EA Unlocked: Recent Episodes
The Episcopal Academy
EA Unlocked takes you behind the scenes at The Episcopal Academy. Join host and Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke as he interviews students and teachers, explores school traditions, and more.
Each August, EA freshmen head to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for the school's annual Outward Bound adventure — hiking, scaling rock walls, and camping under the stars.
As this year's class prepares for their trip, we're revisiting the Class of 2026's experience from four years ago.
Students and Form Dean Zach Richards join host Dr. T.J. Locke to relive their adventure, the challenges, and the stories that are still being told today.
In 2023, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke spoke with Matt Freese '17 and AJ Marcucci '17 about their years on the soccer pitch at EA and their professional MLS careers.
Since the conversation was recorded, Matt has been the starting keeper for the U.S. Men's National Team competing in the World Cup.
Matt and AJ are long-time teammates and friends. AJ plays goalie for the New York Red Bulls and was a three-year starter at Connecticut College. Matt launched his professional career in Philadelphia as a "homegrown" player with the Philadelphia Union after playing at Harvard University. Along with the U.S. men's team, he also plays for New York City FC.
It is unusual for two alums from the same class, who play the same sport and the same position, to be drafted by Major League Soccer and now play against each other on rival teams in the same city.
Enjoy this entertaining "recast" episode of EA Unlocked.
Each year alumni of The Episcopal Academy, celebrating their 50th reunion, receive a special invitation for Alumni Weekend.
Third graders send handwritten letters inviting the class to campus for the special weekend and ask them to be their pen pals.
Alumni write back with great enthusiasm and answer questions about their favorite recess activity (maul ball), favorite teachers (Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Harper), and what it was like to be an EA student 50 years ago.
As the reunion weekend gets underway, pen pals meet in person where EA students of all ages learn how many things have changed over the decades, while many other special moments of an EA education remain the same.
The world of NCAA recruiting continues to change for today's high school athletes. With the rise of the transfer portal, NIL opportunties, and new roster limits, coaches are now balancing the recruitment of young talent with experienced college players, creating a more competitive and complex landscape.
EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, talks with two experienced members of The Episcopal Academy about how they are working with students to navigate the recruiting process.
Chrissy Cerenzia is the Senior Associate Director of College Counseling. Steve Colfer is EA's Head Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach and Assistant Director of Athletics.
Additional Resources:
- EA College Counseling's online resource library
- Authenticity in Admissions: A Conversation with Wellesley College Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Peaches Valdes
- Making the Most of College Visits with Hamilton College Dean of Admission John McLaughlin
Educator Eric Hudson spent the day with faculty and staff during a spring professional development day to share his expertise and experience with integrating AI into schools.
During a keynote address and hands-on workships, Eric explored the thinking behind using AI in the classroom, in assessment design, and leadership development.
In our ongoing series about the use of AI at The Episcopal Academy, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Eric about best practices, advice and guidance for school leaders, and the questions parents need to be asking their students about AI.
Listen to past episodes in the EA Unlocked series about Artifical Intelligence in education.
- AI at The Episcopal Academy: Beyond the Classroom
- AI at The Episcopal Academy: Tools for Teachers
- AI at The Episcopal Academy: Philosophy & Vision
The college counseling team at The Episcopal Academy hosts a variety of on-campus guests for students and parents throughout the school year. Wellesley College Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Peaches Valdes recently spent a very productive and informative day at EA discussing Authenticity in College Admissions.
EA Unlocked guest host Assistant Head of School Chris Torino talks with Ms. Valdes along with EA Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Chrissy Cerenzia.
Additional Resources:
- EA College Counseling's online resource library
- A Conversation with Hamilton College Dean of Admission John McLaughlin: Making the Most of College Visits
In our ongoing series about the integration of AI at The Episcopal Academy, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with teachers using AI platforms in the classroom.
EA is one of the first schools in the country to test out Viva, the platform Flint is a go-to for some Middle School English Teachers, and OpenAI is now offering free tools for teachers.
Guests:
- Justin Cerenzia/Buckley Executive Director for Teaching & Learning
- Maggie McGill/Middle School English Teacher
Listen to past episodes in the EA Unlocked series about Artificial Intelligence
- AI at The Episcopal Academy: Beyond the Classroom
- AI at The Episcopal Academy: Philosophy & Vision
Six seasons and 100 episodes of EA Unlocked have served as an archive of The Episcopal Academy, highlighting the people and initiatives that make the community special. From the world stage to EA hallways and classrooms, host Dr. T.J. Locke has spoken with Olympians, alumni of all ages, visiting guests, as well as teachers and students with fascinating ideas and passions.
To mark this milestone episode, Dr. Locke reconnects with three retired faculty and staff who held a variety of positions during their combined century of service: Former Classics Department Chair Lee Pearcy, Upper School English Teacher Lee Billmyer, and Director of Plant Operations Len Haley. Where are they now?
Checkout the EA Unlocked archive for past episodes you may have missed.
Pollinator habitats, a rain garden, and composting are just a few of the initiatives underway at The Episcopal Academy, and it all started with curious students and an enthusiastic teacher.
In this sustainability lab of sorts, thousands of pounds of campus food waste are turned into natural fertilizer as students conduct "real science."
EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with some of the people behind the campus-wide projects and their plans for the future.
The rain garden is made possible by the Environmental Leadership Fund, an endowed fund from the EA Class of 1970.
Guests:
- Ron Smith/Upper School Science Teacher
- Katie Arena/Campus Horticulturist
- Diya Methi '27
- Kyle Zhang '27
Check out the EA Unlocked episode archive here.
When it comes to cyber threats and security, "it's not if we will be targeted but a matter of when," according to industry experts.
Episcopal Academy alumna Taylor Long '15 recently spent the day on campus as this year's Clare Foundation and Hinton Family STEM Series Speaker. In this bonus episode of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Taylor about her fascinating career as a senior threat intelligence analyst, what we need to be worried about, and how best to protect yourself from cyber threats.
Planning college visits is an exciting time for students and their families.
For some it can feel a bit daunting; when do you get started? How do you get the most out of a visit? What is the real purpose of on-campus visits?
EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with two experts on the topic. John McLaughlin is the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission at Hamilton College. He also spent a decade in Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania.
Catalina Guzmán is EA's Executive Director of College Counseling.
Check out helpful information in EA College Counseling's online resource library.
- EA College Visit Guide
- Building Your Tour: Colleges By Region
In an ongoing series about the use of AI in education and at The Episcopal Academy, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with two members of the leadership team about how AI is being put to use in various departments outside of the classroom.
Guests:
- Jen Fifer/Director of Instutional Advancement
- Michele Godin/Director of Strategy & Communications
Listen to the first episode in the EA Unlocked series about Artificial Intelligence.
- AI at The Episcopal Academy: Philosophy & Vision
The question of what kind of person is launched into the world after an Episcopal Academy education is the focus of an initiative underway called A Portrait of a Graduate.
It's a shared vision, a North Star of sorts, of the kinds of qualities, skills, and mindsets that alumni keep with them after graduation and throughout their lives.
Host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with leaders of the project to hear more about the specifics of their early findings on what makes an EA education so special and impactful.
Guests:
- Chris Torino/Assistant Head of School
- Kelly Edwards/Academic Dean
- Chris McCreary/Upper School English Teacher
- Christele Furey/Upper School French Teacher
- Caroline Graham/Upper School Counselor
- Kempley Bryant/Kindergarten Teacher
'Tis the season for beautiful music.
The spirit of the season rang out throughout The Episcopal Academy as Lower, Middle, and Upper School students spread holiday cheer with their winter instrumental and choral concerts in December.
Listen in on the joyful sounds of the holidays, brought to you by the talented student musicians at EA.
Artificial Intelligence and its use in education, at all levels, prompts a lot of discussion.
In the first of several podcasts about AI, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with some members of the leadership team about the philosophy and vision of AI at The Episcopal Academy. A philosophy that is rooted in curiosity, responsibility, and balance.
Guests:
- Justin Cerenzia, Buckley Executive Director for the Center for Teaching and Learning
- Kelly Edwards, Academic Dean
- Laurie Piette, Head of Middle School
- Terry Malone, Head of Lower School
The Episcopal Academy has a long-standing tradition of academic and athletic excellence.
In the last year, EA teams have won 15 league championships and seven state titles. Ten student-athletes in multiple sports have been named MVPs, several were selected as All-Americans, and Player of the Year over the last few seasons.
To learn more about EA's robust athletics programming, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with coaches and some of EA's team captains.
Guests:
- Steve Colfer/Assistant Athletic Director & Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach
- Katie Duffie/Assistant Athletic Director
- Todd Fairlie/Athletic Director & Varsity Football Coach
-
Andy Fraggos/Varsity Girls' Soccer Coach
-
Rebecca Block '26 (Field Hockey & Swimming)
- Caroline Johnston '26 (Soccer & Lacrosse)
- Frank Shanahan '26 (Soccer & Lacrosse)
- Jack Signor '26 (Football, Wrestling, Baseball)
Listen to learn more about EA's Bridge Days, when varsity student-athletes mentor middle school players on various teams.
With only five competitors in six events, EA's boys' indoor track & field team won their third consecutive state championship. Listen to the "play-by-play" as it came down to the DMR against powerhouse State College Area High School.
The tradition of EA's senior teacher dates back to the 1950's and is one of several long-standing traditions at The Episcopal Academy.
This person is the longest-tenured teacher and plays an important role during the opening day of school for faculty and staff.
Middle School English Teacher Mark Luff, Hon. is in his 48th year at EA. He took over the Senior Teacher role in 2017 when Assistant Head of Middle School Chip Hollinger, Hon., retired.
Host T.J. Locke talks with Mark Luff about this cherished tradition.
Season 6 of EA Unlocked kicks off with an exciting conversation about the newly opened PreK wing and reimaged science classrooms in the Lower School. The state-of-the-art space was dedicated in October to beloved and retired teachers, Joyce Gavin, Hon., and Nancy Reinhard, Hon.
Listen in as host T.J. Locke visits PreK and talks with some of the people who made it happen.
Guests:
- Terry Malone/Head of Lower School
- Paige LeGrand/Director of Enrollment Management
- Lori Moshyedi/PreK Teacher
Each spring, Upper School students at The Episcopal Academy finish up their exams and transition to May Term, a two-week program that allows students to travel or remain on campus to study a variety of topics in depth.
This year, 33 courses were offered, including, five international and three domestic trips. The science department offered a fascinating class, Science Beyond School. Seventeen students spent several days shadowing experts in the medical, engineering, and STEM fields.
A highlight was the overwhelming offers from EA alumni and parents to host students. EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, talks with a few of these hosts and the teachers who pulled it all together.
- Soledad Ganzhorn P '24, '26/Senior V.P. at SAP & Global Head of SAP Next Gen
- Dr. Noushin Heidary P '26, '31/The Cirillo Institute
- Stephanie Ladavac '95; P '34, '36/Project Specialist, Burns & McDonnell
- Dr. Katie Colyer/EA Science Department Chair
- Grace Limaye '90/Upper School Science Teacher
Read more about this year's EA's May Term offerings and student experiences.
A long-standing tradition at The Episcopal Academy is the Teacher, Coach, Mentor model. This has proven to be a successful formula for EA's athletics program and in the classroom.
During this episode of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with top-ranked High Jumper and Triple Jumper Yaya Johnson, a talented student-athlete in the Class of 2025, and Computer Science and Engineering Teacher Matthew Davis.
Over the years, this duo has worked together in the classroom and on the track with great success. Listen in on how Yaya's Lilley Advanced Independent Study project, called the Biomechanics of Track and Field, helped him adjust his jumping and break a 50 year-old record.
Yaya helped lead the EA Boys' Indoor Track and Field Team to its third consecutive state championship. Listen to the team and Coach Zach Richards relive this incredible win with only five competitors in six events.
As a developing student-athlete, there's nothing quite like learning and getting encouragement from an upperclassman.
The robust athletic teams and talented student-athletes at The Episcopal Academy, provide the perfect opportunity for varsity athletes to work with their younger peers in Middle School.
In this episode of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Assistant Athletic Directors Katie Duffie and Steve Colfer, along with Coach Colleen Bernabei and varsity student-athletes Stevie Combs (Track & Field) and Evan MacFarland (Lacrosse) about EA's Bridge Day.
The Chapel program at The Episcopal Academy is an important pillar of the school. Each year, more than 100 speakers share powerful insights and reflections with students, faculty, and staff in Lower, Middle, and Upper School.
This episode of EA Unlocked highlights some of those speakers who were featured in weekly @EAChapel Instagram posts.
Speakers:
- :37 Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. (Greville Haslam Head of School)
- 2:03 Katie Duffie (Assistant Athletic Director)
- 3:14 Chaz Howard (Univ. of Pennsylvania Chaplain)
- 4:32 Anna Safford '09 (English Teacher)
- 6:14 Nick Mead '13 (2024 Olympic Gold Medalist)
- 7:39 Erica Snowden (Exec. Dir. of the Office of DEI)
- 9:03 Quinn Whitaker '25
- 9:25 Michael DiMonte '25
- 10:58 Jovana Sekulic '21 (2024 Olympian)
- 13:02 Tony Herman, Hon. (English Teacher)
- 14:09 Cristina Deirmengian, Hon. (Spanish Teacher)
- 16:13 Father Tim Gavin, Hon. (Head Chaplain)
- 17:30 Anne Barr, Hon. (English Teacher)
- 18:41 Rev. Michael Palmisano (Middle School Chaplain)
- 20:34 Norman Vossschulte P '22, '25
The arts at The Episcopal Academy are a treasured part of the curriculum. At EA art is more than just a subject.
Visual Art Department Chair David Sigel talks with EA Unlocked host T.J. Locke about how art is the truest form students can dive into, to figure out who they are as a learner.
One of the highlights of the year at EA is the annual spring celebration, ArtsFest. Listen in on the vibrant sounds of ArtsFest in a past episode of EA Unlocked.
After much research and thought, The Episcopal Academy launched a cell phone pilot program in the Upper School.
Each morning before homeroom, students place their phones in a secure holding case for the day and pick them up as they head out in the afternoon.
Head of Upper School Mike Letts talks with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about the process behind the initiative and the observations so far.
The Episcopal Academy Boys' Track & Field Team pulled off a remarkable feat as they won their third consecutive Pennsylvania indoor state championship.
With only five competitors in six events, every second, and every inch counted.
In this bonus episode, the team and Coach Zach Richards share their "play by play," as the title came down to the Distance Medley Relay against powerhouse State College Area High School. "It was a movie in the making!" said Coach Richards.
2:20 Eli Engelman '25 (Mile, DMR)
4:47 Abaas Hunter '26 (200m, 400m, DMR)
9:00 Yaya Johnson '25 (High Jump, Triple Jump)
13:13 Curtis Conner '26 (DMR)
16:54 Kaleb Young '28 (DMR)
20:33 Jacob Serrano '28 (Alternate)
With the wealth of talented and experienced educators at The Episcopal Academy, there are plenty of opportunities to learn from colleagues.
In January, EA's Center for Teaching and Learning launched the inaugural Open Classroom Week. Teachers in Lower, Middle, and Upper School "opened" their classrooms to faculty and staff. With over 100 classroom visits, the week created quite a buzz.
CTL Buckley Executive Director Justin Cerenzia and CTL Coordinator Allison Schultz talk about this growth opportunity with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
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?
With a combined 115 years of service to The Episcopal Academy, retired teachers Lynne Hay, Tim Kent, and Nancy Reinhard catch listeners up on their action-packed retirements and strong connections to the EA community.
The Episcopal Academy college counseling team recently hosted Kirk Brennan for a day on campus.
The Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Admissions met with students, parents, faculty, and staff to discuss the college process. His talk was titled: Redefining Success: Guiding Your Student Through High School and Beyond.
Kirk Brennan talks about the misconceptions about the process and how college admissions has changed over the years with host Chris Torino, EA Assistant Head of School.
Check out past episodes in our EA Unlocked College Counseling "quick takes" series.
- Takeaways From Strategic Campus Travel & Relationship Building with EA College Counseling
- EA College Counseling Shares Takeaways from the NACAC Conference
For some students math can be intimidating. But an inspiring math department and teachers can make a real difference.
EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Episcopal Academy math teacher Dr. Tom Goebeler, who has taught many of EA's higher-level math offerings for the last 14 years. As Dr. Goebeler explains, "There is a lot of runway here" when it comes to math.
Dr. Goebeler also talks about why he is committed to using the old fashion blackboard.
'Tis the season at The Episcopal Academy!
Students in Lower, Middle, and Upper School shared their musical talents and spread the spirit of the holidays during their instrumental and choral Winter Concerts in December.
Listen in on the sounds of the holidays performed by EA's talented singers, orchestra and band students.
More than 100 colleges and universities have visited The Episcopal Academy over the last few months as EA's team of seven College Counselors have visited campuses around the world.
In our College Counseling "quick takes" EA Unlocked series, Head of School Chris Torino is behind the mic and talks with Executive Director of College Counseling Catalina Guzman and her team on the importance of strategic travel and relationship building.
1:50 Mary Maier/Sr. Associate Dir. of College Counseling (Univ. of Minnesota, Grinnell, Macalester, St. Olaf, Carleton College)
2:39 Lara Greico/Sr. Associate Dir. of College Counseling (LSU, Tulane, Loyola New Orleans, Dillard, Xavier, Northwestern, Loyola Chicago, Univ. of Chicago, USC)
4:19 Chrissy Cerenzia/Sr. Associate Dir. of College Counseling (Emory, Georgia Tech)
5:28 Julie Kerich/Sr. Associate Dir. of College Counseling (Study in Wales Tour)
Each year, The Episcopal Academy brings accomplished professionals to campus for the Walter W. Buckley, Jr. '55 American History Lecture Series.
In November, historian, author, and Princeton University professor Julian Zelizer spent the day speaking with students and faculty.
Mr. Zelizer is the Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, Class of 1941 Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton. His book Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974 is a New York Times Best Seller.
Mr. Zelizer continued his conversation and political insights with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
We have all been there, desperate to retrieve information during a conversation, for an assessment, or project.
During a recent professional development day, faculty and staff at The Episcopal Academy worked with cognitive scientist and Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music, Pooja Agarwal. She is the author of Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning.
Dr. Agarwal has researched how students learn for more than 20 years. Her specialty is retrieval practice and enduring learning.
Buckley Executive Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Justin Cerenzia arranged the professional development day with Dr. Agarwal. He joins in on this fascinating conversation with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
Over the last few years, there has been a lot of work underway at The Episcopal Academy surrounding College Counseling. The initiative is led by Assistant Head of School, Chris Torino.
Throughout Season 5, EA Unlocked host T.J. Locke is handing over the mic to Chris for some "quick takes" on the college counseling landscape.
This first "bonus" episode features Catalina Guzman who was welcomed to campus over the summer. She is the new Executive Director of the department. Catalina and her team recently attended the NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) conference in Los Angeles and visited more than 15 California colleges and universities.
Learn more about Catalina's vast experience in College Counseling and the headlines out of the NACAC conference.
Be sure and follow @eacollegecounseling for the latest.
Senior Jack Gallagher spend three weeks in Namibia over the summer with the National Geographic Student Travel Program.
Armed with two cameras, multiple lenses, and plenty of water, Jack captured stunning photos of the landscape and wildlife that wander the arid region.
His work kicked off the 2024-25 season at The Episcopal Academy's Crawford Campus Center Art Gallery. The exhibit is titled Mbi ri nama (I'm doing alright).
Listen in as Jack shares his photographic adventure, including being eye to eye with a cheetah, with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
Check out Jack's photos here.
This fall a new initiative is underway at EA, designed to help students, faculty, and staff learn more about productive civil dialogue.
The Episcopal Academy is fortunate to be a school that is grounded with strong values, moral character, respect, and civility through the Chapel program and the Stripes.
EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Middle School Head Laurie Piette about the rollout of MODEL the Stripes!
It was an especially exciting summer for four Episcopal Academy alumni as they competed in the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Rower Nick Mead '13 competed in the coxless men's four and won gold. It was the first gold medal for the men's four since 1960. Nick was also selected to carry the American flag in the Closing Ceremony alongside fellow medalist and swimmer Katie Ledecky.
Open water swimmer Ivan Puskovitch '19 braved the waters of the Seine in the men's 10K where he placed 19th overall.
Water polo player Jovana Sekulic '21 was all smiles as she made her Olympic debut with USA Women's Water Polo. The squad won four of their seven games and finished in 4th place.
Ashley Sessa '22 lived her Olympic dream as a member of Team USA Field Hockey. She opened the team's scoring with a goal in their first game against Argentina. They finished in 9th place overall.
EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with these incredible athletes about their path to the Olympics, experiences at EA, and their favorite Olympic swag.
As the 2023-24 school year wraps up, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke ventured down to the new Lower School playground.
Fourteen swings, two basket swings, zip lines, tube slides, and creative wooden dodecahedrons, (think 12-sided beehive) have all made for a lot of fun and adventure for playground visitors of all ages.
Listen in as EA's young students serve up sand pies and cookies made daily at the very popular water pump and sand play area.
Guests:
- Father Tim Gavin (1:19)
- Terry Malone/Head of Lower School (1:32)
- Lisa Herbster/Assistant Head of Lower School (1:53)
- Jen Fifer/Director of Institutional Advancement (2:17)
- Luke Wright '29 (4:18)
As work continues on health and wellness to support students at The Episcopal Academy, 6-12th grade students, and their teachers, took part in a relationship mapping exercise in the fall.
The goal is to ensure that every student has at least one trusted adult at EA that they can turn to any time they need support.
Upper School Mental Health Counselor Caroline Graham, Upper School Head Mike Letts, and Middle School Head Laurie Piette, join EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke to discuss the initiative and some of the findings.
Check out the EA Unlocked archive to listen to past episodes.
Dr. Po-Shen Loh is a social entrepreneur and inventor and works across the spectrum of math, education, and healthcare. He's a math professor at Carnegie Mellon University and was the coach of the USA International Mathemtical Olympiad team.
Dr. Loh recently spent the day at The Episcopal Academy as part of The Clare Foundation and Hinton Family STEM Speaker Series. After speaking with students, he stopped by to talk with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about his fascinating work with students and Artificial Intelligence.
Harvard University historian Annette Gordon-Reed recently spent the day at The Episcopal Academy for this year's Walter W. Buckley, Jr. ’55 American History Lecture Series.
Ms. Gordon-Reed is the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard University. She has won 16 book prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2009 and the National Book Award in 2008, for The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family.
Her most recent book is On Juneteenth, a memoir and history of Texas. Other honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship in the humanities, a MacArthur Fellowship, and the National Book Award.
Between her lecture and meeting with Upper School students, Ms. Gordon-Reed stopped by for a conversation with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
Through the generosity of the late Walter W. Buckley, Jr. '55, distinguished American historians are invited to EA each spring.
Volleyball is coming to The Episcopal Academy!
The popular and growing sport grew nearly ten percent last season as programs are being added around the country, including at the collegiate level.
EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke gets the scoop from EA Athletic Director Todd Fairlie and Assistant Athletic Director Katie Duffie who played an important role in this decision.
If you are a new follower or have missed past episodes, check out the EA Unlocked archives to listen to past conversations.
It was a record-setting season for The Episcopal Academy boys' and girls' indoor track and field teams. This incredibly talented group set a combined 14 school records! The boys won the Pennsylvania State Indoor Championship for the second consecutive year and Coach Zach Richards was named Coach of the Year. Several of these student-athletes earned All-State and All-American honors.
Host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with five seniors along with Coach Richards, and Coach John Goens about their EA careers and this spectacular season.
Guests:
- Avery Elliott
- Saige Forbes
- Dawson French
- AJ Koukou
- Michael Woolery
- Coach John Goens/Girls' Coach
- Coach Zach Richards/Boys' Coach
Boys' Indoor T&F Indoor Records:
- 60m, 200m, 400m, 3000m, High Jump, Triple Jump, and Shot Put.
Girls' Indoor T&F Indoor Records:
- 60m, 200m, 55HH, 60HH, Long Jump, Triple Jump, and Pentathlon.
While students dashed off campus to start their spring break, Episcopal Academy faculty and staff attended a professional development day with cognitive science researcher Dan Willingham.
Dr. Willingham is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia where his research focuses on the brain and how it learns and remembers. His most recent book is titled “Outsmart Your Brain – Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make it Easy.” And over the years, Dr. Willingham has built quite the following on TikTok.
Justin Cerenzia, EA's Buckley Executive Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning, joined host Dr. T.J. Locke for this fascinating discussion.
Students of all ages juggle a lot in their daily lives. Add in the additional pressure of sports and that can make for a very full and sometimes stressful day.
Many parents feel the pressure as well.
Sports Psychologist Dr. Joel Fish works with athletes of all abilities and levels ranging from high school students to professional athletes. He recently spoke with Middle and Upper School students and parents at The Episcopal Academy.
He also shared his expertise and strategies with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke
The Episcopal Academy's Chapel program is an integral part of who we are at EA. Each week during Chapel, students in all three divisions hear from and have the opportunity to reflect on, powerful thoughts and messages from their peers, teachers, staff, alumni, and outside guests. There are well over 100 speakers each school year.
This episode highlights some of those speakers. Like last season's episode, "The Power of Words," short excerpts from some of the Chapel Talks were included in weekly @EAChapel Instagram #EAChapelMinute posts.
Speakers:
- Fr. Tim Gavin, Hon.
- Rev. Michael Palmisano
- Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon.
- Aaron Hyman P '22, '29
- Eve Hyman '29
- Eleni Kousoulis (Sister of 911 victim)
- Fr. Rob Hagan O.S.A (Villanova Basketball team chaplain)
- Na'rome Rayborn '24, Grace McHugh '24
- Jenn Jones (Upper School Science Teacher)
- Bert Howlin, Hon. (Middle School History Teacher)
- Erica Snowden (DEI Executive Director)
- Stevie Combs '25
- Zach Richards, Hon. (Upper School Form Dean)
- Michael Whalen '08 (Upper School History Teacher)
- Tom Goebeler, Hon. (Upper School Math Teacher)
- Lower School Chapel Council
Music:
- US Students
- LS Students
- US Guitar Class
- Steve Kerwin/Piano (Middle School Science Teacher)
- Jim Erwin/Piano (Music Department Chair)
Curious who is learning how to restore furniture? Is a soccer mom? And who is helping to manage a golf course? Listen in on this entertaining conversation with some of EA’s well-loved retired faculty and staff. With over 90 combined years at The Episcopal Academy, this trio has not slowed down.
Podcast guests:
- Cheryl McLauchlan - retired math teacher, Form Dean (24 years at EA)
- Tom Kossuth - retired Math teacher, coach, financial aid director (33 years at EA)
- Gina Buggy - retired Athletic Director, coach (34 years at EA)
Episcopal Academy Head Chaplain Tim Gavin discovered his love for writing in 5th grade when he authored the Christmas play for his school.
He published a book of poems in 2018 and recently released his book, A Radical Beginning - A Journey through the Prayer of St. Francis. Father Tim shares details of the book and what inspired him to write it in this episode of EA Unlocked.
A Radical Beginning was published in October 2023 by Olympia Publishers London.
'Tis the season at The Episcopal Academy! Students of all ages shared their musical talents and helped spread the spirit of the holidays during their instrumental and choral concerts throughout December.
Listen in on the sounds of holidays, and the beautiful music performed by our Lower, Middle, and Upper School students.
Join us as we go behind-the-scenes of EA's Middle School Harlequin Ensemble's spectacular production of Frozen JR. Fifty-five members of the cast and crew wowed audiences of all ages. Listen in on how the cast managed six costume changes, how the impressive set came together, and the brilliant touch of making it snow on stage.
Guests:
- Frozen JR. Cast
- Gina Tomkowich/EA Middle School School Drama Teacher
- Kelly Leight-Bertucci/EA Theatre & Dance Technical Director
Each fall, exchange students from Australia and South Africa arrive in the United States and jump right into life at EA. This year, four students are living with EA host families, taking Upper School classes, and playing on the fall athletic teams.
This enthusiastic group recently stopped by to talk with EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke. Listen in as they share their favorite American foods, experiences, as well as their thoughts about Philadelphia's sports teams.
Guests:
- Ella Burgess/Central Coast Grammar School
- Evie Barker/Central Coast Grammar School
- Kenzie Mikkelsen/Central Coast Grammar School
- Kaylin Seymour/Herschel Girls School
- Elizabeth Doyle '25
- Lucia Forte '26
- Cassidy Ott '25
- Ellie Rheam '27
- Aiden Tsaturyan '25
- Amy Brotschul/Upper School French Teacher
In this Bonus Episode of EA Unlocked, listen in on the celebration of Thanksgiving at The Episcopal Academy. Lower, Middle, and Upper School students marked the occasion at the annual Thanksgiving Chapel services.
Members of the 5th grade Chapel Council share A Litany of Thanksgiving which includes what EA's youngest students, in PreK through 3rd grade, are most thankful for this year. Upper School Science Teacher Jenn Jones speaks about the importance of a grateful heart- along with the sounds of the Middle and Upper School choral group.
Reluctant to update your computer or change your passwords? Do you avoid multi-factor authentication? "Ninety percent of cyberattacks are human error," obseves this week's EA Unlocked guest Kyla Guru. She is working to change human behavior and design systems that make the "convenience security trade-off" second nature and as easy as brushing your teeth or locking your car door.
After attending a NSA GenCyber camp when she was a 14-year-old high school student, Guru discovered her passion for cybersecurity and the importance of educating people about the topic. She is the founder and CEO of Bits N' Bytes Cybersecurity Education and a student at Stanford University, where she is studying computer science and international relations.
Thanks to the generosity of the Clare Foundation STEM Speaker Series, Guru spent the day talking with teachers and students at The Episcopal Academy, and EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
Additonal Guests:
- EA Math Teacher & Clare Foundation STEM Speaker Coordinator Tracey Motley
- EA Senior Kate Lamb
- EA Senior Sydney Richter
Episcopal Academy alumni are working in fascinating careers all over the world. There are a handful who have taken their athletic talents to college and into the professional arena.
It is unusual for two alums from the same class, who play the same sport, and the same position, to be drafted by Major League Soccer and now play against each other on rival teams in the same city.
Matt Freese and AJ Marcucci are long-time teammates, friends, and both graduates of EA's class of 2017. AJ plays goalie for the New York Red Bulls and was a three-year starter at Connecticut College. Matt Freese launched his professional career in Philadelphia as a "homegrown" player with the Philadelphia Union after playing at Harvard University. He now is in goal for New York City FC.
During an entertaining conversation, AJ and Matt talk with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about their days at EA and life on the professional circuit.
Justin Cerenzia joined The Episcopal Academy over the summer as the Buckley Executive Director of the Center for Teacher and Learning.
EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, talks with Justin about the impact that AI is having on education and how teachers and students are learning to use AI in a "positive way."
Follow EA's Center for Teaching & Learning @ea_ctl on Twitter/X
After graduating from The Episcopal Academy in 2019, Theo Vadot continued his passion for the arts at Rice University where he studied architecture. He recently stopped by campus for an artist reception for his exhibit, Open -, Cumulative Works, 2019-2022, in the Crawford Campus Center Gallery. The show features Theo's pieces from architecture school, along with sculptures he designed while at EA.
Theo and his art teacher Hilary Hutchison sat down with EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, to talk about the exhibit, Theo's trajectory in the arts, and how his EA art classes prepared him for a rigorous architecture curriculum. He is currently interning with Pei Cobb Freed & Partners in New York City.
Episode Guests:
- Theo Vadot '19
- Hilary Hutchison/EA Upper School Art Teacher
- Honors 2-D & 3-D Design students
Throughout the school year, students in all three divisions at The Episcopal Academy hear powerful messages from guest speakers including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. There are well over 100 speakers who share inspiring thoughts and words each year. (See the speakers included in this episode of EA Unlocked below.)
This episode highlights some of those speakers. Many were included in weekly @EAChapel Instagram #EAChapelMinute posts.
- Dr. T.J. Locke
- Father Tim Gavin, Hon.
- Mike Sheehan '04
- Erica Snowden/DEI Executive Director
- Norm Fitzpatrick '80/Veteran's Day Chapel Speaker
- Ali Fitzpatrick Carey '06/Veteran's Day Chapel Speaker
- Teja Smith P '23
- Michael Whalen '08
- Jim Erwin/Music Dept. Chair
- Rev. Michael Palmisano
- Lower School Chapel Council Members
- Colleen Bernabei, Hon.
- Rev. Edmund Zelly
- I'jaaz Abdul-Malik '23
- Dr. Oksana Jackson/Maura Murphy Lecture Speaker
- Clayton Platt '73/Alumni Chapel Speaker
Each spring, the arts are celebrated at The Episcopal Academy during ArtsFest. This afternoon of campus-wide fun includes musical performances, a wearable trash fashion show, improv, and gallery exhibits that feature student works from PreK - 12th grade artists.
EA Unlocked "hit the road" for this episode, to gather the beautiful and inspiring sounds of ArtsFest.
Interviews include various students, faculty, and staff, along with music from EA's talented musicians.
Throughout Season 3 Host Dr. T.J. Locke has been talking with Episcopal Academy alumni to hear about their EA experience and how those years impacted their lives and careers.
Mark Hoplamazian is a member of The Episcopal Academy's Class of 1981. He arrived at EA as a freshman in what he describes as, "a pretty discombobulated state." He calls the "warmth and engagement" he received from the community "remarkable."
Hoplamazian is the President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels. He received EA's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2021.
Music and singing are an integral part of The Episcopal Academy's chapel program. Lower, Middle, and Upper School students work with Head Chaplain Tim Gavin and Middle School Chaplain Michael Palmisano to plan each service, along with the music teachers in each division. The tradition of singing in EA chapel dates back to the school's founding in 1785. Faculty, staff, and students, regardless of age, have their favorites!
Guests:
- Father Tim Gavin/Head Chaplain
- Father Michael Palmisano/Middle School Chaplain
- Jim Erwin/Music Director
- Jayne Borras/Middle School Choral Director
- Deborah Newnham/Lower School Music Teacher & Choral Director
- Kevin Landaiche '23/Vestry Accounting Warden
- Kempley Bryant/Kindergarten Teacher
- Niall Doherty/Middle School Spanish Teacher
- Kim Piersall/Middle School Health Teacher
- Girls in STEM Club Members
Dr. Eric Mazur, Harvard University's Balkanski Professor of Physics and Area Dean for Applied Sciences and Engineering, recently visited campus to work with EA faculty during a professional development day.
Dr. Mazur is an educational innovator known for his work with interactive teaching and peer instruction with the goal of better engaging students in the classroom. He shared some of his experiences and insights with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
Through the generosity of the Lilley Fellowship Fund, Episcopal Academy students are offered the opportunity to pursue research and create a capstone project. Fellows are selected for their scholarly passion, academic curiosity, and intellectual rigor. This year's fellows, along with program director Lorie Harding, spoke with host Dr. T.J. Locke about this unique opportunity.
Guests:
- Lorie Harding - Director of Libraries & Lilley Fellowship program director
- Ashley Kim '23
- Caroline Sewell '23
- Elizabeth Boruff '23
- Shawn Wang '23
- Roh Tsundupalli '24
Host T.J. Locke talks with EA Grounds Supervisor Matt Kerns and the team that keeps EA's nine athletic fields in tip-top shape, along with the lush Clark Campus Green. With the spring season underway, the grounds crew is hard at work.
Guests:
- Matt Kerns - Grounds Supervisor
- Joe Marchozzi - Turf Manager
- Kelly Edwards - Varsity Softball Coach
- Tom Grandieri - Varsity Baseball Coach
Throughout this season of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke has been talking with alumni about their EA experience and how it helped shape their careers and adult lives.
After graduating in 2007, Meghan McCormick attended Georgetown University and launched her career in the Peace Corps in Guinea. After graduate school, Meghan founded a mobile platform that helps small business owners in Africa make data-driven decisions to promote growth and increase capital. She spoke with Dr. Locke from her office in Ghana.
Each year an Episcopal Academy junior is selected for the prestigious Benjamin H. Read '43 Scholarship. During the summer, the scholar conducts research and then presents a final project and lecture during their senior year.
Senior Riya Mukherjee shares details of her project, with Develop Africa, with EA Unlocked listeners and host Dr. T.J. Locke. Her advisor, History Department Chair Steve Schuh and Upper School History Teacher Chuck Bryant joined in on the conversation as well.
There has been a lot of excitement on campus with the arrival of EA's new Anatomage Table. This new piece of equipment is best described as a giant iPad that is a 3D visualization and virtual dissection tool that is changing the way students learn and teachers teach. They are most commonly used in medical school.
EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. talks with Upper School Science teachers Jenn Jones and Sharon Gooding-Reynolds about this incredible teaching tool, along with senior science students Ishan Bhattacharyya, Lydia Nawrocki, and Brooklynn Smith.
The sounds of the holidays filled EA's Class of 1944 Chapel and Carrafiell Family Theater as Lower, Middle, and Upper School students shared their singing and musical talents. Enjoy some of the highlights from EA's winter concerts.
It has been an incredible season for EA's record-setting Boys' Cross Country Team. The squad is now ranked #1 in Pennsylvania and for the first time in school history, the team earned a coveted spot at the Nike Cross Nationals championship race in Portland, Oregon.
Coach Jim Farrell, and members of the team, stopped by to talk about a season they will never forget.
Guests: Aidan McHugh, Dakin Ebmeyer, Connor Hanrahan, Dawson French, Michael Woolery, Eli Engleman.
Ethan Zhou and Coach Tony Herman were not able to attend the recording.
Throughout Season 3 of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke is talking with alumni about their experiences at EA and how those experiences helped shape their lives and careers.
After graduating in 1992, Alanna Wren Shanahan attended the University of Pennsylvania where she played lacrosse, worked as an intern, coached, and served in several positions in the athletic department. She was named the first female Director of Athletics and Recreation, and Vice Provost, at Johns Hopkins University. In 2021, Alanna returned to her college alma mater for her "dream job" as Penn's Director of Athletics and Recreation.
Spirit Week is underway at EA and the excitement is growing for the much-anticipated EA/Haverford/AIS Weekend.
With the coveted Sweater and Banner on the line, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke recently spoke with some of the team captains to get their thoughts, strategies, and memories about the long-standing rivalry weekend.
Student-athlete guests: Aidan McHugh, Dakin Ebmeyer, Maya Naimoli, Lex Ventresca, Charly Bruder, Reese Bufala, Alec Tsaturyan, Shawn Wang, Maggie Lo, Riya Mukherjee, Eddie Jones, Jack Bonner, London Pettibone, Alex Gobran, Louie Beardell, Grayson Jakuc, Riley Thibodeau.
Spirit Week is underway at EA and the excitement is growing for the much-anticipated EA/Haverford/AIS Weekend.
With the coveted Sweater and Banner on the line, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke recently spoke with some of the team captains to get their thoughts, strategies, and memories about the long-standing rivalry weekend.
Student-athlete guests: Aidan McHugh, Dakin Ebmeyer, Maya Naimoli, Lex Ventresca, Charly Bruder, Reese Bufala, Alec Tsaturyan, Shawn Wang, Maggie Lo, Riya Mukherjee, Eddie Jones, Jack Bonner, London Pettibone, Alex Gobran, Louie Beardell, Grayson Jakuc, Riley Thibodeau.
Second graders spent the first few months of school getting to know each other better by sharing special items in their BEE ME Box.
Host Dr. T.J. Locke recently visited 2nd grade to learn more about the activity that has students and their teachers buzzing with excitement.
Discovering new things about their peers is teaching students to care about each other through learning about each other.
Guests: Lisa Guzzo, Kristen Calderon, Jenn Tierney
Second graders spent the first few months of school getting to know each other better by sharing special items in their BEE ME Box.
Host Dr. T.J. Locke recently visited 2nd grade to learn more about the activity that has students and their teachers buzzing with excitement.
Discovering new things about their peers is teaching students to care about each other through learning about each other.
Guests: Lisa Guzzo, Kristen Calderon, Jenn Tierney
Throughout Season 3 of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke is talking with Episcopal Academy alumni about how their years at EA helped shape their lives and careers.
New York City fashion designer Mindy Menkowitz Scheier '89 is shaping the fashion industry through her Runway of Dreams Foundation and adaptive clothing designs. Her company, GAMUT Talent Management, connects companies and people with disabilities.
Mindy shares her personal story about what led her down the path of designing adaptive clothing and how her Episcopal education inspired her.
Mindy and her team of models recently hit the runway during New York Fashion Week.
Throughout Season 3 of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke is talking with Episcopal Academy alumni about how their years at EA helped shape their lives and careers.
New York City fashion designer Mindy Menkowitz Scheier '89 is shaping the fashion industry through her Runway of Dreams Foundation and adaptive clothing designs. Her company, GAMUT Talent Management, connects companies and people with disabilities.
Mindy shares her personal story about what led her down the path of designing adaptive clothing and how her Episcopal education inspired her.
Mindy and her team of models recently hit the runway during New York Fashion Week.
After a two-year hiatus, EA freshmen ventured to North Carolina for the annual Outward Bound School experience.
During the trip, students hiked, learned to scale rock walls, and camped in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with students and class advisor Zach Richards about the adventure that still has students smiling and sharing stories.
Plans are underway to break ground on a new playground for the Lower School over the summer. Research shows that play is an important component of early childhood education.
Host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Head of Lower School Dr. Terry Malone, Director of Institutional Advancement Jen Fifer, and Chief Operating Officer Mark Notaro about the project.
It has been a record-setting season for EA's cross country, indoor, and spring track & field teams. The boys and girls have set an astounding 22 school records this year!
Seniors Mekhi Rodgers, Bryce Cooper, Kathryn Lynn, and junior Dakin Ebmeyer, stopped by to talk with host Dr. T.J. Locke and share their thoughts on the success of EA running.
Additional guests: Coaches Jim Farrell, John Goens, Laurie Finnical
This year's Walter W. Buckley, Jr. '55 American History Lecture Series featured Dr. Joanne B. Freeman. The noted historian specializes in the politics and political culture of the revolutionary and early national periods of American History. She is also a leading expert on the life of Alexander Hamilton.
During her day on campus, Dr. Freeman also met with students and EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke.
EA student musicians shared their talents and provided some beautiful music for this year's Easter celebrations. Student pieces are performed by Ashley Kim '23 (flute), Sejin Park '20 (viola), and Michael Zhou '21 (piano).
Middle School students jump into learning the Classics at EA with the introduction to Latin in 7th grade.
One of the highlights for 8th graders is the Emperors Project. This project stretches through all three trimesters and culminates with A Night with the Emperors. Classics Chair Steve Bosio talks about EA's hands-on curriculum and the success and growth of the department.
Seniors Juliette Loor and Ned Meisel, co-presidents of the Install It club, talk with host Dr. T.J. Locke about their experience curating the school-wide art collaboration and installation of Into the Light. The exhibit includes cut-out designs made by PreK-12th grade students, faculty, and staff. The project was inspired by artist Anila Quayyum Agha.
Additional Podcast Guests: Upper School art teachers Hilary Hutchinson, David Sigel, Woodworking & Design teacher John Binstock, Gallery Coordinator Susan Coote, and 2nd and 4th grade students.
The Middle School boys' A (Division 1) and B (Division 2) squash teams won the 2022 National Championship- for the first time in school history.
The team was seeded #1 heading into the tournament which was hosted at the newly opened Arlen Spector US Squash Center at Drexel University.
Two players, and EA Squash Co-Director Lyall Paterson, talk with Dr. T.J. Locke about the experience.
Guests: 8th graders Rubens Schwarz & Brandon Bin, EA Squash Co-Director Lyall Paterson.
Curious how Dr. Locke determines when to call a snow day for EA? It is a team effort and involves input from several departments on campus.
Guests: Michele Godin, EA Director of Communications, and Mark Notaro, EA Chief Operating Officer.
This school year, EA's team of talented librarians launched an initiative to bring the community together through reading. Each month, a picture book is selected that is enjoyed by students in PreK through Upper School.
EA students have a vast offering of electives to choose from in Middle in Upper School. Eight years ago, additional courses were added for Upper School students through Global Online Academy (GOA). The consortium includes schools from all over the world. Host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with three seniors about their experience with GOA.
Each fall, during Spirit Week, PreK-5th graders are challenged to put their design skills to the test during the All Lower School Build. Using upcycled materials, students have crafted cars, boats, and this year, parachutes. Head of Lower School, Dr. Terry Malone, discussed this fun Lower School tradition with EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke. Also featured are 2nd grader Will, this year's parachute drop winner- 4th grader Yara, Technology Coach Kim Farrell, and repeat faculty winner, 4th grade teacher Brendan Fitzpatrick.
Enjoy some Christmas favorites performed by EA's talented Lower, Middle, and Upper School musicians.
Lessons and Carols at EA is held on the morning before students are dismissed for the much-anticipated holiday break. Middle and Upper School students gather in The Class of 1944 Chapel, along with their teachers, parents, and young alumni, to listen to nine lessons and beautiful carols to celebrate the holiday season. Father Tim Gavin talks with EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, about this EA favorite that dates back to the 1800s.
EA launched its Computer Science and Engineering department in 2018 with a cutting-edge curriculum for Prek - 12th grade students.
Middle and Upper School students can choose from a robust list of course offerings, while students in Lower School work with a team of Technology Coaches in the Idea Lab and across disciplines in their homeroom classes.
Department chair Matt Memmo, Hon. shared his insights and thoughts about Computer Science and Engineering with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
Each year, students are encouraged to share their talents in the Dora Khayatt art and music competitions.
In the spring of 2021, seniors Madison Bello and Paige Croney won for their beautiful singing performances. Nick Cerone '22 (baritone sax), and Ashley Kim '23(flute), won for their instrumental performances. Ashley and Nick recently stopped by to talk with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about their love for music and the Dora Khayatt contest.
EA's rivalry with The Haverford School dates back to 1889, when the first football game was played between the two schools. In the 1980's, the coveted Split Sweater was introduced and awarded to the school that won the most contests- which grew to include soccer, cross country, water polo, and golf.
In 2005, EA girls began competing against The Agnes Irwin School in an effort to win the Banner.
Retired Athletic Director Gina Buggy and Associate Director of Athletics Jim Farrell take a look at the history of this long-standing tradition and share some of their memories of this rivalry weekend.
Beth Corrigan is the new chair of EA's Board of Trustees. She was recently on campus for the fall Board meeting and stopped by for an EA Unlocked recording session to share her thoughts on her new role.
Olympic rower Nick Mead '13 launched his rowing career as an EA freshman, under the guidance of Classics teacher and rowing coach Molly Konopka, Hon. He recently stopped by campus to talk with Coach Konopka and EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke about competing in the Tokyo Olympics, his strong ties to Episcopal, and his plans for the future.
Despite distanced learning restrictions, EA's music department still managed to provide some beautiful music for the holidays. Enjoy these sweet sounds from EA's Lower, Middle, and Upper School musicians.
This special "pop-up" edition of EA_Unlocked features EA's talented student musicians in Lower, Middle, and Upper School. Excerpts are included from spring, remote music classes and performances from throughout the 2019-2020 school year. Enjoy.
EA student musicians, along with Music Department Chair Jim Erwin, shared their talents and provided some beautiful music for this year's Easter celebrations. Student pieces are performed by freshman Ashley Kim (flute), senior Sejin Park (viola), and Junior Michael Zhou (piano).
Middle School English teacher Mark Luff is EA's longest-tenured teacher. The 2019-2020 school year marks his 42nd year. At the opening day for faculty and staff in August, it is a tradition for the teacher who has worked at EA the longest to address the group. EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, sat down with Mr. Luff to hear more about this tradition and his reflections on four-decades of teaching EA students.
The college admissions process has changed a lot over the years, with early decision, early decision-2, and early action applications. Here at EA, we are very fortunate to have four experienced college counselors working with our students. Director of College Counseling Cynthia Crum shares her thoughts and advice on the college admissions process.
Through Episcopal's partnership with the Global Online Academy (GOA), EA students are given the opportunity to explore dynamic subjects from some of the world's leading educators in a global classroom. GOA Site Director Dr. Adam Lavallee stops by tell us more about the program and how GOA elevates the learning experience.
After a thorough review, the 6th-12th grade science curriculum has been overhauled- which includes a new department chair structure. Grace Limaye '90 now chairs the department. She recently sat down with Dr. T.J. Locke to talk about the new curriculum and her hopes and dreams for science at EA.
The history department at EA is always looking for ways to engage students and bring history to life in the classroom. Teacher Chuck Bryant has integrated the popular game, Escape the Room, into the curriculum. Dr. T.J. Locke recently stopped by Mr. Bryant's AP U.S. History class to check it out.
The holidays are an exciting time on campus at EA. PreK students stop by Dr. T.J. Locke's office to decorate his tree, read a book, and share cookies. Throughout December, EA Chaplains mark Advent and celebrate other traditions. The annual Scrooge Chapel is a much-anticipated favorite, as teachers, faculty, and staff delight students with their acting and singing talents. Students are dismissed for the holiday break, after a beautiful, music-filled, Lessons and Carols service.
In 2018, The Lilley Fellowship was launched at EA through the generosity of Bill Lilley '55 and his wife Eve. In year one, two students were selected to pursue independent study opportunities. In 2019, Kat Harrar '21 spent time studying farm-to-feed programs and cultivating EA's Syd Buck Memorial Garden. Kat and Lilley Fellowship Director Max Kelly '06 recently discussed the program with host T.J. Locke.
The robotics program is as popular as ever at EA and is continuing to grow. Last season, the team found great success in local competitions- as well as in Quebec and at the world championships in Detroit. Upper School science teacher Teddy Mathisen '02 discusses EA's robotics team and program.
EA's rivalry with The Haverford School dates back to 1889- when the first football game was played between the two schools. In the 1980's, the coveted split sweater was introduced and awarded to the school that won the most contests- which grew to include soccer, cross country, water polo, and golf.
In 2005, EA girls began competing against The Agnes Irwin School in an effort to win the Banner.
Athletic Director Gina Buggy and Associate Director of Athletics Jim Farrell take a look at the history of this long-standing tradition and share some of their memories of this rivalry weekend.
Starting in 7th grade, all EA students begin their adventure studying Latin with an enthusiastic team of teachers. One of the highlights for 8th graders is the Emperors Project. This project stretches through all three trimesters and culminates with A Night with the Emperors. Classics Chair Steve Bosio talks about EA's hands-on curriculum and his team's foray into social media.
The Domino Club is one of the oldest clubs at EA and is responsible for selecting the fall and spring Upper School productions each year. Under the direction of Theatre Department Chair Dan Clay, the productions are consistently ambitious and impressive. In the spring of 2019, The Domino Club presented Les Miserables-the largest and most challenging production to date. We go behind the scenes with Mr. Clay to hear how the Domino Club picks its productions, and how 80-plus students pulled off Les Mis.
It's the perfect way to start the school day- taking a few minutes to greet your classmates and teacher and preview the day's activities, the weather, upcoming projects, and find the mistake in Miss Tierney's written morning message. This podcast was produced with the help of EA 3rd graders.
On September 11, 2001 Lt. Col. Bob Darling (Ret.) bunkered down in the White House operations center with Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as one of the worst days in U.S. history unfolded. During a recent visit to EA's campus, Mr. Darling spoke with students and shared, "We had a full-blown terrorist attack going on before our eyes. Our job was to give the president options."
In our premier episode, The Episcopal Academy Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke speaks with Upper School teacher and Junto Club advisor Jen Maier about the long-standing history of debate at EA.