Home
Where You Belong
Convocation_2024_BSJ07515.jpg
CavFest_2025_016_BEN06846.jpg
Christ Church Episcopal School
We embody our unique Episcopal identity best by promoting a culture of kindness and respect where all people from all backgrounds and religions are accepted and valued. We strive to ensure that everyone is at home at CCES.
Three Schools One Community
CavFest_2024_BSJ09716_withcrop.jpg
Challenging.
Rewarding. CCES.
CCES is an independent day school serving approximately 1,200 students in grades Primer (Kindergarten) through 12 in Greenville, South Carolina.
3rdgradeacademics-5215.jpg
CCES Lower School
Grades Primer (Kindergarten) - 4
The CCES Lower School emphasizes academic excellence and unique learning opportunities in interactive, child-centered classrooms. Our independent private elementary school serves students in Primer (Kindergarten) and grades 1 through 4, providing an educational experience unlike any other in the Greenville, SC area.
LSacademics_2025_BEN06657.jpg
CCES Middle School
Grades 5 - 8
The CCES Middle School serves students in Grades 5 through 8 and provides a safe and nurturing environment where students are actively engaged in their classes, enjoy time with their classmates, and develop skills that will help propel them forward in the years to come.
MSgeneral_2024_BSJ03760.jpg
CCES Upper School
Grades 9 - 12
Our Upper School offers a distinctive balance of innovative learning opportunities and time-honored academic traditions. We serve students in grades 9 through 12 and provide deeply challenging educational environment focused on preparing each student to shape his or her future with self-awareness and self-confidence.
USScienceUnger_2024_BSJ08627.jpg
At CCES, You are Known
CCES provides more than an education. No matter where you are on your journey, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Spiritual Development
Spiritual Development
As an Episcopal school, we support all of our students, from all backgrounds, in their individual faith journeys.
Social-Emotional Development
Social-Emotional Development
At CCES, we strive to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging and support, has opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, finds joy in learning, and is encouraged to live a healthy and balanced life.
Academic Development
Academic Development
At CCES, we are committed to meeting the individual learning needs of students while supporting and extending the rigorous academics offered at CCES.
Physical Development
Physical Development
At CCES, we recognize that the health of our students, faculty and staff is integral to the full educational experience we provide for our students.
Sharing Our Stories
Cavalier Voices
What’s your favorite tradition at CCES?
What do you love about teaching at CCES?
What’s your favorite project in 4th grade?
What’s your favorite class in the Lower School?
What did you enjoy about the TIDE program?
A CCES Education Prepares Students To
Our Mission
Think Deeply, Act Responsibly, Live Vigorously, Believe Faithfully, Lead Resolutely, and Create Imaginatively
1:33
Average College Counselor to Student Ratio
80%
of Students in Grades 7-12 Participate in a Sport
5
World Languages: Chinese, German, French, Latin, Spanish
100%
College Acceptance
43
Athletic Teams
117
State Championships
9
Lower School Special Area Enrichment Programs
20+
Advanced Placement Courses Offered
K-12
Coordinated Curriculum Offered
94
Acre Campus
1
On-Site Wetland Laboratory
6,300+
Alumni
See Where CCES Can Take You
Ellie Dalkin, Director of Young Alumni Relations & Communications
Attending Texas Christian University
Gracie Haley embodies the values of inclusivity and empathy, according to Associate Director of College Counseling, Lindsey Waters. Mrs. Waters describes Gracie as “someone who is aware of students who may feel like an outsider or underdog, working to include and encourage everyone.”
Christ Church Episcopal School experiences have prepared graduating seniors for whatever comes next and to make a positive difference in the world. Each week, we will put the spotlight on a graduating senior from the Class of 2024. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students!
Gracie Haley embodies the values of inclusivity and empathy, according to Associate Director of College Counseling, Lindsey Waters. Mrs. Waters describes Gracie as “someone who is aware of students who may feel like an outsider or underdog, working to include and encourage everyone.” Engaging in a brief conversation with Gracie is all it takes to affirm this sentiment, and her tenure at CCES as a 13-Year Vet serves as a testament to these remarkable qualities.
A captain of both the Varsity Lacrosse and Cheerleading teams, Gracie leads the charge in making younger classmates feel comfortable and welcomed on the team. As a freshman, she looked up to the older girls as role models, and so she strives to do the same as a senior on the team. “I want to make sure everyone feels included and like they belong. I never want someone to feel like they are falling behind or struggling.” Her advice to younger players on the team is to never be afraid to ask someone for help if you have questions or need something. This kind of leadership is what earned her the “Most Likely to Have Your Back” award on the Varsity Lacrosse team last year and permeates throughout all of her endeavors both on and off the field.
Gracie’s experience as an adoptee also impacts the way that she goes about life in profound ways. She is keenly aware of the significance of not knowing someone's full story and the impact words and assumptions can have on someone. Her senior capstone project, “Street Stories,” seeks to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals who seldom get the opportunity to share their stories. Through partnering with the organization, Sunday Dinner with a Twist, Gracie interviewed various people facing homelessness in the Upstate area. She then shared some of their stories as well as a message about the importance of breaking stereotypes and not judging people to the fifth grade at CCES. Together, they created snack bags with encouraging notes to hand out to the homeless.
When asked where this uniquely inclusive and aware mindset stems from, she quickly gave credit to one of her biggest role models – her mom. “My mom has always been one to go out of her way to help others achieve something that they’re wanting to do. If she sees someone not having a good time somewhere, she goes out of her way to greet them and put a smile on their face. I want to be like that and make someone’s day better.”
Gracie’s family has always been important to her, and during her sophomore year, Gracie found herself enduring countless nineteen-hour road trips to visit her older brother, Graham Haley ’18, at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he graduated from in the spring of 2022. As a result, she swore off attending a university so far from home. When she started to seriously consider colleges though, she quickly realized the many benefits of TCU – its size, athletic fervor, and artistic opportunities. She also realized that a three hour flight is a great alternative to a 19-hour car ride. After looking at a few other schools including Samford University and Belmont University, it became clear TCU was the place for her.
At TCU, she hopes to pursue interior design as a major, which stems from her love of the arts. The arts – specifically visual arts – have always been very important to Gracie, and she has excelled as an AP Arts student this year. Her AP Portfolio showcases various aspects of nature using movements commonly found in the natural world. For Gracie, art forces time to slow down and creates space for focusing on something she truly enjoys and wants to improve upon. Looking ahead, she is excited to apply her talents in a different way through interior design.
Beyond her artistic talents, Gracie’s unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all, whether on the lacrosse field, in the classroom, or within the broader community, will carry her far in her future endeavors at TCU.
For Fun:
Favorite memory with your family? On a trip to the British Virgin Islands with my family, we went out on an island at night and made our own food on the beach and made our own fire.
Tell us something people probably don’t know about you. I did competitive dance for 10 years.
Current Netflix binge? Grey’s Anatomy.
Ellie Dalkin, Director of Young Alumni Relations & Communications
Attending Belmont University
When Emory Allen, Class of 2024, sets a goal, there is little doubt in anyone's mind that she will achieve it. Director of College Counseling, Linda Schulz, describes Emory as a student who “demonstrates great determination and courage” and “is steadfast in always giving her best efforts to all she pursues.”
Christ Church Episcopal School experiences have prepared graduating seniors for whatever comes next and to make a positive difference in the world. Each week, we will put the spotlight on a graduating senior from the Class of 2024. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students!
When Emory Allen, Class of 2024, sets a goal, there is little doubt in anyone's mind that she will achieve it. Director of College Counseling, Linda Schulz, describes Emory as a student who “demonstrates great determination and courage” and “is steadfast in always giving her best efforts to all she pursues.” Emory’s ambitions at CCES have spanned the pool, the track, the classroom, and even the hospital ward. Throughout them all, she has shown a remarkable amount of grit and compassion.
Emory joined CCES as an eighth grader and immediately plugged into the swim team. As a distance swimmer, she excelled in races requiring a high level of mental fortitude and endurance, and her success was evident in the various accolades she received throughout her swimming career, including All County, All Region, All State, and Highest Point Scorer. She also spent her summers by the pool serving as a swim lessons coach and a summer league swim instructor.
Mentorship opportunities like these have always been very important to Emory, and during her senior year, she started volunteering at the Serenity Place, a local rehabilitation center for mothers with young children. Described by Service and Experiential Learning Director, Elizbeth Jarrett, as “kind and respectful, hardworking and motivated,” Emory provides babysitting for the mothers’ children every Tuesday night.
This opportunity, however, might not have been available to her had she not made the difficult decision to try out for the cross country team instead of the swim team during her senior year. The cross country’s close knit team welcomed her with open arms, and she quickly realized running provided a competitive outlet and an opportunity to make new friends. This decision to get out of her comfort zone has spurred her on to continually try new things, including volunteering at Serenity Place and later joining the track and field team. “So many good things came out of the scary decision to transition from swimming. It has inspired me to try new things, make new friends, and I’ve gotten to know Ms. Jarrett better, who introduced me to Serenity Place,” Emory reflected.
Getting out of her comfort zone is nothing new for her though. During the summer before senior year, Emory participated in CCES’s Internship Program, which provides rising seniors with real world experience through internships in various fields across the Upstate. Her cousin is a pediatric ICU nurse, so she has always been curious about the nursing profession. Through the internship program, she had the opportunity to spend a few weeks in the pediatric ICU at Greenville Memorial Hospital and quickly realized how much she loved it.
Despite working long hours, she knew something was different when she came home after a long day at the hospital and never complained about being tired. Instead, she was too busy reliving the day’s adventures and discoveries. “I love that it’s not a ‘sit at the office’ job, but you get to be moving around and doing something with your hands,” Emory says. “You are also exposed to so many different situations, and you get to have a big impact on both the kids and their families.”
After this experience, she made the decision to pursue a career in nursing, and this goal has shaped her college search. She wanted to attend a school that would allow her to start working as a nurse as soon as possible, and that criteria narrowed her search to schools with “direct admit” programs, in which students complete four years of nursing education including clinical rotations. She applied to James Madison University, Auburn University, and West Virginia University, among others, but the one that ended up being the top contender was not on her initial list until Mrs. Schulz suggested it – Belmont University in Nashville, TN.
Belmont has a direct admit nursing program, and ninety-six percent of students enrolled in the program are employed in nursing within six months of graduation. This checks an important box for Emory, and it is also located in a big city with a strong medical community found in Vanderbilt University. The Belmont campus, however, feels small and organized in a way that made Emory feel right at home when she visited.
In looking ahead at closing of her chapter as a CCES student, Emory has one more goal she would like to accomplish – break six minutes in the mile at a track meet. Given her track record (no pun intended), it won’t be long before she meets that goal, careening her forward towards the many more she will pursue at Belmont and beyond.
Just for fun!
Name something this world could use a lot more of? Empathy.
Who is someone who has greatly influenced your life? My mom.
If you could create one mandatory course for seniors, what would it be? Finance.
Kim Gendron, Social Media Coordinator
Attending Berry College
If Ciarán Greer were to pick one motto to live by, it would be to keep an open mindset at all times. This has led him to fearlessly try new things, to be open to engaging in difficult topics, and to always seek to learn from people – even if he might not agree with their perspectives.
Christ Church Episcopal School experiences have prepared graduating seniors for whatever comes next and to make a positive difference in the world. Each week, we will put the spotlight on a graduating senior from the Class of 2024. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students!
If Ciarán Greer were to pick one motto to live by, it would be to keep an open mindset at all times. This has led him to fearlessly try new things, to be open to engaging in difficult topics, and to always seek to learn from people – even if he might not agree with their perspectives.
Ciarán enrolled at CCES in the sixth grade as a self-described “quiet” middle schooler. Finding his place in a new school was an intimidating task at first, but CCES quickly grew into a beautiful and welcoming community. Ciarán says, “I’ve been fortunate to make some really great friends during my time here.”
During his four years of high school, Ciarán has been involved in a wide variety of school clubs and activities, but two areas have remained constant – running and creativity. Ciarán joined the Boys Cross Country and Track and Field teams as a 7th grader and fell in love with the sport immediately. Running has taught him a lot that applies to life as well – mainly the values of grit and patience. He says, “I have learned the ability to experience pain and be willing to go through the difficult to reach the beautiful.”
Creativity has always been important to Ciarán, but with his open-minded approach to life, it has led him down some different paths as he has jumped into a number of pursuits over these past few years. First, he started a sports podcast during the pandemic – partially out of being bored during quarantine and partially just because he loves sports and wanted to find a way to talk about it. He covered all American sports and Premier League soccer, with people all around the world tuning in for the episodes and eventually, he even signed with a British podcasting network! While his foray into podcasting only lasted a couple of years, it gave him valuable experience with editing and producing.
Then, last year Ciarán decided to join the journalism staff and fell in love with the entire process – from the development of a concept all the way to writing and editing pieces. He quickly integrated himself into the work and with the staff, becoming a valuable contributor and then being named editor for his senior year. When he reflects back on all that the team has accomplished this year, he’s extremely proud – viewership is the highest it has ever been, they cover a wide range of topics, and he’s been working with Ms. Gregory, US Librarian and Journalism Teacher, to expand CCES News into the other two divisions.
Discourse around difficult topics has never been something Ciarán has shied away from. If anything, he seeks it out, always welcoming a good debate. In Ciarán’s mind, a debate is simply the opportunity to learn about another person and a different perspective than one’s own. He says, “The ability to engage in difficult topics, with other perspectives, in a way that is respectful and open-minded, is an important skill for people to possess.”
Ciarán has certainly done his best to introduce his peers to the art of respectful debate, founding the Political Debate and History club this year. He says, “I want to help people have civil discussions about difficult topics and to educate people about things they might not learn in the classroom.”
Despite a schedule that is packed to the brim, Ciarán is also a member of the RC (Radio Control) Club and Spanish Club, and has made the Honor Roll three of his four years (9, 11, 12). He was selected to represent CCES at the annual S.C. Palmetto Boys State mock government program, where he was elected as "State Senator" by over 400 of his peers. He was a captain of the Cross Country team this year, making All-Region and All-State. He also added Honor Council and choir to his resume as a senior, never shying away from trying something new.
When Ciarán started looking for colleges, his commitment to running and pursuing a variety of interests was at the forefront. He applied to a few schools – Davidson College, Sewanee, and The Citadel, but as soon as he visited Berry College in Rome, Georgia, it just felt right. He describes the “natural beauty” that makes the campus stand out and with the excellent history department and opportunity to continue his running career, it was the perfect fit. Ciarán plans to double major in History and Spanish, pursuing the prelaw track with hopes to attend law school in the future. He hopes to integrate service and faith into his life more fully, planning on being active in the Canterbury Club, the Episcopal Church’s college ministry.
Director of College Counseling, Linda Schulz, calls Ciarán “respectful, compassionate, and purposeful.” She says, “He is very intentional about pursuing his interests and his connection with others. It has been a joy to watch Ciarán develop as a leader and courageously take himself out of his comfort zone, always making the most of life.”
As Ciarán moves into a new chapter of life after graduation, his fearless pursuit of new things and grounded outlook on life will continue to guide him forward. As he did at CCES, Ciarán will no doubt integrate himself seamlessly into the fabric of Berry College, keeping an open mindset through it all.
Just for fun:
Name something the world could use a lot more of? Listening
Favorite period in history to study? Between WWI and WII, the Gilded Ages
If you could try one thing and know you wouldn’t fail, what would it be? Baseball
Current sports topic you enjoy debating? The Celtics are going to win the NBA finals this year.
Tell us something most people probably don’t know about you. I threw out the first pitch of a Drive game before – I was four years old and won a raffle through Meals on Wheels.
Personalized For You
Our goal is to ensure that each student is prepared to seek out colleges that match their unique academic and personal needs and expectations; our focus is to guide each student as they search to find the right college “match.”
News
CAVS News
CCES had eight varsity teams in action this fall, with 49 student-athletes who were named All-Region and/or All-State in their respective sports. Congratulations to all!
Baseball
All-Region: John Walter Whisenhunt, Bo Lowrance, Carter Phillips
Boys Golf (State Runner-Up)
All-Region: John Waldrop, Heyward Jennings, Henry Wofford
All-State: John Waldrop, Heyward Jennings
Girls Lacrosse
4A Attack of the Year: Foster Miller
Foster Miller - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Lexie Sobocinski - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Kate Marguet - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Maggie Chernez - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Adelaide de Brux - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Kathryn Toomey - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Sydney Shaw - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Catharine Easterling - 2nd Team All-Upper State
Mae Harmon Hatfield - 2nd Team All-Upper State
Julia Davis - 2nd Team All-Upper State
Boys Lacrosse
Ryan Doherty - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Will Morton - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
William Roye - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
James Bowie - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Aiden Feltman - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
JT Harrell - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Reid Von Wyl - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Bates Mann - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Wright Goldsmith - Honorable Mention All-State, 2nd Team All-Upper State
Connor Thompson - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Augustus de Brux - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Ryan Von Wyl - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Wallace Conger - 1st Team All-Upper State
Will Marguet - 2nd Team All-Upper State
Banks Horton - 2nd Team All-Upper State
Girls Soccer (Upper State Champions, Region Champions)
Region Coach of the Year: Jacob Rawlings
Region Player of the Year: Amelia Spinks
All-Region: Grace Harrell, Sophia Mahfood, Sophia Tzouvelekas, Amelia Spinks, Lulu Waecker, Laura Morgan
All-State: Grace Harrell, Sophia Mahfood, Laura Morgan, Amelia Spinks, Sophia Tzouvelekas
Boys Soccer
All-Region: William Ossmann, Payne Hornish, Mateo Gärtner Laviña, Rodrigo Marques
All-State: Mateo Gärtner Laviña, Payne Hornish
Boys Tennis (Region Champions)
Region Co-Coach of the Year: Wallace Adams-Riley
All-Region Singles: Carson Bowers, Tucker Hendrix
Track & Field
Region Champions: Jude Hall (110H and 400H), Wallace Cheves (Long Jump), Kendall Foster (800m), Alina Uguz (High Jump)
All-State: Ryder Kent (800m), Kendall Foster (800m), Alina Uguz (High Jump)
Congratulations to these CCES athletes, coaches, and teams for these honors and recognitions! Go Cavs!
While summer break offers a slower pace for many, CCES athletes and coaches keep moving. Whether it’s early morning lifts, team practices, or traveling to college camps, the work continues - on the field, in the weight room, around the track, and on the court. Nearly every athletic program at CCES uses the summer months to grow as a team, build strength, and lay the groundwork for the season ahead.
“Summer training lays the foundation for skill development, physical readiness, and team culture,” Head Varsity Volleyball Coach Jamiyae Mattress noted. While each sport takes a unique approach to summer training, the commitment across programs is universal:
- Volleyball: The volleyball program practices three times a week, with every session centered on building fundamentals and chemistry. Traditions like “hype partners” and the “Cavalier Circle” create accountability and trust among the team. They also compete in preseason scrimmages to identify areas of growth before official matches begin.
- Football: The Cavaliers’ summer is packed with early morning workouts including on-field practice, weight training, speed work, and weekly competitions like 7-on-7 tournaments and lineman camps (including Wofford College and Eastern Kentucky University). Players are divided into Accountability Teams, led by seniors, with points awarded for attendance and team challenges. The summer wraps up with a beach-themed cookout and slip-and-slide celebration.
- Boys Basketball: With 2-4 practices a week and attending several camps (including Georgia Tech and the SCHSL Live Tournament), “this is when the coaches decide how the season will be played,” said Head Varsity Basketball Coach John Butler. Players compete for key roles, help shape game strategies, and build chemistry through overnight camps and the annual team bowling tournament.
- Boys Cross Country: Twice-weekly coach-led workouts and captain-organized group runs build a foundation of running fitness over the summer that leads to race-specific training starting in August. Runners aim for milestone goals like 200 miles or 40+ running days. Traditions like Saturday post-run Waffle House breakfasts and an early August retreat to Blowing Rock, NC build relationships that are key to the team’s core value: “Run Together.”
Other sports, including baseball and lacrosse, are also hitting the weight room, developing their skills, and participating in tournaments and camps throughout the summer. And at the heart of it all is our Strength & Conditioning program, run by Coach DJ Johnson, designed with tailored programs that support in-season performance, injury prevention, and year-round athletic progression.
Behind every committed Cavalier athlete is a coach who’s just as dedicated, and the summer season gives them the chance to work with athletes on a more individualized level, focusing on areas of growth that might be harder to address mid-season. From physical development to building team culture, coaches are intentional about making every moment count. “We challenge the guys everyday,” stated Quin Hatfield, Head Varsity Football Coach. “We strive for a culture where our players embrace hard work and don't back down from challenges.”
That culture is seen throughout the CCES Athletics Program, where coaches and athletes alike buy into the grind. From early morning starts on the football field to grueling mileage in cross country, the shared sacrifice of summer fosters resilience and unity. “It’s tough to run in the heat,” said Charlie Woodward, Head Boys Varsity Cross Country Coach, “but having teammates beside you makes the difference. We run together.” The summer might be a short season, but the habits, mindset, and bonds it builds last all year.
For the full Summer CTC Schedule, click here.
On May 22, 2025, we gathered at Avenue in downtown Greenville for a truly special evening—the Head of School Dinner (previously known as the Headmaster Dinner) honoring the Christ Church Episcopal School Class of 2025. This event marked a one of the final times our seniors came together as students before commencement, a meaningful tradition that has taken place for over four decades. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, joy, and reflection as we celebrated their journey and looked ahead to all that’s to come—including bright futures at institutions like Yale, Princeton, Clemson, USC, the United States Air Force Academy, and many more.
All 109 members of the senior class were in attendance, joined by their senior advisors and members of the CCES Leadership Team. Head of School David Padilla, kicked off the evening with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a night to remember.
The program featured thoughtful and inspiring words from guest speaker and CCES Alumni Association President, Robert DiBenedetto '10, who spoke about the importance of being a CCES alumnus. He encouraged the seniors to embrace their new role in the CCES community, highlighting the value of staying connected and the lifelong pride of being a Cavalier. I had the pleasure of also sharing a few words as Director of Young Alumni Relations and Communications, welcoming the Class of 2025 into our vibrant alumni network.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came at the end of the program, when each student received a gift bag from the CCES Alumni Relations Team. Inside were special keepsakes: a newly designed CCES Alumni shirt, a custom alumni mug, a personal note from me, and—perhaps the most heartwarming—a drawing from each student’s Primer buddy. It was a meaningful reminder of how far they've come and the bright future that lies ahead.
To our incredible Class of 2025- I’m so excited for all that’s ahead for you. The Alumni Relations Team and I are cheering you on every step of the way!
See photos from the Head of School dinner here.
At CCES, getting students “college ready” is a comprehensive, multi-year process that starts in early grades and culminates in the Upper School, where three outstanding college counselors are committed to working one-on-one with each student to help them find their college fit. In 2018, CCES College Counseling took their individualized and all-encompassing curriculum a step further by introducing Transitions to College: School Life, Academics, and Healthy Relationships. This three-day series for seniors focuses on the things that we all wish someone had taught us before we left for college.
This year, Transitions to College Programming kicked off with a conversation about personal finances with Ben Worley from Northwestern Mutual. Worley explained steps to build a strong financial foundation as well as basic financial skills, including the importance of time when investing, creating a budget, and cash flow management. He shared personal experiences, recommended helpful resources, and offered insightful answers to questions from students.
Students rounded out day one with an Alumni Panel held in the Performing Arts Center. Moderated by Associate Director of College Counseling, Lindsey Waters, the six recent CCES alumni shared personal college experiences, advice for college life, and answered questions including:
- What is something that surprised you about college?
- What do you wish you had known before entering college?
- How have you found opportunities to get involved?
- Have your study skills changed from high school?
- What do you miss most about CCES?
Panelists included: Kayla Bress ’24 (Auburn University), Ciarán Doggart Greer ’24 (Berry College), Arya Krishniah ’24 (Duke University), Louise Martin ’24 (Texas Christian University), Lilly Shoffner ’24 (Washington and Lee University), and Lilly Thomas ’24 (Clemson University).
On Tuesday, seniors participated in self-defense classes with Terence and Ashley Brister from Unified Self Defense. Terence is the owner and a State Certified Law Enforcement Officer with 13 years of experience in the military, law enforcement, and personal protection services. Ashley is the Class Coordinator of Unified Self Defense, a home invasion survivor, and a huge advocate of self-defense classes. The pair educated students in simple and effective self-defense techniques, such as a head block, knee strike, and palm heel strike, that they could easily retain.
Seniors concluded this series with a discussion on Health and Safety with guest speakers Aaron Whited (12th Grade Dean of Students), Stacey Ejiri (Middle/Upper School Nurse), Zay Kittredge (Upper School Counselor), and Amy Rogers (Registrar and OCC Coordinator). Speakers covered a wide range of topics - from personal college experiences and building healthy relationships to a parent’s perspective and overall health and safety - while also answering student questions. Following the presentations, students participated in hands-on CPR training.
This programming led into senior service programming on Thursday, which included the Senior Breakfast on campus, off-campus community service, graduation rehearsal, and the Head of School’s Dinner.
The “Transitions to College” program would not be possible without the coordination of the Upper School Administration and College Counseling Teams, as well as the generous guest speakers and alumni who take time to share with students. The Class of 2025 will soon graduate academically prepared through the CCES college-prep curriculum and more college-ready thanks to the Transitions to College series.
This year, the Underclassmen Awards and Senior Awards were combined into one joyful celebration. We will be covering the awards in more depth in the Fall 2025 issue of Highlights.
On Thursday, May 15, the Upper School student body gathered together in the Hartness Performing Arts Center’s Rooke Theater for the 2025 Upper School Awards Ceremony. Head of School, David Padilla, welcomed everyone and offered his congratulations to the individuals who would be recognized. Mr. Padilla was followed by Head of the Upper School, Wes Clarke, who reflected on this ceremony as a wonderful celebration of the CCES community.
The first set of awards were presented by Amanda Beckrich, Assistant Head of the Upper School. These included the Cavalier Spirit Awards as well as several named awards honoring the memories of former CCES students and/or teachers.
The Cavalier Spirit Awards are given in recognition of a girl and a boy from the Ninth Grade and from the Tenth Grade who exemplify the Cavalier Spirit, characterized by integrity, enthusiasm, outreach to others, and cooperation. The recipients of the Ninth Grade Cavalier Spirit Awards were Fin Adams-Riley and Mary Eleanor Gouch. The recipients of the Tenth Grade Cavalier Spirit Awards were Dewey Henderson and Hadley Miller.
The Daniela Dacco Award is selected by members of the sophomore class and given in memory of Daniela Dacco ’73, the first CCES exchange student. The award recognizes the sophomore who exhibits leadership, concern, and sensitivity for others. The recipient of the 2025 Daniela Dacco Award was Isabella Agnew.
The Katy James Award was established in memory of Judith Katherine James ’13 and is awarded to a member of the sophomore class who pursues diverse interests with joy and enthusiasm. This award recognizes an individual who, in the ninth and tenth grade years, has distinguished him or herself in athletics, arts, and academic pursuits, as Katy did. The recipient of the 2025 Katy James Award was Judd Windham.
The Meghan McManus Memorial Award is given in memory of Meghan McManus ’14 to a senior girl who best exemplifies the qualities for which Meghan was known: a faithful and committed Christian; a compassionate friend to all; an intelligent, grounded, and level-headed young lady; and a well-rounded student, one accomplished academically, athletically, and artistically. The recipient of the 2025 Meghan McManus Memorial Award was Ava Pitts.
The Connor McManus Memorial Award is given in memory of Connor McManus ’17 to a freshman boy who best exemplifies those qualities for which Connor was known: a faithful and committed Christian; an empathetic friend with a big heart for the underdog; enthusiasm for school sports and service; a fun-loving student with a dry wit; and an avid reader. The recipient of the 2025 Connor McManus Memorial Award was Nehemiah Lomax.
The Kathy Adamee Award was established in honor of former CCES English teacher, Kathy Adamee, after 34 years of service in both the Middle School and Upper School English departments. This award recognizes a student in the sophomore class who has demonstrated the greatest growth and/or skill in the areas of academic research and oral presentation in his or her Sophomore Project. The recipient of the 2025 Kathy Adamee Award was Ellis Trail.
The Anna Gibbins Young Women’s Leadership Award was established in memory of Anna Gibbins, who demonstrated her devotion to CCES through her work as a CCES parent, a member of the Board of Trustees, and as Assistant Director of Development in the school’s first Development Office. This award is given to a female from the junior class to encourage leadership development and exploration of interests through a unique summer program opportunity. The 2025 Anna Gibbins Young Women’s Leadership Award recipient was Katherine Bernuy-Bates.
***
Vaughn Vick, 11th Grade Dean of Students, joined college counselors Linda Schulz, Bartley Sides, and Lindsey Waters to present the 2025 Collegiate Book Awards, which are sponsored by college admission offices and local college alumni associations. The award recipients are selected by Upper School faculty. This year’s award recipients were:
Wrigley Valle, Columbia University Book Award
Kinsley Bitner, Dartmouth College Book Award
Isabella Agnwe, High Point University Book Award
Isabella Kimmell, Hollins University Creative Writing Book Award
Graham Smith, Rhodes College Book Award
Amelia Koch, Tulane University Book Award
Camila Lopez-Jordan, Wake Forest Book Award
Riley Glenn, Washington and Lee University Book Award
Priya Lafeber, Hollins University Mary Beth Hatten Award for Science and Scholarship
Isabella Kanos, University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award
Nick Pritchard, University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology
Alexis Sobocinski, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award
Katy Cox, West Point Leadership Award
Molly Reed, George Eastman Young Leaders Award
Amanda de Leon, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award
***
Next, Student Council President, Tucker Hendrix, and Honor Council Chair, Skylyr Yearby, presented the Jones Endowment Faculty Award. This award was established in memory of two former CCES teachers, Catherine Wing Jones and her daughter, Ellen Jones Donkle ’74. Members of both the CCES Student Council and Honor Council select the recipient, a faculty or staff member of the Upper School who demonstrates genuine commitment to his or her subject area of responsibility. The 2025 Jones Endowment Faculty Award was Father Wallace Adams-Riley, Senior Chaplain. Described by students as someone whose “dedication touches the lives of each student and teacher he comes in contact with,” Father Wallace is known for greeting students with a beaming smile each morning and his desire for meaningful conversations. He is genuine in his love and care of students and faculty, leaving an impact on all the entire Cavalier community.
***
The next three awards were presented by Associate Head of School, Dr. Angela Allen.
The Lane Abrams Growth Mindset Award was established in honor of CCES Director of the Achievement Center, Lane Abrams. It recognizes an Upper School student from the freshman, sophomore or junior class who demonstrates achievement while fostering a growth mindset. The awardee is one who exhibits grit and resolve by showing innovation, motivation, and productivity in his or her daily pursuits, both academic and personal. The recipient of the 2025 Lane Abrams Growth Mindset Award was James Bowie.
The Blair Babb Smoak Memorial Award is given to the junior who, in the opinion of classmates, best exemplifies the qualities by which Blair Babb Smoak ’93 is remembered – a person of genuine sensitivity and caring for others, a leader who is willing to give of self to help at all times, one whose character demonstrates sincerity and dependability, and one who leads by exhibiting all the attributes of a true friend. The recipient of the 2025 Blair Babb Smoak Memorial Award was Sarah Spratlin Bullock.
The Will Grist Scholarship Award is given in memory of Will Grist Jr. ’99 to a rising senior who demonstrates Will’s qualities of honesty, integrity, compassion, and gentleness; a true friend with a zest for life; a wonderful sense of humor; respect for the dignity of the individual and consideration for others. The recipient of the 2025 Will Grist Scholarship Award was Sarah Spratlin Bullock.
***
The next three awards were presented by Head of School, David Padilla.
The Jackie Messer Rogers Scholarship Award was established in honor of Jackie Messer Rogers by her children – Charles Jack Rogers ’80 and Mary Rogers Guy ’82. It is awarded to the rising senior with the highest cumulative GPA at CCES in grades nine, ten, and eleven through the first semester, with concentration in AP or IB course work. The recipient of the 2025 Jackie Messer Rogers Scholarship Award was Isabella Kanos.
The Roger, Kirk, and Dena Stone Scholarship Award was established in the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. E. Randolph Stone. It is awarded to the rising senior who has been in attendance at CCES continuously since grade nine and who has achieved the highest combination of evidence based reading and writing and math scores on any SAT taken through the end of the junior year. The recipient of the 2025 Roger, Kirk, and Dena Stone Scholarship was Krish Patel.
The Aletta Wood Jervey and Jinks Jervey Page Memorial Scholarship, established by Dr. James Wilkinson Jervey, Jr. and Dr. E. Darrell Jervey is awarded to that member of the graduating class with the most outstanding academic record based on grade point average and quality of academic curriculum from Grades Nine through Twelve at CCES. The recipient of the 2025 Aletta Wood Jervey and Jinks Jervey Page Memorial Scholarship was Eliza Roy.
Additional awards given were:
The CCES Community Service Award, presented by Service and Experiential Learning Coordinator Alli Stone, is given in recognition of a senior who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to service within and outside our school community. The recipient of the 2025 CCES Community Service Award was Mackenzie Grove.
The Chaplain’s Award, presented by Father Wallace, is given to a senior who has demonstrated qualities of Christian leadership at CCES as well as academic excellence. The recipient of the 2025 Chaplain’s Award was Tucker Hendrix.
The Head of School Award, presented by David Padilla, is given to a senior who best embodies the values of character, community, excellence, and service. By action, consideration, thoughtfulness, academic accomplishment, and general well roundedness, the recipient serves as a model for all that is best about being a Cavalier. The recipient of the 2025 Head of School Award was Chandler Sherman.
Congratulations to all of the award winners at the 2025 Upper School Awards Ceremony!