banner for another year.

Football (3-6)

Wins against Hill and Blair Academy highlighted the season. During the Hill game, quarterback Brody Garrison ’26 set the EA single-game passing yards record (287), while wide receiver Jackson Orcutt ’26 set the single-game receiving record (191) as the two led the team to victory.

Boys’ Golf (23-7)

With no seniors on the roster, the top eight players included three juniors, three sophomores, a freshman, and 8th grader. The squad ended the season tied for its best-ever record since the format change in 2011 and recorded the lowest team score in school history with a 2 over 177. Big wins were tallied against Holy Ghost Prep and Radnor. The team also tied an undefeated La Salle High School team.

Boys’ Soccer (18-9-6)

The squad finished 3rd in the Inter-Ac and played in the finals of the PAISAA tournament for the first time in program history. Key wins included two victories over Westtown and Penn Charter. On senior night, the team triumphed over Springside Chestnut Hill (2-0).

Girls’ Soccer (15-5-1)

The team delivered standout performances all season, including nine shutouts in 12 league games. Offensive contributions came from across the roster, with 16 different players scoring goals and 17 logging assists. The team secured a victory on EA/AIS Day and retained the Banner for the 8th straight year. Coach Andy Fraggos tallied his 100th win, and the team earned a #16 national ranking and #2 Pennsylvania state (AA) ranking.

Girls’ Tennis (22-1)

Inter-Ac

Champions

PAISAA Champions

The team served up a successful fall, marking their 7th consecutive undefeated Inter-Ac season. The seniors graduated without losing a league match in their EA careers. With 22 wins, the girls also recorded the most wins in a single season by any EA boys’ or girls’ tennis team. At the Inter-Ac Singles Championship, Avery Morris ‘26 finished 2nd. During EA/AIS Day, the team swept (7-0) as the girls again secured the coveted Banner.

Boys’ Water Polo (16-8)

Boys’ Water Polo opened the year with three strong wins at the Philmore Cup, including victories over McDonogh, Landon, and Gilman. At the Beast of the East Tournament, the team notched dominant wins against Muhlenberg and closed out the season with a hard-fought 3rd place finish at the Eastern Prep Championships with an overtime win against Lawrenceville. The team finished 2nd in the league as they swept Malvern Prep and Penn Charter and won a hardfought match against Germantown Academy. Tyler Mantash ‘25 led the team with 100 goals.

Girls’ Water Polo (5-12)

The season was marked by significant growth, resilience, and development across the roster. The team earned notable victories against Hill (twice), Pingry, and Upper Perkiomen. A highlight of the season came at the Beast of the East Tournament, where the team advanced to the championship game, demonstrating grit and competitive progress.

FROM THE SIDELINES

Season highlights included a three-peat state championship for indoor boys’ track & field and a Coach of the Year award. Follow @EA1785_Athletics on Instagram for real-time updates throughout the year.

Boys’ Basketball (9-10)

The team opened with strong momentum, starting 5-0 with statement wins over Shipley, Germantown Friends, and Pennington. In league play, the team showed resilience and growth throughout the season. Highlights include a double-overtime battle against Haverford and two wins over Germantown Academy. Co-captain Matt McCarthy ’25 capped off a decorated career by surpassing the 1,000-point milestone.

Girls’ Basketball (10-12)

The team continued its tradition of competitive play and success against Inter-Ac rivals and out-ofleague opponents. Throughout the season, the girls displayed commitment, grit, and a willingness to grow. The squad tallied a big win over Penn Charter and finished third in the league.

Ice Hockey (5-8)

EA Ice Hockey made its 7th straight appearance in the league tournament. Season highlights include wins against Lawrenceville, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, and LaSalle in a rigorous league and non-league schedule. Four players were named to All-League teams.

Boys’ Squash (15-5)

The boys finished 7th at High School Nationals, outperforming their #8 seed in the quarterfinals, for the fifth consecutive year. The team ended #2 in the Inter-Ac after two close (4-3) matches against Haverford. Highlights included wins over national top-seeded schools including Belmont Hill, Deerfield, Hotchkiss, and Lawrenceville.

Girls’ Squash (5-4)

Inter-Ac play, High School Nationals, and MASA made for a brisk and productive season as two seniors and two freshmen balanced out the top four. The girls finished 12th at Nationals, and 4th in the MASA championships. Season play included wins against Baldwin, Shipley, and Germantown Friends.

Boys’ (3-3) and Girls’ (5-2) Swimming & Diving

It was a season filled with dedication, competition, and outstanding performances. The girls opened strong with wins over Baldwin, Hill, Penn Charter, Notre Dame, Agnes Irwin, and Westtown. The boys swam past Hill, Penn Charter, and Westtown. The season concluded with a spectacular showing at the Eastern Prep Meet. EA finished 7th overall, with the girls placing 8th and the boys finishing 11th.

Boys’ Indoor Track & Field PTFCA Championship

Zach Richards, Hon., Coach of the Year With only five competitors in six events, the boys won the state championship for a threepeat. Yaya Johnson ‘25 won the Triple and High Jump. Eli Engelman ’25 won silver in the Mile, while Abaas Hunter ’26 placed 2nd in the 400m and 5th in the 200m. The DMR closed out the meet, winning gold (Curtis Conner ’26, Abaas Hunter, Kaleb Young ’28, Eli Engelman). Yaya Johnson finished 3rd in High Jump at New Balance Nationals. Coach Zach Richards, Hon., was named PTFCA Coach of the Year for the 2nd consecutive year. Seven school records were set in the 60m, 200m, 400m, 60mH, 3000m, HJ, and TP.

Girls’ Indoor Track & Field

The girls achieved success on many levels, including school records in the 400m, 800m, Mile, 3000m, 2 Mile, DMR, and SMR. The team competed in Indoor Nationals in New York and Boston. Kendra Williamson ‘27 ran to 9th place in the Championship 2 Mile. She also set the meet, county, and school record (9:35:39) in the 3000m. The SMR (Stevie Combs ’25, Ryann Newcomb ’26, Morgan Lohr ’26, and Ava Cavanaugh ’27) ran to 6th, set a school record, and earned All-American recognition. Ava ran the open 800m Championship race and set a new indoor personal record and school record at New Balance Indoor Nationals.

Wrestling (8-15)

Seven grapplers competed in the PAISWT tournament and four qualified for the National Prep Tournament. Five wrestlers earned 24 medals across six individual tournament competitions from Newark, DE, to Brunswick, CT, including four golds. Highlights of the dual season include wins over cross-league rivals Westtown and Haverford. Captain Danny Hopkins ‘25 earned his first career title at the Golden Bear Invitational and tallied his 100th career win.

FROM THE SIDELINES Spring 2025

In a remarkable spring season, EA teams won seven Inter-Ac Championships and two state championships, six student-athletes earned league MVP honors, three coaches were crowned Coach of the Year, and two players were recognized as Player of the Year. Follow @EA1785_Athletics on Instagram for real-time updates throughout the year.

Baseball (18-9-1)

Tom Grandieri, Coach of the Year

EA baseball hit its stride by mid-season with a dominant stretch of impressive play that included historic sweeps of Haverford, the first since 2001, and Penn Charter. Logan Correll ’25 recorded his 100th career strikeout as the team finished 2nd in the league and runner-up in the PAISAA championships, exceeding their #3 ranking going into the tournament.

Girls’ Golf

Inter-Ac Champions

PAISAA Champions

This group of seniors earned its 4th InterAc Championship, 2nd consecutive state championship, and notched another undefeated season. Clarissa Leung ’25 captured the individual titles in both championships for a 2nd year. The squad set a new team record of 195. Carter Yearley ’25 was honored with the Athletic Directors’ Award in recognition of her outstanding fouryear undefeated career in both golf and tennis.

Boys’ Lacrosse (14-16)

Inter-Ac Champions

Steve Colfer, Coach of the Year

For the first time in 27 years, the boys earned a share of the coveted Inter-Ac Championship. The team tallied wins over nationally ranked programs including Malvern Prep, Radnor, and Haverford. This milestone season was defined by resilience, toughness, and a commitment to the team’s guiding motto: “We Choose Hard.” Three players earned All-State honors, two were named USA Lacrosse All-Americans, and Evan MacFarland ’25 was named Player of the Year.

Girls’ Lacrosse (18-0)

Inter-Ac Champions

Josie Tomaino, Coach of the Year

The girls swept through the spring undefeated and maintained a #2 national ranking. The team

won the league championship after a decisive win over rival Agnes Irwin. From the first whistle, the team embraced the challenge of competing at the highest level as they faced tough, nationally ranked, non-league opponents. The squad dominated in Inter-Ac play, outscoring opponents by a staggering 142-24 margin, and Quinn Whitaker ’25 was named Player of the Year. “Every Second Counts” served as both a rallying cry and a tribute to longtime Varsity Assistant Coach Kim Piersall, Hon., who retired in June.

Softball (16-4)

Inter-Ac Champions

The team continued its dominance and Inter-Ac reign with its 4th consecutive league title, fueled by stellar pitching, fielding, and power at the plate. Pitcher Maddie Masiko ’25 tallied her 500th career strikeout. Hanna-Mae Legaspi ’25 consistently powered the heart of the lineup, racking up 24 hits and 25 RBIs. The team posted shutouts against top competitors and demonstrated grit in tough matchups, including hard-fought games against Cabell Midland (WV) and Springside Chestnut Hill.

Boys’ & Girls’ Rowing

Racing got underway in mid-March as the novice, JV, and varsity boats grew and became stronger and more determined each week. The season wrapped up with four boats invited to Scholastic Nationals, where the varsity boys’ 4+ earned 6th place.

Boys’ Tennis (14-3)

Inter-Ac Champions

Chasing the Inter-Ac title for 11 years, the squad at last earned the league championship as they won their final match against rival Haverford. Resilience and depth served the team well as they played past tough competition all season. Every player stepped up as many won gritty third-set tie breaks or must-win doubles points. #1 singles player Preston Lubiniecki ’27 was crowned league MVP.

Boys’ Track & Field

Delco Champions

Inter-Ac Champions

The boys celebrated their 5th Inter-Ac Championship, 3rd Delco Championship, and finished 2nd at the PAISAA championship meet. Six school records were recorded in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 3200m, Triple Jump, and DMR. Yaya Johnson ’25 and Abaas Hunter ’26 were crowned league MVPs.

Girls’ Track & Field

Inter-Ac Champions

PAISAA Champions

What a team effort, as the squad tallied seven school records, personal bests, critical points, two championships, a 5th place finish at Delcos, and an impressive 2nd place for 4x400m at the Penn Relays. Kendra Williamson ’27 broke the 33-year-old Delco record in the 3000m (9:39.71), and Maya Bright ’25 was named league MVP. School records were set in the 400m, 800m, 1600m, 3000m, 3200m, Javelin, and Discus.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS

The Domino Club proudly transformed the Carrafiell Family Theater into a colorful and creative faraway kingdom for the May production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The show featured new characters, a hilarious libretto, and an expanded score that had audiences at the edge of their seats, full of smiles and applause. Beautifully crafted costumes and clever staging brought the enchanting fairy tale to life. With the wave of the wand, the cherished fairy godmother turned a garden pumpkin into a sparkling horse-drawn carriage as Cinderella twirled her tattered dress into a gown fit for the royal ball.

Stage&Studio

ARTSFEST: A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY

EA students, parents, and faculty filled the campus to celebrate artistic achievement at ArtsFest in April. From musical and theatrical performances and expansive student galleries to an innovative fashion show and hands-on workshops, ArtsFest was a beautiful tribute to the creative talents of our students.

A SYMPHONY OF VOICES

During this year’s combined VOCES8/Inter-ACappella Concert in April, Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 filled the Class of 1944 Chapel alongside music with EA’s Vocal Ensemble and choral groups from other Inter-Ac schools. During this unique program, generously made possible by an Episcopal family, each school sang two pieces while VOCES8 sang five. Then, VOCES8 led the entire group in two more pieces: a 2nd century chant and a Scottish folk ballad. The evening ended with a full group—including the audience—sing-along of the Bill Withers classic, Lovely Day. Prior to the concert, each school was paired with a mentor from VOCES8, who led a workshop with the students.

UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLASTIC ART AND WRITING AWARDS

Seventeen EA students won prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for works produced during the 2024-25 school year. Presented by the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership and the Philadelphia Writing Project, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize and celebrate creative teens.

Regional Scholastic Writing Award Winners:

GOLD KEY

Mason Jiang ’26

Ryann Newcomb ‘26

Riya Shankaran ’26

SILVER KEY

Aadi Balyan ’28

Kayla Krasnick ’28

Brian Lee ’26

Ryan Wen ’27

GOLD KEY

HONORABLE MENTION

Lilian Wang ’26

Alice Wu ’26

Regional Scholastic Art Award Winners:

Karen Shi ’27

Genevieve Wylonis ’25

SILVER KEY

Shea Chambers ’25

Karen Shi ’27

Ryan Wen ’27 (3)

HONORABLE MENTION

Liam Appaneal ’26 (4)

Cecelia Brunetti ’26

Shea Chambers ’25

Jacob Kim ’25

Abigail Whitman ’26

Kathy Wu ’28

Genevieve Wylonis ’25 (4)

Details in Nature 2 by Liam Appaneal ’26

13 CAPPIES NOMINATIONS FOR DOMINO CLUB’S A WRINKLE IN TIME

EA earned an impressive 13 Cappies nominations for the fall production of A Wrinkle in Time:

CREATIVITY

Danity Pike ‘27

COMIC ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE IN A PLAY

Fraser Wein ‘27

ENSEMBLE IN A PLAY

Lucia Forte ‘26, Fraser Wein ‘27, and Elizabeth Doyle ‘25

FEATURED ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE IN A PLAY

Clementine Clifton ‘26

FEATURED ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE IN A PLAY

Eusie Mita ‘26

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE IN A PLAY

Reid Lawler ‘26

LEAD ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE

Sean Reagle ‘27

PLAY

Episcopal Academy Cast and Crew

SPECIAL EFFECTS OR TECHNOLOGY

Max Guo ‘28

LIGHTING

Veronica Timmerman ‘27

OUTSTANDING 9TH AND 10TH GRADE CRITIC

Danity Pike ‘27

OUTSTANDING 9TH AND 10TH GRADE CRITIC

Sean Reagle ‘27

OUTSTANDING CRITIC TEAM

The Episcopal Academy

“I’m always excited when our students get nominated, especially when we all get nominated for the Play category because that’s an honor we can all share together. It’s a great sign to get multiple nominations, and this year we have 13!”

Dan Clay, Hon. Performing Arts Chair

MIDDLE SCHOOL DELIVERS TOP-TIER PERFORMANCES

It was a standout year for the Middle School Harlequin Ensemble, whose studentperformers showcased their creativity and talent in two colorful stage productions. In November, the Carrafiell Family Theater was alive with the sights and sounds of Honk! JR., a fun musical version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. In the spring, the Ridgway Black Box was abuzz with excitement as two casts performed in James and the Giant Peach, based on the beloved Roald Dahl story. Check out the vibrant set on the next page!

“Taking part in drama performances like these is an excellent way for students to stretch themselves and can even lead to the creation of life-long friendships,” shared Head of Middle School Laurie Piette. “What I particularly love about EA is that the Middle School students who attend these shows support their peers onstage and root whole-heartedly for their success.”

A FRUITFUL PERFORMANCE

Roald Dahl’s whimsical world came to life on the Ridgway Black Box stage in the Harlequin Ensemble’s spectacular spring production of James and the Giant Peach This favorite classic featured dazzling costumes and a vibrant and imaginative set. The production perfectly captured the adventure aboard the rolling peach, as a curious and compassionate James discovered magic and family in the most unexpected places. Bravo to the talented cast and crew!

Notes Class

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We love to hear from you! Submit your latest milestones, news, and updates to be included in a future issue of Connections. Visit episcopalacademy.org/classnotes.

A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

Hundreds of alumni joined together in May for Alumni Weekend. Festivities kicked off with a successful golf tournament, which benefits the Alumni Society Endowed Scholarship Fund. Members of the Class of 1970 commemorated their 55th reunion, and the Alumni Society honored the 2025 Alumni Award winners and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. The weekend culminated with a fun party on the Clark Campus Green, where classes ending in a 5 and 0 celebrated their milestone reunions. Save the date to join us for Alumni Weekend 2026, April 30-May 2!

2025 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS

Distinguished Alumni Award

Omar Y. McNeill, Esq. ‘85

Distinguished Service to EA Award

William E. Rapp ‘56

Young Alumni Award

Lauren Berry ‘10

LT R. Andrew McGuinness, JAGC USN ‘11

Alumni Community Service Award

Col. David Preston Casey ‘85

Alumni Achievement in the Arts Award

Dr. Matthew D. Clayton, II ‘98

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Jim Shanahan ‘90

John A. Phillips, Jr. ‘98

Catherine M. Hunt Ryan ‘99

Kristen Grace Hinckley ‘13

Nicholas A. Mead ‘13

Megan Quinn Varano ‘13 1972 Boys’ Track & Field Team and 4x400m Penn Relays Team 2015 Softball Team

Do you know an EA alum who exemplifies our values and has made outstanding contributions to their field, community, or the Academy?

Email your nominations to alumni@ episcopalacademy.org, and help us celebrate the achievements and impact of our alumni!

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

The newest class of EA alumni were celebrated on June 5, 2025, as 132 seniors graduated in the Class of 1944 Chapel, marking our school’s 240th Commencement.

This year’s speakers were valedictorian Elle du Pont and salutatorian Stevie Combs.

“Episcopal has taught us not to be complacent nor to conform to one standard but to be open to new opportunities and to embrace the uncertainty that new possibilities bring,” shared Elle. “We have learned that there is always more to learn and do. All doors are open to those who dwell in possibility.”

“This isn’t just a school; it’s a network of interconnected individuals who genuinely care for and support one another, creating a welcoming embrace that has been our constant companion,” reflected Stevie. “The defining characteristic of the Class of 2025 has been our unwavering support for one another.”

“Not every environment you encounter will be like this. I don’t think most schools are like this. EA really is a special place,” Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. told graduates. “As you move forward, I hope you’ll carry with you the joy that makes life bright, and the seriousness that gives it meaning. If you can hold onto both, I believe you will indeed lead lives of purpose, faith, and integrity.”

1960s

1960

Members of the Class of 1960 enjoyed sharing many laughs and memories at the Loyal Blues Luncheon during Alumni Weekend.

1964

Dave Trainer, Kirk Woodbury, and Eric Alessandroni had a small gettogether to discuss world events.

1965

Members of the Class of 1965 gathered to celebrate their 60th reunion during Alumni Weekend.

1970s

1975

James Saris and his wife, Liz, are the proud grandparents of six beautiful

grandchildren. They split their time between their homes in Leesburg, VA, Oro Valley, AZ, and Vero Beach, FL. James enjoys playing a lot of golf and following the Philadelphia Phillies. Their daughter Ally, 39, works for Raytheon, while Christina, 34, works for Deloitte. Their son, Jimmy, 37, works for Thomson Reuters.

1979

Christian Miller retired from Bank of America and moved to Bend, OR, in August 2024. His wife is from Portland, so they are now closer to family and able to still enjoy the wonderful outdoors that Bend offers.

I. WISTAR MORRIS ‘60 LIVES THE STRIPE OF GENEROSITY

In 2010, as the Class of 1960 prepared to celebrate their 50th reunion, Wistar Morris and George David challenged their classmates to make a significant gift to the school. Their goal was to establish a Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund in memory of beloved teachers Kennith Balsley, Anthony Ridgway, and William White. This endeavor not only raised $1.5 million for that Scholarship Fund; it set the standard for 50th reunion classes and inspired other classes to strive to match or surpass their impressive gift. To date, this class remains at the forefront of 50th reunion gifts.

In recent years, philanthropy and investment in the school’s endowment have flourished, with the overall endowment surpassing the $150 million mark. This growth will provide lasting benefits to students and faculty for generations to come.

In late December, Wistar and Martha Morris kept the momentum going with a remarkable gift of $1 million to the Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund in celebration of his 65th reunion this year. This generous contribution will facilitate the creation of a full scholarship for a deserving student in a remarkably short time frame. One of the school’s highest priorities is to ensure that talented students have the opportunity to receive an Episcopal education, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. With this additional funding, the class scholarship will now support three to four students yearly at EA. To date, this fund has benefited 14 EA students. When Wistar was asked what motivated this gift, he said, “I remember Episcopal fondly, both for the friends I made and the strong education I received.”

Philanthropy is a cornerstone of the Episcopal Academy community, advancing the experiences of both students and faculty in meaningful ways. We lift one another up in countless forms, and for many, that support is expressed through contributions to the school. Every gift—whether designated for The Episcopal Fund, the endowment, or capital initiatives—strengthens the fabric of our community. Increasingly, individuals are also choosing to include EA in their estate plans, enabling them to make a more transformative impact and fulfill long-term philanthropic goals. With their recent commitment, Wistar and Martha exemplify the Stripe of Generosity, demonstrating how one act of giving can touch many lives.

1980s

1980

Members from the Class of 1980 gathered for a pre-45th reunion happy hour at Intown Golf Club in March. In attendance were Rob McCallion, Sean Verdeur, Joe Giles, Bill Susskind, Steve Cunningham, Norm FitzPatrick, Phil Curtin, Paul Binnion, Mike Baer, Eric Guenther, Jay Mitchell, Dan Dougherty, and Bob Zullinger (pictured with Michael Rath).

1985

Members of the Class of 1985 gathered to celebrate their 40th reunion on Friday evening of Alumni Weekend. Special thanks to Richard Aldridge and Kris Aldridge, Hon. for hosting!

1986

John C. McMeekin, II was appointed to a two-year term on the

Delaware County Board of Elections, where he now serves alongside BOE Chair, Ashley Lunkenheimer ’92. John considers it a privilege to serve on the County Board of Elections, working to assure the County’s residents of the integrity of their vote. He is a partner in the law firm of Rawle & Henderson LLP and a member of the firm’s executive committee.

1989

Rebekah (White) Kreutz and Caroline Waxler enjoyed a quick catch-up during Becky’s recent trip to NYC.

1990s

1990

Members of the Class of 1990 gathered to celebrate their 35th reunion during Alumni Weekend. Special thanks to Thad Squire and Meredith Rainey for hosting.

1995

Members of the Class of 1995 were thrilled to see each other and celebrate their 30th reunion during Alumni Weekend.

1997

Nicholas Sommer ran into Win Shafer, Hon. and John Salvucci ’98 at the NCAA Tournament Soccer game between Penn and UMass on Nov. 24, 2024.

1999

Dr. Mikal Anderson welcomed a daughter, Sania, in November 2024.

2000s

2001

Danielle Pakradooni married Chad Raver at Merion Cricket Club on July 20, 2024. EA alumni in attendance were Sara Samimi and Lytia Fisher (pictured with Andrew Budreika P ’32 ’34, Ava Budreika ’32, and Nora Budreika ’34).

2003

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. recently caught up with some of EA’s retired faculty members. Scan here or search for EA Unlocked wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts to hear updates from Lynne Hay, Hon., Tim Kent, Hon., and Nancy Reinhard, Hon.

Scan here

Members of the Class of 2005 were excited to see each other and celebrate their 20th reunion during Alumni Weekend.

a lot of attention in the last two film festival circuits, winning Best Dark Comedy Film at the 2023 Oregon Short Film Festival and an Award of Excellence at the 2023 Canada Shorts Festival, as well as nominations and selections at The Burbank International, the LA Shorts, Las Vegas International, LA Indie, LA Comedy, Day of the Dead, and LA Asian Film Festivals.

Sarah (Bullock) Aurora, Caroline Giles ’13, and Connor Gunsalus ’17 had the recent revelation that they are not only coworkers at BBR Partners, a boutique wealth management firm in NYC, but fellow EA alumni as well! Sarah is the Vice President of Portfolio and Wealth Administration, Caroline is the Administrative Assistant for Portfolio and Wealth Advisory, and Connor is an Investment Research Senior Associate.

Nell (Fortune-Greeley) Selengbe and her husband, Clevie, welcomed twin girls, Nia and Vie, in January 2025.

Sam Clark and his wife, Catherine, welcomed their daughter, Ellie, in November 2024.

Megan (McFarland) Krouse and her husband, Chris, welcomed a daughter, Lucy, to the family in August 2024.

Sophia Lambertsen shared a photo of her elder daughter, Lulu, in her EA threads. Sophia and her husband, Naser, welcomed their second daughter, Dalia, in October 2024.

2008

Kelly Burke and her husband welcomed their daughter, Birdie, in January 2025.

David Fell and his wife, Anna, welcomed twins, Lukas Hendrick Fell and Jasper John Fell, in February 2025.

2010s

2010

Andy Pettit and his wife, Katie, welcomed their son, Walter Crockett Pettit, in April 2025.

Kelsey (Gula) Aitken and her husband, Stephen, welcomed a little girl, Reilly Gail Aitken, in March 2024.

Trey Simpson shared that his family welcomed a son, Carter Partick Simpson, in December 2024.

Kristin Lee and Nikki Carrido ’08 went from classmates to coworkers, as they are both doctors at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia.

2011

Julia Philips and Megan Kilcullen ’13 are now both members of

the Drexel University Marketing & Communications team. In January 2025, their team won Drexel’s President’s Award for their work on the “UOkay?” campaign that addressed mental health needs on Drexel’s campus and sought to destigmatize asking for help.

Emory (Simpson) Ford shared a photo of her daughter, Elle, in her EA sweater.

Katie (Fell) Begor and her husband, Chase, welcomed their son, Camden Reynolds Begor, in June 2024.

2013

Caroline Giles and Devin McLaughlin married in the Class of 1944 Chapel on June 15, 2024. In attendance were EA alumni Max Giles ’21, Nelson Norley, Eliza Giles (Q), Chris Giles ’84, Andrew Stone ’14, Taryn Gallagher ’14, Jack Freese ’11, Joe Giles ’80, Corinne Kneizys ’16, Christina McLaughlin ’16, Patrick McCarthy, Kelly Szafara, Meredith Nelson, Libby Foxman, Cole Grims ’14, Raphael Furey ’14, Mimi McCann, Christina Halcovich, Margaux Losty (Q), Dana Giles ’15, Molly Giles ’18, Sydney Francis, Daniel Saedi, Kevin Flannery, and Doug Trimble

Jack Alden married Melissa Balzano in Princeton Junction, NJ, on March 8, 2025. Classmates James Konopka and Intesar Janjua joined in the celebration.

James Konopka was selected to join the USRowing 2025 Under 19 National Team coaching staff, leading the team that will represent the United States at the 2025 World Rowing Championships this August in Trakai, Lithuania. James will be coaching the men’s quad.

2015

Austin Morgan married the love of his life, Alex, in a Lancaster, PA ceremony. Attendees included Joe Chambers, Ben Burman, Julianne Longen, Cheryl McLauchlan, Hon., John Minicozzi, and Jake Martillotti

2017

Jason Miller and Nicole (Cannon) Miller wed on Sept. 21, 2024. EA alumni in attendance were Shane Conlin, Shannon Conlin, Conner Delaney, John Floyd-Jones, Robert Frazier, and Colton Johnson

Following his loan to Finnish Veikkausliiga club IF Gnistan, AJ Marcucci had his first MLS start with the New York Red Bulls on March 22, 2025, resulting in a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC. He faced off against former classmate, New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese, on May 17, 2025.

2018

Cole Kreuzberger graduated Cum Laude from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in May 2025. This fall, he will begin as an Associate at Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell, LLP in Wilmington, DE.

2019

Olympian Ivan Puskovitch won the Men’s 5k race at the U.S. Open Water National Championships with a time of 56:10, securing his spot on Team USA’s roster for the 2025 World Championships in Singapore. He then went on to capture 7th place in the World Championships!

2020s

2020

Members of the Class of 2020 gathered to celebrate their 5th reunion during Alumni Weekend.

a BS in Business Administration, where he published a paper in the EWU Research Journal, broke Cabrini Men’s Lacrosse record for most faceoff wins in a season, and became the 2nd player in history to surpass 500 career faceoff wins. In addition, he was named 1st Team All-Conference, and All-Academic Team for four years, and finished his career as a USILA All-American. Postgraduation, Johnny is continuing to grow the business he started as an EA Middle Schooler (and helped him pay for college), McCormick Landscaping, LLC, and is expanding his services to include hardscaping, aeration, and property management.

2022

Myles Davis was selected to participate in the internship program for the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, a program that selects some of the nation’s best and brightest African American male college students to mentor and place in top internships in their fields of study.

2024

Will Esterhai and Kate Curatolo performed this past spring in the Clemson Players’ production of Into the Woods. Kate was cast as Little Red, while Will brought Rapunzel’s Prince to life.

Scan here for footage from the dedication.

TWO NEW SHELLS HONOR ALUMNI

Through the generosity of an EA family, two brand new rowing shells were dedicated and christened in May. Keeping with EA tradition, each boat honors a member of the rowing community and incorporates an EA Stripe. The first shell celebrates Olympic Gold Medalist Nick Mead ’13 and the Stripe of Gratitude. The second shell celebrates longtime rowing coach Bruce Konopka, Hon. and the Stripe of Kindness. “These shells are a great addition to the fleet,” shared Varsity Rowing Coach Molly Konopka, Hon. “This gift is hugely beneficial, and we are so appreciative. It’s a game changer at Episcopal.”

In Memoriam

The Rev. Albert Edward Roussel (Bert) Zug ’78

The Rev. Albert Edward Roussel (Bert) Zug, 65, of Wyndmoor, PA, passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Kathy, and his beloved family.

Born on December 2, 1959, and raised in Haverford, PA, he was the son of the late Thomas and Lenore (nee French) Zug, and the youngest brother of Tom ’64, Lenore, Sue, Graham ’70, David (who died as a child), and Carli. Bert graduated from The Episcopal Academy and went on to attend Trinity College and earn his Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry in 1990. Ordained to the priesthood in 1991, he served as a youth minister for the Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools (FOCUS), as an associate rector and youth minister at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Newtown Square, as an interim rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Exton, as an adjunct priest at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, and as the Middle School chaplain and religion teacher at The Episcopal Academy, retiring in 2020.

Bert met Kathleen M. Greely in 2019. Having found in each other a true partner, they married in May 2022. A month before their wedding, Bert was diagnosed with cancer. Though difficult, this new reality deepened their relationship, as they learned with one another how to navigate the challenges posed by his illness. Though too short a time, Bert and Kathy fit a lot of love and many adventures into the five years they shared, with trips to Puerto Rico, the American Southwest, and Italy, along with visits to family in Colorado, Vermont, Florida, DC, and in full circle, back to Cape May.

In 1981, Bert married Jocelyn McWhirter, together raising two children, Jamie ’03 and TeaZed ’06. In 1994, he married Suzanne Verner Zug, and together they raised Bert’s youngest children, Graham ’16 and Andrew. Bert traveled extensively with his family, and he was devoted to his children, cheering them on in sports, theatre, concerts, competitions, and graduations.

Bert’s real joys in life were family, friendship, faith—and, of course, his love of games. Whether cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers, or playing board games, poker, or ball, Bert was always up for another game. Attending Super Bowl LII with TeaZed, and introducing Aiden to the Eagles and Phillies, were true highlights of his Philly sports-fan years. Bert loved science fiction, fantasy, sports, and history, but most importantly, he loved sharing those with others. As one friend said, “Bert loved a lot of things, and he loved them out loud.”

Bert strove to embody the love of Jesus throughout his life. He was passionate about social justice and equality, supporting vulnerable populations, and protecting God’s green Earth. His presence was heartily felt in every room, stadium, theater, and place of worship he entered. His booming voice and laughter, along with his guitar, carried over any crowd.

Bert is survived by his wife Kathy, his children Jamie Zug ’03 (Shakeya Thomas), Albert “TeaZed” Zug Jr. ’06, Graham Zug ’16 (fiancé Veronica Tatone), and Andrew Zug (Madilyn Zug), his grandchildren Aiden and Westley Oyugi, and stepdaughters Sarah and Hannah Maniates, along with his siblings Thomas Zug ’64 (Susan), Lenore Lobel, Graham Zug ‘70 (Elizabeth), Susanne Thompson (David), and Caroline Zug (Steven Szymanski), nieces, nephews, cousins, and his dog, Sophie.

Daniel H. Polett

Daniel H. Polett, a devoted Episcopal Academy trustee, business leader, and philanthropist, passed away on October 2, 2024, at the age of 89.

Dan joined The Episcopal Academy Board of Trustees in 1983, serving until 2001 when he was named trustee emeritus. A steadfast supporter of EA, he took great pride in his sons, Robert ’94 and Christopher ’01, and remained engaged with the school community long after their graduations.

A graduate of Fordham University and the General Motors Institute, Dan served in the U.S. Army Honor Guard before becoming a leader in the automotive industry. He founded multiple dealerships, including Wilkie Lexus in Haverford, PA, and Lexus of Chester Springs, setting a high standard for customer service.

Beyond business, Dan’s dedication to service was evident in his leadership roles on numerous boards. In addition to his involvement at EA, he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Temple University from 2006 to 2009. His generosity earned him many honors, including Temple’s Musser Excellence in Leadership Award and knighthood in the Order of St. Gregory.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Margo, five children, and three grandchildren. His impact on EA and the many communities he served will endure for generations.

Alumni

1946 Price D. Heppe

December 3, 2024

1950 Charles W. Bazemore

April 12, 2025

1951 W illiam V. Nixon, Jr.

December 31, 2024

1952 George Peterson, III October 8, 2024

1953 A. Lynne Graburn, II October 20, 2024

1953 James B. Francis, Jr December 13, 2024

1953 Charles S. Evans

February 17, 2025

1954 Harry H. Deischer

September 11, 2024

1954 Samuel E. Griffiths, III

June 8, 2025

1954 D. Paul McAlaine

June 16, 2025

1954 Warden B. Muller

November 17, 2024

1954 Roy S. Vollmer, Jr.

October 10, 2024

1956 Raymond C. Burton, Jr

June 19, 2025

1957 Henry W. Farnum

October 25, 2024

1957 Robert M. Reed

May 4, 2025

1958 John J. Hill, IV

December 15, 2024

1960 John G. McIntire

June 10, 2024

1960 M. Richard Miller

June 5, 2024

1961 Harland G. Fullam

May 17, 2025

1961 Franklin E. Maxwell

October 30, 2024

1961 W illiam C. Riley

October 8, 2024

1961 Robert E. Shultz

May 15, 2025

1966 Charles N. Hickok

March 16, 2025

1966 George G. Jeitles, Jr.

February 6, 2025

1971 James M. Thompson

July 5, 2025

1974 Pierce Archer December 29, 2024

1976 Jack E. Buchanan, Jr

February 1, 2025

1978 Robert D. McTeague, Jr.

December 7, 2024

1978 Robert M. Urbani, Jr March 24, 2025

1978 Rev. Albert E. R. Zug April 28, 2025

1980 Benjamin F. McKinley March 30, 2025

1985 Frank P. Antico, Jr. November 11, 2024

1986 Michael P. Duross, Jr. January 13, 2025

2001 Jeffrey Czermanski June 28, 2025

2006 Christopher J. McGinley January 27, 2025

Honorary Alumni & Former Faculty

Marc Eripret, Hon. January 12, 2025

Nancy H. McGuire October 14, 2024

James A. Morrill April 22, 2023

Donald R. Mower, Jr. April 26, 2025

This list represents notifications that The Episcopal Academy received through early July 2025.

Archives From the

A Technological Timeline

In a 2006 interview with EdTech, then-IT Director Bill Daniels said, “The best uses of technology have been to enhance rather than transform what teachers are doing.” Since EA’s founding, the school has employed the latest innovations to do just this. Let’s take a look back at some of the technologies embraced over the last half of a century:

1970s

Two paper-tape terminals were located in the third-floor garret of the Merion campus’s Upper School. Often called a teletype, these machines were essentially electromechanical typewriters that could send and receive typed messages.

1980s

After embracing the earliest personal computers and teaching himself programming, E. Lance Cave, Hon. founded the Computers department. A beloved teacher and technology enthusiast, he would go on to teach courses like AP Computer Science and languages like BASIC and Pascal during his 39-year tenure at EA.

1990s

Popular programming languages C++ and Java are integrated into the Computer curriculum in addition to Pascal and BASIC. Lower Schoolers are given scheduled computer lab times to learn touch typing, word processing, and computer basics.

2000s

EA is home to more than 550 computers in labs and classrooms, where students learn Adobe Photoshop, web design, music technology, and more. In Upper School, a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team is formed.

2010s

Shortly after EA moves to Newtown Square, the Lambert Family IDEA Studio—a flexible space where students learn innovation through both low-tech activities like LEGOs and high-tech tools like iPads and interactive robots—is added to Lower School.

2020s

EA’s new academic Computer Science & Engineering (CS&E) Department, founded in 2018, routinely earns the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award from the College Board for achieving gender parity in Advanced Placement-level courses. The department offers a wide range of courses to students of all ages, including electives like Drones, Game Programming, and Honors Artificial Intelligence.

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www.episcopalacademy.org

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EA/Haverford/AIS Weekend

November 7-8, 2025

Join the EA community to cheer on our incredible student-athletes this fall! This year’s competitions will be held at The Agnes Irwin School (Nov. 7) and The Haverford School (Nov. 8).