EHS Pillars - Fall 2016

Lights in the Darkness • As Irons Sharpens Iron • The Gap Year

Episcopal High School was founded in 1983 as a four‐year coeducational day school within the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
ACCREDITATION
Independent Schools Association of the Southwest
MEMBERSHIPS
National Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Episcopal Schools
Council for the Advancement and Support of Education
Educational Records Bureau
College Board
National Association for College Admission Counseling
Texas Association for College Admission Counseling
Southwest Preparatory Conference
MISSION
Episcopal High School is an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas established for the purpose of providing a superior
education in preparation for college and a significant life thereafter. Through a rich offering of academic, spiritual, artistic, and
athletic programs, the School provides an opportunity for each student to reach his or her maximum spiritual, intellectual,
social, and ethical potential. Operating as a Christian community within the beliefs and traditions of the Episcopal Church, EHS
in its teaching philosophy emphasizes understanding and responding to the individual needs and capabilities of each student.
In an effort to reflect the community we serve, EHS strives to maintain a student body that is diverse in its social, economic,
ethnic, and academic backgrounds.
ADMISSION
Episcopal High School admits students of all races, colors, and national/ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs, and
activities accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or
national/ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic
and other school‐administered programs.
ALUMNI
Please share your news with the EHS Alumni Association. Send information to:
Margaret Young
myoung@ehshouston.org
713‐512‐3600
Kendall McCord '03
kmccord@ehshouston.org
713‐512‐3478
Episcopal High School
P. O. Box 271299
Houston, TX 77277‐1299
b facebook.com/groups/EHSHoustonAlumni
x instagram.com/ehs_alumni
j linkedin.com/grps/Episcopal‐High‐School‐Houston‐Alumni‐1029617
This publication is printed on FSC certified paper with soy‐based inks.
2

The Episcopal High School Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE
From the Head of School 04
News at EHS 06
The Gap Year 10
Alumni Leadership Day 14
As Iron Sharpens Iron 20
Lights in the Darkness 24
Pop Quiz 28
The Last Word 35
ON THE COVER
After raising funds to build a safe house in Zambia,
seniors Grace Geib, Alexandra Pearson, and Gigi Hanna
joined the young residents in July for a grand opening
celebration. Photo by Marshall Foster.

SAVE THE DATE
Auction Gala 02‐24‐17
Alumni Weekend 04‐07‐17
Commencement 05‐21‐17
3

FROM THE
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear EHS Family,
When Lynda Underwood, featured within as this year's Ned Becker award winner, and
the other founders established Episcopal High School, they had in mind exactly the sort
of community evidenced in this issue of Pillars: students like Grace Geib '17, Alexandra
Pearson '17, and Gigi Hanna '17, pictured on the cover, taught by teachers like the Rev.
Phil Kochenburger, our new Dean for Spiritual Life, becoming alums like Chidi Achilefu '04
and Katie Barnes '92. Committed to lives of significance in service to others, EHS
students and alums continue in ways large and small to make a difference in the world in
which they live; and there remains great need for that difference in this world.
What a difference one EHS student's mission trip in 2013 made, as you'll read in our cover
story on page 24. Grace's first trip inspired her friends to do similar work, all of which
resulted in the fundraising for and construction of a new permanent home, Bethel House,
for 10 orphan girls in Zambia. Of course, students like these are led and inspired by
equally committed teachers, veterans and rookies alike. Long-time faculty member Ray
Balch has inspired countless EHS students to serve others: Ray was, for instance, one of
the first people James Lloyd '02 consulted when deciding whether to run for Congress.
And every year brings new teachers like Phil Kochenburger to campus, who is poised to
inspire the next generation of EHS students to lives of significance by virtue of his long
service as an Army chaplain.
Of course, our alums are proof positive of the founders' vision. Read Chidi's words on
page 16 as he recounts his experience in Karen Foster's anatomy class and then at
the Houston VA Hospital with EHS's Students of Service. Learn how he was inspired
to become a doctor, to give back to others in the practice of medicine in Waco. Or
experience Katie's journey, begun at EHS, which gave her "the opportunity to develop
an original voice." As a director at Texas Central Partners and an active member of Christ
Church Cathedral, Katie credits EHS with preparing her for and inspiring her to lead a life
in service to others.
It is such a blessing to witness the good that EHS does in the world, through its alumni,
its faculty, and its students. Thank you for all you have done and all you will do to sustain
this legacy.
Go Knights!
Ned Smith
Head of School
4

Head of School Ned Smith greets the Alumni Leadership Day participants. Photo by Mauro Gomez.
5

NEWS AT EHS
Seniors Recognized
by National
Merit Program
The St. Anselm
Society: Leaving a
Legacy to EHS
Episcopal's World
Affairs Club Takes
a Global View
Seven seniors have been designated as
Commended Students in the National
Merit Scholarship Program. These
students met the requirements to enter
the 2016 National Merit Scholarship
Program based on results from the
2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Out of approximately 1.5 million
high school juniors who take the
PSAT, the students listed below are
among about 34,000 Commended
Students nationwide who have shown
exceptional academic promise.
Congratulations to these National Merit
Commended Students: Grace Geib,
Gavin Geib, Calvin Henry, Madelyn
Klinkerman, Anthony Small, Amanda
Strang, and Abigail Wrather.
In addition, the National Merit program
designated Steven Perez as a National
Hispanic Scholar.
When courage, genius, and generosity
hold hands, all things are possible.
Generosity comes in many forms, and it
is often the best way for you to support
important causes that matter the most
to you in your life. Planning for a future
gift to Episcopal High School is one
way you make a significant impact
and ensure your faith in the School's
mission is sustained for generations of
future students.
The St. Anselm Society at Episcopal
High School recognizes and honors
individuals who have made provisions
for EHS in their wills or other deferred
gift commitments. St. Anselm was
dedicated to learning and to his church,
which is why, in 1997, the EHS Board of
Trustees created the St. Anselm Society
to honor his legacy and the legacy of
others dedicated to our School.
While gifts in the form of current income
are the most frequently requested
contributions to Episcopal High School,
donors may make gifts in a variety of
ways. Please consider including EHS
in your estate plans. Bequests are the
simplest and easiest form of a planned
gift, and 85 percent of all planned gifts
take this form. However, many other
options are available for a donor's
consideration. A helpful resource can
be found on the School's website at
ehshouston.planmygift.org.
The largest academic club on campus
is the World Affairs Club sponsored by
history teacher Alice Davidson. More
than 65 students participate in the club,
and Episcopal has the largest presence
among Houston‐area schools at World
Affairs Council events. Last year, junior
Abigail Wallin attended more events
than any local student, and according
to Davidson, the odds are strong that
Wallin will achieve that status again this
year.
Davidson says her goal for the
EHS club is to expose students to
college‐level lectures on foreign affairs.
"I want them to hear authorities of
various fields speak about issues that
affect our world," says Davidson, "and
to be exposed to differing viewpoints on
topics of global importance."
A highlight of fall club events was lunch
with Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, the
former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan,
Iraq, and the United Nations. The
ambassador met with the students to
speak about his childhood, his path to
U.S. citizenship, and the future of the
Middle East. Each student received an
autographed copy of Khalilzad's book,
The Envoy: From Kabul to the White
House, My Journey Through a Turbulent
World.
With the courage to leave a legacy, a
little know‐how, and a giving heart,
incredible things can happen. For
additional information, contact Peggy
Haney, Director of Advancement,
at phaney@ehshouston.org or
713‐512‐3436.
6

News at EHS
Wilson and Little
Stand Tall Among
Elite Players
in the U.S.
Lynda Knapp Underwood Presented
with the Humanitarian Award,
Craig Childers Named a Life Trustee
at Founders Day Chapel
For defensive tackle Marvin Wilson
and offensive tackle Walker Little, the
2016 football season has been filled
with media requests, accolades, and
applause.
Both players are ranked as top 10 high
school recruits at their positions, and
both seniors have received multiple
offers from Division I powerhouses to
play college football.
In October, American Family Life
Insurance traveled to Episcopal High
School two times to award each player
an All‐American jersey. Wilson is an
Under Armour All‐American, and plays
in the Under Armour Bowl on January 1
in Orlando, Florida. Little is a U.S. Army
All‐American and suits up for the U.S.
Army Bowl in San Antonio on January 7.
Both players credit their teammates,
coaches, and each other, for their
outstanding success. Explains Wilson,
"One of the reasons I'm an All‐American
is that my brother Walker Little pushes
me day in and day out. We both do
whatever we have to do to get better!"
This year's Founders Day Chapel recognized two of the School's long‐standing
supporters, Lynda Knapp Underwood and Craig Childers.
Lynda Knapp Underwood was presented with the Edward C. Becker Humanitarian
Award for "extraordinary leadership, which has improved and enriched the lives of
others." Head of School Ned Smith said in his remarks, "I cannot think of someone
who exemplifies this award better than Lynda Knapp Underwood, who has
continuously served the School since the days before we opened our doors. She
has given generously of her time, talent, and treasure, and she has passed that
example on to all three of her children, including Duncan Underwood, Class of 1989,
who is a current trustee.
"Students, as you pass through the door of the Underwood Theatre or the
Underwood Student Center," Smith continued, "I want you to think about Lynda
Knapp Underwood and her model of service to EHS for over 30 years. You and all
of the alumni before you are her legacy. Your life will forever be shaped by her vision
and the vision of all the founders of EHS and the trustees who have carried the
mission onward."
Founders Day Chapel also included the appointment of W. Craig Childers as a
Life Trustee. Childers has served on every committee of the board of trustees and
is currently serving on the Governance Committee and on the Endowment board.
"We have relied on Craig Childers' sage advice, financial acumen, and dedication
on countless occasions," said Ned Smith. "I look forward to continuing our work
together on behalf of the mission of Episcopal
High School, and I am honored to
recognize you as a Life Trustee."
"We are honored to have two
All‐Americans at EHS and proud of
both Walker and Marvin and all that
they have accomplished in their four
years here," says Athletic Director
Jason Grove. "Walker and Marvin are
outstanding young men who contribute
to the community in many ways. Their
success is a testament to the program
that Coach Leisz and his staff have put
together at Episcopal High School."
7

NEWS AT EHS
High Fundraising
Performance Earns
EHS National
CASE Award
The Council for Advancement and
Support of Education (CASE) recently
announced that Episcopal High School
has earned a 2016 CASE Sustained
Excellence Award in Fundraising.
The award recognizes fundraising
programs that have demonstrated
exemplary performance in three of
the past five years, from 2010 to 2015.
Says CASE President Sue Cunningham,
"Congratulations on this outstanding
achievement. Episcopal High School
has not only demonstrated the highest
levels of professionalism and best
practices in its fundraising efforts, it
has contributed to the betterment of
educational advancement worldwide."
Idea Lab Designed
with Innovation
in Mind
Students who helped found the EHS
Idea Lab, a creative makerspace with
3D printers, machine tools, and a CNC
machine, held an open house for faculty,
staff, and fellow students to introduce
the community to their exciting new
workshop.
The lab can be found behind the
library, with plenty of tables and a
Lucite‐walled printing area. The room
provides space for students to print
small items such as camera lens caps,
coasters, models of protons, and
board game pieces, as well as parts
for larger projects. President of the
Make More Everything club, sophomore
Rohan Asthana, says the lab is open
to all students after school on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00 to
5:00 p.m. The club holds meetings
each Friday.
Idea Lab sponsor and Director of
Technology David Lankford adds, "A
team of juniors has jumped at the
opportunities provided by the Idea Lab
and designed a concept car which
they will build in the new space." The
concept car, an aluminum‐bodied,
all‐electric vehicle, will use Li‐ion
battery technology and feature a
state‐of‐the‐art chassis design. Central
to the concept car's design, adds
Lankford, is a radically different driving
position that the team will demonstrate
when they launch the car this winter.
Fourteen Students
and Two Faculty
Members Capture
Photography Awards
The Association of Texas Photography
Instructors (ATPI) recognized 14 EHS
students and two faculty members in
their annual photography, video, and
film contest. Each year, ATPI receives
more than 6,000 entries from across
the U.S. from public and private
schools. The winners reflect excellence
in several categories, including
cell phone photography, sports
photography, fashion photography, and
video.
Students who earned awards
from this fall's contest are Sarah
Vanderbloeman, Gwyneth Bryan,
Weston Bering, Tina Taghi, Morgan
McKee, Mark Enyart, Austin
McGinnis, Will Keenan, Cristian
Arias, Miranda Greenwalt, Mollie
Hanna, Sophia Wayne, Margaret
Runnels, and Sasha Vermeil. Mollie
Hanna, Will Keenan, and Sasha
Vermeil received two awards each.
Visual Arts Chair Kate Philbrick and ETV
instructor Pejman Milani earned awards
in the faculty category.
Austin McGinnis, Weston Bering,
Harrison Hobbs, Shane Hauser,
Clayton Reid, Ryan Fulghum, and Will
Worthington make up the core of the
team who plan to unveil their design in
January.
8

News at EHS
Fall SPC Showcases
Valiant Efforts
The SPC competition in Austin
showcased the grit and talent of EHS
athletes and the dedicated support of
our fan base.
The football team fought hard against
Fort Worth's All Saints Episcopal in
the championship match. The Knights
were up 27‐24 at halftime, but the
Saints rallied to win 57‐39. The Knights
finished with a record of 9‐2.
In cross country, the girls finished 8th,
with senior Gwyneth Bryan placing
15th overall. The boys cross country
team came in 9th. The Knights will
miss their seniors, but a young and
motivated group returns in 2017.
The field hockey team defeated Fort
Worth Country Day 2‐0 to earn their first
SPC tournament win since 2013 and
took a highly‐ranked Casady team to
overtime before losing 3‐2. The Knights,
who finished the season with a 9‐9
record, were a young team this year
and graduate only three seniors.
The girls volleyball team picked up a
3‐1 win over Hockaday and finished 6th
after dropping a 3‐0 match to ESD and
a tough 3‐2 match to Oakridge. The
girls had a terrific season and finished
with an overall record of 24‐12.
Episcopal High School Welcomes
Carol Wasden as the New
Director of Admission
Carol Wasden joins EHS this year as the new Director of Admission. Wasden
began her admission career at Boston University, where she managed all print
and electronic communications for the admission cycle in addition to recruiting
and reading applications. She served as Director of College Guidance at Hawken
School in Cleveland and as Director of Academic Outreach for Naviance, a software
provider that serves the college counseling process, before spending nine years as
Director of College Counseling at The Hockaday School in Dallas.
While at Hockaday, Wasden served as President of the Texas Association for
College Admission Counseling and as Chair of Organizational Advancement for the
Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools. She holds a master's
degree in education and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University,
and she was the inaugural blogger for The New York Times "The Choice" blog
about college admission.
"I am excited to represent Episcopal High School as the Director of Admission,"
says Wasden. "I have seen remarkable teaching going on in the classrooms, and I
appreciate how much emphasis our coaches place on character. And when I have a
particularly busy day, it's a gift to be able to sit for a moment in Chapel to remember
what matters most.
"As I go through my own freshman year at Episcopal, I have been especially
impressed by how genuinely we live out our mission. Everyone who is used to
reaching out to new students has reached out to me and made me feel welcome,
and the students themselves have shared great stories about their experiences
here. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Episcopal High School community, and
I am looking forward to giving that opportunity
to a new incoming class this spring."
The boys volleyball team played well in
their three matches and look to build
off this year's momentum. The boys
entered tournament play as the #3 seed
in the south zone and return a solid
group of young players.
"I am proud of our accomplishments,"
says Athletic Director Jason Grove.
"School spirit was outstanding this
season, and our community showed
incredible support for the Knights."
9

The Gap Year
A PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE
AND KNOWLEDGE
When the White House announced that the First Family's
oldest daughter, Malia, would be taking a gap year before
starting Harvard in the fall of 2017, traffic to the American Gap
Association's website spiked to record levels.
Parents and students throughout the United States were
interested in learning more about this post‐high‐school option
that has been gaining popularity since the 1980s.
At Episcopal High School, Director of College Counseling
Julie Rollins says that inquiries about gap year programs are
increasing, and in the past few years at least two seniors,
Joanna LeFebvre '13 and Devin Gohel '16, deferred college
acceptances to complete gap years.
Some students are seeking adventure;
others believe a gap year can help them
gain a better sense of what to focus on
during college.
Knights Abroad
Devin Gohel (see photos, next page) is currently spending
a semester in Thailand in a program organized by Pacific
Discovery, where he will also tour Laos, Vietnam, and
Cambodia, returning at the end of November. After a few
more travels in the spring of 2017, including a month‐long
photography course in Santa Fe, Gohel begins his studies in
computer science at the University of Michigan next fall.
Joanna LeFebvre (see essay, page 12) spent a year in Bolivia
via Rotary International, and is in Chile this fall studying at the
Pontifica Universidad Catolica and interning with the office
of the Foreign Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy.
LeFebvre is enrolled at Washington University where she
majors in International and Area Studies with a focus on
Development.
But in the past few years more students are starting the
discussion about a gap year. "Students who have been
working tirelessly on their studies and taking every AP offered
are beginning to consider the benefits of a break," says
Rollins. "Some students are seeking adventure; others believe
a gap year can help them gain a better sense of what to focus
on during college."
A growing number of gap year options are offered, and
research is easy with websites such as American Gap
Association (americangap.org) and Global Citizen Year
(globalcitizenyear.org), or by attending a local gap year fair
sponsored by USA Gap Year Fairs (usagapyearfairs.org).
A Houston‐area fair is scheduled at St. John's School on
February 1, 2017.
Many gap year experiences are sponsored programs,
while others are planned and organized by the students
themselves. The expense of a sponsored gap year can be
prohibitive, ranging up to $25,000. Increasingly, internships
and community service opportunities such as those offered
by Americorps or City Year provide low‐cost programs that
include room and board. Students can sometimes earn
college credit for gap years, which makes the cost worthwhile.
Universities such as Harvard, Princeton, University of North
Carolina, and Tufts offer scholarships to help students with
the financial burdens of transit and room and board.
With features like travel, service projects, internships, cultural
immersion, college credit, and character‐building, the First
Family and EHS families are discovering that the benefits of a
gap year are boundless.
—Claire C. Fletcher
Student Interest Grows
Rollins, who has been working in college counseling at EHS
for more than 25 years, recalls that 10 years ago, parents
were typically the initiators of discussions about a gap year.
They wanted their children to have time to mature and build
confidence before juggling dorm life, fraternities and sororities,
and tough academics.
10

Top Destinations
for Gappers
Cycling through the Vietnam countryside.
United States
Ecuador
Israel
India
Australia
Senegal
Thailand
Fiji
France
Peru
Motivations for
Taking a Gap Year
Bathing an elephant.
92% want to gain life
experience and personal growth
85% want to travel
81% want a break from the
traditional academic track
Gap Year Outcomes
Allowed time for
personal reflection
Increased maturity and
self‐confidence
Learned to interact with people
of different backgrounds
Flood relief crew at the monkey sanctuary.
Data provided by American Gap Association.
Photos courtesy of Pacific Discovery.
11

MY GAP YEAR IN BOLIVIA
by Joanna LeFebvre '13
After graduating from EHS in 2013, I left my friends, family,
and deferred my college education for Santa Cruz de la
Sierra Bolivia with Rotary Youth Exchange, a volunteer‐run
exchange program designed for high schoolers through
the service organization, Rotary International. Thanks to a
rigorous curriculum at EHS that precluded my participation
in typical high school shenanigans, I had no need to earn
good grades at Colegio Santo Tomás and was ready to relax
and let the Spanish language permeate my brain. Of course,
building up comfortable proficiency in a second language isn't
as easy as sipping a cup of coca tea, and neither is navigating
the confusing and sometimes frustrating incongruences of a
culture and host family with a different value system from that
of the communities in which I grew up.
I didn't miss home much and developed good relationships
with my host family and classmates quickly, so the most
challenging aspect of my gap year was struggling to cope
with substantially different standards for gender norms and
expectations. The women in Santa Cruz are expected to look
flawless—always; if you aren't thin enough, made‐up enough,
or if you haven't fixed the bulge in your nose yet, people will
comment on it. All of this unnatural beauty is greeted with
cat‐calling in the streets, regardless of age. To maintain a
spotless reputation, families expect their daughters to be
home hours before their sons, and victim blaming is rampant.
Of course, as a young adult in the U.S. I am aware that these
blatant forms of misogyny are also commonplace in this
country, but I was shocked by the extent of it in Santa Cruz.
The most rewarding part of my experience in Bolivia was
becoming fluent in Spanish. About five months into my
exchange year, my parents visited and we traveled to Peru
together (the Amazon, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu of course).
This was the moment I realized that my Spanish wasn't being
choked and twisted on the way out, and I wasn't asking
anyone to repeat their sentences. From then on, the best
compliment I could receive was someone asking where I was
from, implying that my accent wasn't distracting enough to
flag me immediately as a gringa.
Although my gap year experience did
not radically alter my academic path, it
deepened my understanding of what I am
studying at college.
I am at Washington University majoring in International
and Area Studies with a concentration in Development
and a regional focus on Latin America. A positive impact

The Gap Year
of my time in Bolivia is that now my Spanish classes are a
breeze. However, my lived experiences have also given me
invaluable perspective that my classmates wait to gain until a
three‐month study abroad program junior year.
Although I learned a lot about the culture in Santa Cruz de la
Sierra and about Bolivian politics, one thing I realized during
my gap year was that I probably could have had an even
more enriching or broadening experience doing an "exchange"
in a less than affluent community right at home in Houston. I
learned that the lifestyles and luxuries experienced by the
upper‐middle class are relatively similar across national and
cultural boundaries. The wealth gap in Bolivia is startling, and
I certainly didn't gain a firsthand experience of an average
Bolivian's life. I was confronted with my own privilege and the
fact that similar disparities exist in the U.S.
Most gap year experiences throw students into unfamiliar
environments where they are asked to adapt quickly and
positively represent their personal identities. My year was no
different, and like most students I gained confidence in my
abilities to confront and excel in new situations.
13

14

ALUMNI
LEADERSHIP DAY
EMPHASIZES
CAREERS AND
CONNECTIONS
This year, the EHS community was excited to see the return of Alumni
Leadership Day and Alumni Chapel. On October 18, James Lloyd '02, a Rice
University and UT Law alumnus, spoke in Chapel about the importance of his
time at EHS and how it shaped him and prepared him for professional pursuits.
Lloyd's comments focused on three main points: first, get involved and start
early. His experience volunteering at the VA and for political campaigns gave
him a head start on his own run for Congress. Second, start small. "Be humble
and demonstrate that you have a good attitude," said Lloyd, who credited his
willingness to do any task, however menial, with opening the door to a White
House internship. Third, ask for help. Lloyd encouraged the students to turn to
the EHS community for help, both now and in their future ventures. Ray Balch,
Lloyd's former government teacher, was one of the first people he called when
considering a run for Congress.
On October 19, the 2nd annual Alumni Leadership Day welcomed over 50
alumni back to campus to speak with seniors about their careers and the
paths that helped them achieve their professional goals. Each senior attended
two panels in a classroom setting before moving onto lunch, where students
and alumni could have a more casual and personal conversation. Students
and alumni alike engaged in lively conversation. Alumni spoke honestly of
their experiences, what worked well and what required several attempts. Most
importantly, alumni encouraged the students to plan as best as they can, but
be prepared to be flexible and willing to take calculated risks.
15

UP CLOSE WITH ALUMNI
LEADERSHIP DAY PANELISTS
Chidi Achilefu '04
Anesthesiologist and Junior Partner at Mid‐Tex
Anesthesiology Associates
"It all started in Karen Foster's anatomy class with the
dissection of a frog," Chidi Achilefu said when asked what
drew him to medicine. He recalls being awed by the sight of
a complete, integrated system that supported a living being.
Although Achilefu experienced an epiphany in anatomy
class, he said that at times, his efforts and attention were
not as focused on academics as they should have been. His
teachers recognized his abilities, however, and pushed him
to make the most of his time at EHS; eventually their high
expectations became his own.
Achilefu's time volunteering in the Stroke Unit at the VA
Hospital through Students of Service also provided him
the opportunity to care for veterans. Their stories and
experiences compelled Achilefu to begin exploring a career in
medicine. Achilefu credits his early volunteering experience
and academic preparation with helping him prepare a strong
medical school application—a necessity, given that only 20
percent of applicants gain acceptance.
Now a practicing anesthesiologist, Achilefu and his wife,
Allison, an internist, have settled in Waco and are beginning
to explore how they can use their education and expertise to
give back, both at home and afar.
Chris Bailey '04
Owner of Chris Bailey Photography LLC, Magnolia
Portraits, and Ham & Cheese Photobooth
If you attended a Houston wedding recently, there is a strong
16

Alumni Leadership Day
chance Chris Bailey, wearing his signature bow tie and
infectious smile, was the man behind the camera capturing
every detail of that special day.
Since launching his company in 2008, Bailey has become
one of the most sought‐after wedding photographers in the
city, and his business continues to grow. He now has a team
of four photographers and operates three businesses: Chris
Bailey Photography, Magnolia Portraits, and Ham & Cheese
Photobooth. Chris Bailey Photography's main focus is
weddings and events. Magnolia is the portraits branch of the
company, capturing senior portraits for many EHS students
as well as family portraits. Bailey and his team work hard
to provide a unique experience for their clients by shooting
more than just the classic posed photo. "Ham it up and
say cheese" is the motto behind Bailey's fun and interactive
Ham & Cheese Photobooth, which began in January 2015.
Episcopal laid a strong foundation for Bailey as an artist and
as a professional. After learning the basics of photography
at St. Francis Episcopal Day School, Bailey came to EHS
with "a new‐found love of photography," he says. "Episcopal,
with its incredible photo program, helped me to develop
my photography skills as well as plan for a future in making
pictures. At EHS, I had teachers and staff who constantly
believed in me and pushed me to do my best. They taught me
how to work hard and to believe in myself. As an entrepreneur,
you have to believe in yourself and those around you."
Bailey also credits former EHS photography teacher Cara
DeBusk for her "careful teaching and wonderful support."
During his senior year, Bailey recalls when DeBusk purchased
a large format camera. At the time, Bailey idealized
photographer Ansel Adams for his fine art landscape work.
Coincidentally, Adams used a large format camera to capture
his incredible works of art—Bailey was instantly fascinated.
Using this camera and being exposed to this technology prior
to college was a pivotal moment in his photo career.
When asked why he wants to participate in Alumni
Leadership Day, Bailey states, "I hope I can share my
experience, answer questions, and offer some small bit of
help in guiding students in what can be a rewarding, but also
challenging, career in the arts."
Katie Barnes '92
Director of Right of Way at Texas Central Partners
Katie Barnes absorbed lessons from textbooks and lectures
in political science at Texas Christian University and went on
17

to earn her J.D. at South Texas College of Law, but, looking
back, she realizes that a primary component of her career
success was mastered at Episcopal High School. "In the
early years of Episcopal, we were encouraged to dive into
the many extracurricular offerings offered as well as a full
academic schedule. I was a founding member of Students
of Service, lead by faculty sponsor Scott Poteet, and we
completed many service projects, whether at work camps or
on home repair weekends. During my junior and senior years
in high school, I became involved in the dance program and
performed at concerts, even though I had never danced on
stage before," she remembers.
"These experiences were central to my growth and forged
lifelong friendships, but I realize now that exploring different
activities with different types of students taught me how to
manage my time, how to multitask, and how to get along with
all kinds of people—skills I rely on every day in my job.
"Episcopal gave me the opportunity to develop an original
voice," she adds, "and I have been able to carry that voice
forward in graduate school and in my career." Today, as
Director of Right of Way at Texas Central Partners, Barnes is
on the management team for the Texas‐based company that
is developing a high‐speed passenger train and associated
facilities between Houston and Dallas. The rail is slated to
be built by 2022. Each day she coordinates with attorneys,
engineers, and public relations and real estate professionals
to acquire the necessary land and rights for the project. "We
hold open houses, political forums, and we negotiate with
property owners, some happy, some not as happy," says
Barnes. "The challenge is ensuring that all the pieces come
together on schedule and on budget."
Another gift from Episcopal is her love of faith and service.
She is active at her church, Christ Church Cathedral, serving
as a past Vestry member and on the steering committee for
the Hines Center for Spirituality, supporting various outreach
projects such as The Beacon, a day shelter for the homeless
in downtown Houston.
Life skills, close friends, the Four Pillars, learning to live with
purpose—the EHS effect on her life is positive and profound.
"I am grateful that in 1988 my parents and I took a chance on
'that new high school,' Episcopal!"
18

Alumni Leadership Day
The Arts and Entertainment panel was
interesting because there were such a
variety of careers represented, ranging
from visual artists to a venue operator. I
enjoyed hearing the different perspectives
that each panelist brought to the session.
Jordan Pytosh
I plan to major in neuroscience and
go to medical school, so I appreciated
all the discussion in the Medicine and
Science sessions. The panelists were
all very honest about their day‐to‐day
responsibilities as well as the sacrifices
and the level of commitment that is
necessary to excel.
Chandler Cade
I learned valuable information in the
Energy and Engineering session. The
alumni were extremely knowledgeable.
They guided us on the first steps we
should be taking, such as internships, if
we wish to pursue these fields.
John James Anderson
19

20

AS IRON
SHARPENS IRON
The Rev. Phil Kochenburger joined the Episcopal High School
community in July to serve as the Dean of Spiritual Life and
Chaplain. Kochenburger sat down with English teacher and
Pillars contributor Emma Lyders to discuss his background in
education and the military and share his vision for enhancing
and strengthening the Religion Pillar.
Can you give me a little background on your career that
led you to Episcopal High School?
I felt called to the Army Chaplaincy after becoming a Christian
as a young Soldier back in 1981. I became an active duty
chaplain in 1999, and retired from the Army after 20 years of
service just this past April. For the past 20‐plus years, I've
been involved in numerous academic settings working with
young students. I was ordained a priest in the Episcopal
Church through the Diocese of Central Florida in 1996, and
served churches there—including my first church where
Bishop Benitez had served some years earlier—before
entering active duty. My last assignment was serving as the
101st Airborne Division Artillery Chaplain at Fort Campbell,
Kentucky. Prior to that, I served two years as the Deputy
Garrison Chaplain and Resource Manager for all Religious
Support Operations at the Defense Language Institute and
Foreign Language Centre in Monterey, California, an intensive
academic center for 5,000 students.
How would you like to effect change at EHS?
I'm thrilled to see what we are doing well, and learning more
about that day by day. I would like to build on the spiritual
formation potential we have here at EHS with our abiding
commitment to the Religion Pillar through daily Chapel,
community service, religion department classes, and all the
other things we already have. I envision the Religion Pillar as
necessarily suffusing all the other pillars; it is the bedrock.
We have great potential for growth in spiritual formation
that seems largely underdeveloped. Parent Education
opportunities and Choices; relationship‐building; Bible
study; prayer groups and better coordination in pastoral
care support and communication are all areas ripe for
development.
Mentorship is another area that I see as crucial to all that
we do in the EHS community. With our advisory groups,
and small groups of students walking through their EHS
experience with a mentoring figure, I think we have something
here that is unique and can be developed into a powerful
experience, both for the mentors and the "mentees." The fact
that it is already happening, to a degree, is a larger key to
EHS success than I think we may be aware of.
As far as non‐academic counseling support, we have
a great team here with the Rev. Beth Holden, Choices
Counselor Sam Scharff, and psychologist Beth Fowler. Good
coordination within that team provides powerful counseling
support to our community, and I look forward to developing
that support to our students and their families.
How did you come to this career? Was it something you
always wanted to do?
I have always enjoyed working with teenagers and young
people in general, and have spent most of my life dedicated
to youth. It is indeed something I've always wanted to do.
But much more significantly, I think, is my long‐time mentor
and friend, Luis P. Alvarez. My story cannot be told without
telling his as well. I met Mr. Alvarez—my math teacher—in
middle school, and again at Kathleen Senior High School.
Through my teenage years, he became like a second father to
me. His mentorship and friendship have brought out the best
in me throughout my life, and he continues to challenge me
today. A few months back I noticed that he has been asked to
return to Kathleen Senior High to teach again, even though he
had been retired for a while, enjoying time with his family and
grandchildren.
Mr. Alvarez took me under his wing, taught me how to be a
good man, how to treat people, and was the first person to
really ever challenge me. We both enjoyed photography—a
lifelong passion of mine—and I worked for him on the
yearbook. I began to visit him where he lived and worked at
the Florida Baptist Children's Home in Lakeland, Florida, as
a residential care counselor, teacher, and tutor. I got to see
up close the difference he made in all these young lives, and
that inspired me to do the same. I would eventually become
a residential care counselor there as well for about four years
while I was in college. It was a great place to start!
I think this experience, more than anything, is how I "came to
this career" as you put it.
21

What did you enjoy most about your training in seminary?
Iron sharpens iron. In the days before blogs, we had an "Iron
Sharpens Iron" bulletin board where we would carry on
arguments and debates—it was right beside the "Wailing Wall"
where grades were posted! We were constantly challenged
in our thinking; glibness did not survive there. You had to
defend what you were proposing, and you had to think deeply.
I enjoyed that kind of vibrant, electric academic atmosphere
where everyone was challenged to bring their A‐game all the
time. I really appreciated the breadth and the depth of the
experience at Gordon‐Conwell Theological Seminary. It was
part of the Boston Theological Institute, along with Harvard,
Andover‐Newton, and the Episcopal Divinity School, so it was
a rich, rewarding academic and spiritual experience.
We had an "Iron Sharpens Iron"
bulletin board where we would carry
on arguments and debates. We were
constantly challenged in our thinking;
glibness did not survive there. You had to
defend what you were proposing and you
had to think deeply.
In fact, it was during spiritual formation class there—under Dr.
Richard Peace, editor‐in‐chief of the Serendipity Bible series—
that my spiritual journey led me to become an Episcopalian. I
had come to know Christ at a Southern Baptist Church, was
licensed to preach in the Assemblies of God, but I found my
spiritual home in the Anglican Tradition. This was one of the
most enjoyable and meaningful experiences I had during
seminary.
How did that feel? Can you tell me more about how it was
to experience that?
It was a great journey. My worldview was challenged, and I
put everything together that I'd learned and heard and read. It
was a wonderful experience.
want to make sure that is really happening, what we are doing,
not just something we say. I look forward to finding new
and exciting ways to encourage and support that aspiration,
and help our students to actually attain that. The biggest
challenge I see, and a big part of my developing vision, is to
create meaningful spiritual formation opportunities that will
build to that.
How are you liking the change in industry from the
military to an independent school?
I love it! I like the unique challenges of chaplaincy ministry
where you meet the world beyond the parish. EHS is—I hate
to overuse this word, but it's true—a vibrant community;
the excitement and energy is so palpable. Connecting
one‐on‐one with others, learning what they think, hearing
about their life experiences, establishing powerful
relationships, working with such talented faculty, staff, and
students—this is what life is all about. It is energizing for me.
How is EHS different structurally from your earlier posts?
Chaplaincy in any institution is remarkably consistent. At
EHS, we are an Episcopal school, and Christian. The
Army—military in general—cannot be legally established on
any specific faith or religious organization. But chaplaincy at
EHS is very much similar to Army Chaplaincy in its essential
mission: to perform Episcopal and Christian religious services
(worship, ordinances, sacraments, and ceremonies) for those
who identify as Christians or Episcopalians, and to provide
pastoral support for those in our community who have no
religious preference, or who are of different faiths.
What do you feel you bring to the EHS community that's
uniquely you?
A wealth of rich experiences that seem to have perfectly
suited me to be here. I offer a fresh perspective on spiritual
formation and re‐envisioning of all that the Religion Pillar is
and can become.
—Emma Lyders
What do you think is or will be your biggest struggle in
your post here?
There's always a struggle with external appearances and
what's really going on inside of us and in our community. That
was a big challenge for the Army as well; to look good and
"squared away" on the outside went a long way to convincing
people that you had it all together. One of the big tasks as a
chaplain was to see beyond those "masks" we live in to the
genuine person, meet them there, and help them to bring out
the best in themselves. Here at EHS we have a wonderful
aspiration to live "lives of significance in service to others"; I
22

GOT BLUE
From the Archives
Dean of Parent Programs and School
Legacy John Colello's office is a renowned
gallery of EHS memorabilia, give‐aways,
and swag. Colello shared some of his objets
de Knight for this photo and encourages
anyone who has donations for the Legacy
Project archives to please contact him at
jcolello@ehshouston.org.
23

Bright Knights
LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS
Teens often share recommendations about movies,
boutiques, or restaurants, but in 2013, when Grace Geib
returned from her first trip as a volunteer with Family
Legacy Missions CampLife in Zambia, which serves
the country's orphan population, she felt compelled to
recommend a mission opportunity to her friends at EHS. She
described the highs and lows in detail, the dire poverty she
encountered, contrasted with the incredible connections and
transformations that could be created in just one week.
Two of her volleyball teammates took heart. In 2014 Alexandra
Pearson volunteered, then in 2015 Gigi Hanna signed up.
After they all volunteered together in July 2015, they decided
to join forces and raise funds for a permanent gift to the
camp, resulting in Bethel House, a safe home for 10 girls in
Family Legacy's Tree of Life Village.
When they learned they could rescue 10
orphan girls from the streets by building a
house, they organized swiftly.
Family Legacy, a Christian‐based foundation, provides
assistance as well as spiritual and academic enrichment to
orphans in the southern African country of Zambia. Due to
HIV/AIDS mortality among Zambian adults, the nation has
24

the highest per capita orphan rate in the world, with 1 million
orphans out of a total population of 12 million. The foundation
operates in Tree of Life Children's Village near the capital,
Lusaka. Camp volunteers pay their own transportation to
Africa and also sponsor a child to attend camp. Each summer
more than 600 American teens and adults travel to Zambia
to volunteer for the camp sessions, which are held for seven
consecutive weeks throughout the summer.
Pearson explains that a volunteer's first tour of Lusaka and
the slum called "Trashbag Village" is shocking. "You smell
sewage everywhere," she says. "The homes are constructed
from plastic bags, and the air is thick with dust and dirt.
Drunken men line the street and prey on the children."
"Most of these girls have been sexually abused by the time
they are teenagers," adds Geib. "Many children suffer from
malnutrition and are jaundiced with distended stomachs."
Witnessing the positive transformations Family Legacy
shapes amid such severe poverty and deprivation motivated
Geib, Pearson, and Hanna to deepen their commitment to the
mission. When they learned they could rescue 10 orphan girls
from the streets by building a house for a cost of $150,000,
they organized swiftly, holding bake sales at school, hosting
a fundraiser kickoff party at Pearson's home, and making
appeals to friends and local foundations. Their goal was to
raise $150,000 in two years, and they surpassed that goal,
raising $165,000 in eight months.
25

Bright Knights
People ask me if the conditions in Zambia are too harsh, but the hardest part is
leaving the orphans and returning to a world of such excess. The disparity between our
lives and the lives of these children is beyond all understanding.
Bethel House opened its doors last July when Geib, Pearson,
and Hanna returned to Zambia for camp. "The girls were so
happy and in utter awe of having a home!" exclaims Pearson.
"The whole experience has been gratifying, especially when,
long after camp ends, the children are praying on their
own and keeping in touch with you via email," adds Hanna.
"Counselors return to the same group of children every year,
so you get to know the kids, their families, and circumstances,
and can really build on the relationships."
"People ask me if the conditions in Zambia are too harsh,"
says Geib, "but the hardest part is leaving the orphans and
returning to a world of such excess. The disparity between
our lives and the lives of these children is beyond all
understanding."
26

Once back at school in August, Geib admits, "It's easy to
fall back into a feeling of entitlement, or to stress over minor
things, like grades. We remind each other to take a deep
breath, look at our photos from camp, and reclaim our
perspective."
Pearson, as Geib and Hanna nod in agreement. "They
emanate true joy and spirituality and are full of life. The
children of Zambia inspire us to live better lives."
Article by Claire C. Fletcher. Photos by Marshall Foster.
All three seniors intend to make service an integral part of
their futures. Geib and Pearson plan careers in medicine, and
Hanna is interested in education and how innovative schools
can help break the cycle of poverty. "I can't imagine this work
not being part of my life," says Hanna.
"What's miraculous is that these orphans who have endured
such adversity are naturally loving and respectful," says
27

Q+A
with EHS
Teachers
Pop Quiz turns the table on teachers and asks them
to respond to 13 quick questions. Their enthusiastic
responses reveal the values, quirks, and interests that
make them so effective in leading EHS students.
28

JESSICA ADAMS
English Teacher and Coach
Jessica Adams grew up in New York State and attended
Columbia University where she earned a bachelor's in
English and a master's in English Education. This is her
second year of teaching at EHS, and she teaches
English II and III. When she is not in the classroom,
Adams can be found on the athletic fields, serving
as head coach for both the girls JV field hockey
and lacrosse teams. She lives in the Upper Kirby
area with her husband, Jeff, a professional
football player, and dog Sammy. Although New
York City holds a special place in her heart, she
is proud to now call Houston her home.
What's on your playlist right now? Mostly
Classic Rock with a sprinkling of awful pop music
(think Ke$ha, Flo Rida, etc.). What was the first
concert you attended? Maroon 5's "Songs About
Jane" tour at Jones Beach Theater. If you weren't a
teacher, what would you pick for a career? From a
young age, I had aspirations of attending culinary school
to become a chef. Preparing food at that level requires such
skill, precision, and creativity. It would be exciting to be able to
express myself in that way. My desire manifests itself through recurring dreams in which I am a competitor
on Chopped. What is your proudest accomplishment? My ability to adapt to change. Growing up, I never
imagined leaving my family in my home state of New York; living in multiple cities over the past several years
has pushed me out of my comfort zone and awarded me amazing opportunities for growth. Do you have
a favorite app or tech gadget? Recently, I downloaded the Headspace app on my iPhone as a somewhat
half‐baked attempt to get into meditation. So far, I have been using the app almost daily. My favorite feature
is the meditation for sleep—the guided progressive muscle relaxation has transformed my nightly bedtime
ritual. Which pro or college sports team do you cheer for? Columbia Football. It's fun to root for my
alma‐mater, the perennial underdog. Simply put, we no longer hold the record for longest losing streak in
college football! Roar, lion, roar! Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired your career? My junior
year Precalculus teacher, Mr. Faraci. He helped me realize my talent and potential in mathematics, a subject
in which I lacked all confidence. He was a fierce advocate for his students with a passion for math that
was contagious. What's your favorite city abroad? Venice, Italy. I enjoy meandering along the seemingly
endless bridges and waterways with a scoop of gelato in hand. The romantic, haunted feel of the city, with
its lack of cars and gothic architecture, transports you to a different time. If you could travel back in time,
what period would you choose? The Progressive Era through the mid‐1920s. How cool would it be to
witness the ratification of the 19th amendment? Also, a part of me wishes that I was a member of the Lost
Generation. Maybe I could hang with Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Stein in a Parisian café. What trait do
you most admire in your colleagues? Their commitment to the students. Every day, I am in awe of the
tireless work they put in to reach each student and help each student realize his or her potential. That level
of passion and love inspires me to do my best. What trait do you most admire in your students? Their
growth mindset. My students are unafraid to take risks as they pursue their passions across the Four Pillars.
I am inspired by their desire to challenge themselves, as well as their willingness to embrace failure as a
vehicle for future success. Read any good books recently? I am about half‐way through Donna Tartt's The
Goldfinch. It is a long, dark novel with a protagonist who frustrates me greatly; however, sometimes good
literature should be a challenge to get through! If you could eat only one meal this week, what would
it be? A toasted poppy seed bagel with cream cheese and lox. Ideally, I would also be sipping on a large
coffee, enjoying the weekend newspaper.
29

DEREK SANDERS
Religion Teacher and Coach
Derek Sanders was born in Lewisville, Texas, and moved to
Georgia when he was 3. His elementary school years were
spent in Peachtree City, about 45 minutes south of Atlanta.
The summer before 7th grade, his father was transferred
to Chicago, and he spent middle school and high school
in St. Charles, Illinois. He felt called back to Texas
when it came time for college and attended Baylor
University.
Sanders began his college career as a pre‐med
Biology major. He decided to branch out beyond
the sciences, however, and began working on a
minor in Religion by studying abroad at the University
of St. Andrews in Scotland. There he discovered his
true academic passion, Religious Studies. Sanders
changed his major and graduated from Baylor with a BA
in Religion and minors in Biology and Chemistry. From there,
he attended Yale Divinity School where he earned an MA in
the history of Christianity. In his fifth year at EHS, Sanders teaches
World Religions and New Testament, coaches football, and serves as a
co‐director of Students of Service.
What's on your playlist right now? The Lumineers, Beastie Boys, Pixies, and Cold War Kids. What was
the first concert you attended? Keith Urban at Country Thunder Wisconsin. If you weren't a teacher,
what would you pick for a career? I would be a fly fishing guide in Colorado. I have been in love with the
Colorado mountains since I was young. What is your proudest accomplishment? Graduating with honors
from Yale has to be my proudest accomplishment, the culmination of my 19‐year career as a student. Do
you have a favorite app or tech gadget? I love to run, and I like that I can now track and log all of my runs
using the Strava app on my phone. Which pro or college sports team do you cheer for? The Baylor
Bears, of course! I am also a huge Yale hockey fan. Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired
your career? In 10th grade, I had a Chemistry teacher and basketball coach named Mr. Larson. He had the
biggest impact on my academic and professional career, hands down. He was special because he taught
me the link between athletics and academics. I could see the same competitive spirit that he demonstrated
as a coach come out in the classroom, and I began to have that same competitive spark in my academic
pursuits. He was also someone who never stopped preaching the message of integrity, a message that
he appeared to live out. What's your favorite city abroad? Sienna, Italy, is a beautiful medieval town with
a rich history surrounded by the rolling hills of Tuscany. I love wandering the narrow cobblestone streets,
stumbling across hidden restaurant gems, and forgetting anything other than the cuisine and culture of
central Italy. If you could travel back in time, what period would you choose? I would probably travel
back to the Axial Age, about 2,500 years ago. It was a remarkable time for the world, particularly in terms of
religion and philosophy. In India, this was the time of the Buddha, Mahavira, and the Upanishads. In China,
Confucius and Lao Tzu were writing their masterpieces. The Jewish prophets were bringing the Israelites
admonitions from God, while Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were revolutionizing Greek philosophy. For a
religion nerd like me, there is no better time period. What trait do you most admire in your colleagues?
Humor. I love it when I come into the office after a frustrating day and find myself laughing with colleagues.
What trait do you most admire in your students? Curiosity. A curious and inquisitive mind can carry a
student a long way. Read any good books recently? In nonfiction, The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
was alarming, but very good. Fiction‐wise, I recently read Aldous Huxley's Brave New World for the first time,
which I also enjoyed. If you could eat only one meal this week, what would it be? Pepperoni and cherry
pepper pizza from Frank Pepe's Pizzeria in New Haven, Connecticut.
30

PAUL REVAZ
Stagecraft Teacher
Paul Revaz is in his second year as stagecraft teacher, technical director, and scenic and lighting designer
for EHS OnStage. He has a BA in English Literature from Western Connecticut State University and an MFA
in Theatre from the University of Memphis. Most of his family live in the Northeast, where he grew up. He has
an aunt in Katy and says, "As a recent transplant, it's nice to have some family connections here!"
What's on your playlist right now? The Beatles, Steely Dan, The Band, and a shameful number of show
tunes. What was the first concert you attended? I seem to remember seeing John Denver in concert
when I was 10 or so, but that only barely counts. Maybe the Moody Blues? If you weren't a teacher, what
would you pick for a career? I'd run a small theatre. I love doing so many different things in theatre that I
would always be challenged and never bored. What is your proudest accomplishment? Going to graduate
school and getting my MFA after 20 years in theatre. The downside of that was surviving the GRE some
24 years after last taking the SATs. I had to relearn half of the math! Do you have a favorite app or tech
gadget? Yahoo Fantasy Sports app takes up a lot of my down time. I also spent more time than I should
admit on Soda Crush Saga (I'm level 805—a heady mixture of pride and shame involved in that one). Which
pro or college sports team do you cheer for? I'm from Connecticut and ended up a NY Giants and NY
Mets fan. Both teams peaked right as I started paying attention to sports growing up, so it was an easy sell.
Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired your career? Several. I've learned how to (and how
not to) do things from everyone I've ever worked with. I had tremendous friends in theatre who showed me
lots of different ways of getting things done. I started acting in high school and learned tech as a way of
being able to be in the theatre all the time. I still love to act, but it's been four years since I've been on stage.
What's your favorite city abroad? Lucerne, Switzerland, is gorgeous. I'm more of a beach vacationer, but
that city is beautiful. If you could travel back in time, what period would you choose? I have always been
a fan of Colonial American history. I'm not sure how well I would do in that period, but it's been a great era
to study. What trait do you most admire in your colleagues? Their passion for what they do. What trait
do you most admire in your students? Their curiosity and energy. I love watching students who had no
mechanical skills coming into the class look back and realize how much they can now do. The best is when
they look at a finished set and realize that they built it! Read any good books recently? Just started The
Dresden Files series. It's a good escape. If you could eat only one meal this week, what would it be? I
almost always choose a good steak when the option is available. Add in au gratin potatoes, and I'm sold.
31

MOMENTS
The Rev. Beth Holden's freshman Old Testament class
put themselves in Moses' sandals and wrote their own
farewell speeches to the Israelites. Photo by Ashleigh Teel.

33

MEET THE TRUSTEES
Elected at the Diocesan Council
Rod Cutsinger
Rod Cutsinger—a founding investor of Advanced Telecommunications, American Funeral
Services, and Worldpages—is now the chairman of the Cutsinger Family Office and the
Sue Nan and Rod Cutsinger Foundation.
Cutsinger and his wife, Sue Nan, are the parents of alumnus Bradley '90 and the proud
grandparents of EHS sophomore Tate. They are members of St. John the Divine Episcopal
Church, where Cutsinger has served in many leadership positions. He joins the EHS
Board of Trustees as a member of the Building and Grounds Committee.
J. Todd Frazier '88
Todd Frazier '88 is the System Director of Houston Methodist Hospital's Center for
Performing Arts Medicine and President of the National Organization for Arts in Health. He
was the founder of American Festival for the Arts and co‐founder of Houston Arts Partners.
Frazier, a composer, is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and
the Julliard School in New York City. He is married to EHS alumna Jennifer McReynolds
Frazier '88 and they have two children, daughter Kenzie, who attends River Oaks Baptist,
and son Mac, a sophomore at EHS. Frazier is a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal
Church and St. Luke's Methodist Church.
Susan C. Garwood
Susan Garwood serves on the boards of the Susan Vaughan Foundation, Glenwood
Cemetery, and the Ripley Foundation. In addition, she volunteers at the Garden Club of
Houston, the Clayton Library for Genealogical Research, and Preservation Houston. As a
member of the EHS Board of Trustees, Garwood's focus is the Advancement Committee.
Garwood and her husband, Dr. George Peterkin III, have two children. Their son, John,
is a junior at St. Thomas High School and their daughter, Kate, is a sophomore at EHS.
Garwood and her family are members of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church.
George O. McDaniel III
George McDaniel III is the chairman of Saber Power Services. He and his wife, Ann,
have three children who graduated from EHS: George McDaniel IV '00, Mary McDaniel
O'Black '01, and William '04. Son‐in‐law Weston O'Black '00 is also an alumnus.
The McDaniels are members of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. In addition to his
service at EHS, McDaniel is a board member of the Chinquapin Preparatory School.
McDaniel joins the EHS Board of Trustees as a member of the Finance Committee.
Duncan K. Underwood '89
Duncan Underwood, a graduate from the Class of 1989, is beginning his fourth term of
service on the EHS Board of Trustees where he serves on the Advancement Committee.
He has served on the Trees for Houston Board of Trustees, the Fondren Foundation Board
of Trustees, and the St. Edward's University Board of Trustees.
Underwood was the first official member of the EHS Alumni Association and is a past
president. Underwood and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of daughter Riley and
son Austin—two future Knights.
34

A FEW WORDS
ON TEACHING
by Emma Lyders
Forgive yourself. Just have fun. Hold your breath until
Thanksgiving. One after another, each piece of advice
becomes an aphorism that rolls through my brain as the kids
roll into the room. They're not young, not old, but making their
own age‐associated adjective. I try to smile enough but not
too much, I try to introduce myself, I try to shake their hands
as they walk across the threshold and into my life, I try to
read in their faces which palms not to touch. I catch on pretty
quickly.
The opposite of a music venue, the classroom fills from
back to front. I can tease them, I can shame them, I can pull
that embarrassed half‐smile from stiff cheeks, but unless I
demand it, they won't join me where it's most lonely: where
the teacher stands. My hands are still sore from pulling
thumbtacks from walls that never wanted to be punctured,
and they'll be sore next week when I make my own mark.
When we do.
I look out to find a blur of the same face. Some blonde‐haired,
some brown, some dancer thin, some basketball strong. But
those faces, excited, restrained, at rapt attention, afraid to
speak, afraid to break the ice that'll melt in time. I can't stop
staring at them, into their eyes, away, and back again.
At first I can't feel. I'm just in it, in here, with them. Then I
get it. It's heart. Theirs, mine, what hangs in the balance
between us, what lingers in the room after they've run from
it, backpacks bouncing and sliding and pinching. It's in this
moment that I realize the kind of teacher I am, the kind of
teacher I'll become, pulling my newly‐minted profession on as
if it's a full‐body costume. It never comes off. The bell can ring
and they can leave, but I'm still a teacher. One that lets them
be who they are, what very few ever did for me. The few that
did? They mattered to me because I mattered to them.
I imagine a ping pong table between us, and every question
I pose, every universal meaning I offer, a ball I hit over the
net. Will they hit it back? Will they catch it and hold it in their
hands? Will they hit it to a classmate? Will they drop the
racket and slap the ball back with their hands, so fast I have
to duck as it whizzes by? Or, will they let it fall to the floor, all
of us watching, waiting, wondering how many times it will take
before someone makes a move. But they aren't balls, they're
words that fly through the air. Words I speak, words they hear,
words they return, words I write, words they write. There is no
script, for either one of us, and in that way we are the same.
The Last Word
The syllabi
get passed
out, the rules
and standards
get set, and we fall
deep into more words,
different words—the words someone else wrote. By the end
of the second day, I've learned 60 names. By the third day,
I'm no longer in a match against the entire class. We're on the
same side. Not everyone comes willingly, but eventually they'll
feel a part of the universe of the story, the one we're reading,
the one we're creating together, the one they'll make on their
own. Each student finds his or her home base for the year,
and we build a community in this room of desks and chairs,
whiteboards and collaged walls.
Six weeks in, I stand at the front of the room, the white board
behind me, judgmental in its blankness. I open The Great
Gatsby, and they follow, desperate for something to do that
will keep them awake, this tiny class of 12 seated in a circle.
Birthday. The word seems raised from the page, isolated
under its own thunderstorm, like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh.
"I just remembered, today's my birthday," Nick tells us. I repeat
his words, I pause. Before I can stop myself, I'm writing on
the board though I don't really know why. The questions pore
out of me, some rhetorical, some demanding a response.
And then, that student—every class has one who does
this—breaks the silence, with a truth that is comedic for how
painful it is: "Sounds like a pretty lame birthday." We laugh in
unison, and then we talk about Nick and Gatsby. But it isn't
about them, it's about us.
The books are vehicles, objects of transport into a shared
world where we both reside. It's the gray matter—what lives
between the letters and words and in the blank space on the
page, what I pull from paper and push into their minds—that
pulls us together. Only we know what just happened. And
I have to hope, years from now, they'll remember Holden
holding fast to his own innocence, and Nora standing up for
herself, and Annie John leaving home, and that they'll never
forget the beauty of language, and how grammar gets in your
way if it isn't on your side, and finding meaning in the lives of
others. Thankfully, this is a song I can put on repeat and trust
that it will never get old.
In addition to teaching English I and II at EHS, Emma Lyders is
a published essayist and professional book editor.
35

36
Photo by Chris Bailey Photography.

2016 ‐ 2017
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairman
The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle
Executive Chair
Melinda Budinger Hildebrand
Matthew K. Baird, Shelley Torian Barineau, Ronald P. Cuenod Jr., Rod Cutsinger, Thad T. Dameris, Julie G. Donaldson, David
Ducote, Paige Fertitta, J. Todd Frazier '88, Susan C. Garwood, Gregory R. Geib, Laura Gilchrist, The Rev. James M. L.
Grace '94, George V. Kane III, George O. McDaniel III, Jeffrey J. McParland, Dis Netland, Townes G. Pressler Jr., Joe Pyne, Ned
Smith, Michael O. Strode, Duncan K. Underwood '89, Bridget Butler Wade '87, Randa Duncan Williams
Life Trustees
John F. Austin III, Edward C. Becker, The Rt. Rev. Maurice M. Benitez † , W. Craig Childers, Lacy Crain, The Rev. Laurens A. Hall,
Victor A. Kormeier, Frederick R. McCord † , Laurence B. Neuhaus, The Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, Joel I. Shannon, Lynda Knapp
Underwood, The Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly
Executive Committee
Merrell Athon, John F. Austin III, John S. Bonner III † , Thomas L. Carter Jr., Jonathan M. Clarkson, The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle,
William F. Galtney Jr., Melinda Budinger Hildebrand, Victor A. Kormeier, Laurence B. Neuhaus, Joel I. Shannon, Ned Smith,
Lynda Knapp Underwood, Thomas M. Wright
LEADERSHIP
Head of School
Ned Smith
Assistant Head of
School and Principal
Nancy Laufe Eisenberg
Director of Finance
and Operations
Evelyn Cambria
Dean of Faculty
Nguyet Xuan Pham
Dean of Spiritual Life
The Rev. Phil Kochenburger
Director of Athletics
Jason Grove
Dean of Arts
Jay Berckley
Director of Advancement
Peggy Haney
PILLARS MAGAZINE TEAM
Director of Communications
Claire Fletcher
Graphic Design
Ashleigh Teel
Contributors
Kate Ahner, Chris Bailey Photography, Marshall Foster,
Peggy Haney, Joanna LeFebvre '13, Emma Lyders, Kendall
Buckalew McCord '03, Pacific Discovery, Margaret Young
Photography
Claire Fletcher, Mauro Gomez, Ashleigh Teel
37

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