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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
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Challenging.
Rewarding. CCES.
CCES is an independent day school serving approximately 1,200 students in grades Primer (Kindergarten) through 12 in Greenville, South Carolina.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the successes of four senior student-athletes during a signing ceremony on April 16th. Family, teammates, coaches, and school officials gathered in Rooke Theater to watch Laura Morgan, Ryan Doherty, Aiden Feltman, and Blair Kennedy sign their letters of intent. Laura Morgan will be playing soccer at Sewanee: The University of the South, Ryan Doherty will be playing lacrosse at Hampden-Sydney College, Aiden Feltman will be playing lacrosse at Sewanee: The University of the South, and Blair Kennedy will cheer at Presbyterian College.
Director of Athletics, Molly Miller, welcomed family, coaches, administration, teachers, friends, and teammates of these four seniors and thanked them for all their support in both athletic and academic endeavors.
Teachers describe Laura Morgan as thoughtful, outgoing, and a consistently positive presence. Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach, Jacob Rawlings, sees Laura as the embodiment of the mantra, “Leave it better than you found it.” A consistent starter and cornerstone of the team, Laura exemplifies what it means to be a Cavalier. Coach Rawlings shared, “Her leadership and work ethic, especially with the younger players, have helped raise the standard of our program and set it up for continued success.”
Ryan Doherty is known by his teachers as disciplined, engaging, and always willing to take the lead. As a senior captain of the Boys Varsity Lacrosse team, Ryan leads by example and an unwavering commitment to his teammates. Head Varsity Boys Lacrosse Coach Joey Porchetta describes him as the “most efficient offensive player” in both of his years at CCES. He highlights Ryan’s passion for competition and the infectious energy he brings to the field, noting that “he’s deeply respected by his teammates, coaches, and opponents.”
Aiden Feltman is described by teachers as collaborative, passionate, and thoughtful. Coach Porchetta calls Aiden “coachable, hardworking, and always looking to improve,” highlighting his quickness and agility as a “bright spot in our offense.” As a captain on the Boys Varsity Lacrosse team, Aiden has provided steady leadership and continues to set the tone for the team through his dedication and example.
Teachers describe Blair Kennedy as extremely organized, intrinsically motivated, and not afraid of hard work. Head Varsity Cheer Coach Catie Miller reflects on Blair’s time with the CCES Cheer team, sharing that her “commitment, positive attitude, and strong work ethic have left a lasting impact on both her teammates and the program.” Blair’s unwavering dedication has helped define the standard of excellence within the cheer team - and her presence will surely be missed.
Congrats to Laura, Ryan, Aiden, and Blair on all they’ve accomplished at Christ Church and the exciting things ahead in their athletic career. While they’ll soon be competing with new teams, they will always be Cavaliers. Go Cavs!
For more photos from the ceremony, please click here.
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 2025. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students.
Although Layla Shah ’25 began her journey at Christ Church Episcopal School as a sophomore, she quickly embraced her time here through her dedication to academics, athletics, and service. Lindsey Waters, Associate Director of College Counseling, reflected on Layla’s first semester at CCES and noted how “she so seamlessly integrated into our school community.”
One of the ways she did this was by joining the Girls Varsity Tennis team. Head Varsity Girls Tennis Coach, Rae Sobocinski, described Layla as an athlete who wins graciously and leads the team with her “infectious smile, kind spirit, and competitive talent.” During her time with the team, she earned All-Region and All-State honors, finished 3rd in the 3A State Singles Tournament, and won the Sportsmanship of the Year award, voted on by her teammates. Through tennis, she formed meaningful friendships and speaks fondly of the memories they created together. From GCC tournaments to their secret santa exchanges and even winning a State Championship in 2022, she reflects, “this team taught me resilience and determination and showed me the importance of teamwork.”
Off the court, she’s actively involved in a range of clubs and activities. She took on a mentorship role in the Femme Club, pairing up with a seventh grade girl to guide and support her throughout the year. As a chair on the Prom Committee, she managed a budget of over $30,000 and hosted weekly fundraisers. She also founded Crafts for a Cause, a club that creates handmade crafts for hospital patients and partners with Serenity Place to provide comfort to families in need. Through these experiences, she’s grown her passion for community service as well as finance.
Academically, Layla has pushed herself in both honors and AP classes, where she has consistently made the honor roll and earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Honors. Her favorite subjects include AP Environmental Science and AP European History, where she strengthened her writing and analytical skills. Katie Kramer, Layla’s AP Environmental Science teacher, described her as “the epitome of an AP student who puts a lot of effort into her studies while bringing a deep sense of curiosity to class every day.”
Her interest in business and nonprofit management led her to participate in the CCES Junior Internship Program, working at Pacolet Milliken, a real estate development firm, where she gained hands-on experience in investment strategies and asset management. This opportunity not only deepened her understanding of the business world but also fueled her interest in pursuing a career in investment banking before ultimately moving into nonprofit work.
When it came time to choose her next steps, Layla applied to many impressive schools, but New York University (NYU) felt like the perfect fit. She was drawn to the school’s business program, and when she visited, she “fell in love with the way the campus was in the city.” She plans to pursue a degree in business with a focus on either finance or econometrics and quantitative economics, aiming to spend her college years gaining experience through internships and eventually working in consulting. In the end, she hopes to transition into nonprofit work, combining her passion for business with her desire to give back.
As she prepares for her next chapter at NYU, we are excited to see her make an impact in all that she does. Congrats, Layla!
Just for fun:
Who is someone who has greatly influenced your life? My parents
Name something this world could use more of? Empathy and open-mindedness
Tell us something people probably don’t know about you. I’ve lived in 5 different states (born in Chicago, then Indiana, Ohio, California, then Asheville then Chicago again then Greenville) but I lived in California the longest, and I feel like I grew up there.
If you could try anything and know you wouldn’t fail, what would it be? Surfing or flying a plane
What is your favorite movie? Princess and the Frog or The Emperor's New Groove
Favorite tennis player? Coco Gauff
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 2025. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students!
Director of College Counseling, Linda Schulz, describes Mitchell Alexander Wolken as “highly motivated and intellectual” and “one of the most astute scholars in the class of 2025.” His time at Christ Church Episcopal School has been marked by a deep involvement in a variety of clubs, a rigorous curriculum, and running cross country - a unique blend of interests that have guided his college decision.
Since joining CCES in seventh grade, Mitchell has explored a variety of subjects and challenged himself by taking nine AP classes and three IB classes, with some of his favorites being IB Computer Science and AP Literature. “He pursues his academic interests with a genuine curiosity and a love of learning,” says Ms. Schulz. This broad academic interest was a key factor in his decision to attend the University of Chicago. "The Core Curriculum at UChicago allows me to explore many different interests before declaring a major," he explained. He plans to major in computer science and pursue a minor or double major in history, Spanish, or one of the physical sciences. Additionally, he was drawn to the university's community structure, where students are placed into "houses," offering a consistent group of peers to connect with. “As a reserved person, this seemed like a great way to get to know people in a smaller, supportive environment,” he shared.
In addition to his rigorous course schedule, Mitchell has been an active participant in various sports and clubs. He’s been a dedicated member of the Cross Country team since freshman year, noting that it has been a great way to build friendships but also ingrain self-discipline. One of his favorite memories was running through the woods at Conestee Park with his teammates, all while one teammate was frantically trying to memorize his Spanish presentation mid-run.
He has also been deeply involved in the Chess Club, Coding Club, and RC Club. He joined the Chess Club as a freshman and helped the team achieve third place in a state competition. “Joining that club taught me that I can benefit from experiences that are outside of my comfort zone,” he reflected. He also became an integral part of the Coding Club, where his leadership has helped shape the group’s direction. Mitchell’s involvement in the RC Club also stands out, especially his participation in the club’s ambitious attempt to break the world record for the longest distance driven by a remote-controlled car in 24 hours. While the event was eventually canceled due to the car crashing, the experience taught him how setbacks can still lead to positive outcomes.
Reflecting on his time at CCES, Mitchell said, “It’s been a fulfilling and enjoyable experience - some of my favorite memories include playing dodgeball with the cross country team, having random discussions with the journalism staff, and participating in a world record attempt with the RC club.”
Looking ahead, Mitchell plans to pursue a career in computer science that allows him to incorporate his varied interests. No matter what interest he turns into a career path, we are confident that he will succeed with purpose and joy! Good luck in all your future endeavors Mitchell!
Just for Fun!
Who is someone who has greatly influenced your life? Former Christ Church computer science teacher Mr. Lipp
If you could relive any CCES experience, what would it be? Freshman year PE class. We played Sockey every day in a highly competitive manner that was super fun and exhilarating.
Name something this world could use more of? Empathy.
Tell us something people probably don’t know about you. I was a competitive gymnast in middle school.
What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Pirates of the Caribbean.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I would love to attend the Olympics.
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 2025. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students!
Mary Mayken Reed ’25 is recognized by Director of College Counseling Linda Schulz as an open-minded and intentional student. Approaching the college admissions process with an open mind, Mary Mayken sought a balance between academic challenge and vibrant social opportunities, leading her to apply to several out-of-state schools. After exploring her options with guidance from Ms. Schulz and her family, she chose to attend Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Drawn to Lehigh’s beautiful campus, its 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and its rigorous yet collaborative academic environment, Mary Mayken is excited to pursue the university’s 4+1 program. In just five years, she will earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s in Public Health, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.
Mary Mayken's decision to become a Physician Assistant (PA) was solidified after participating in two summer programs prior to her senior year. As the recipient of our Gibbins Young Women’s Leadership Scholarship (selected by faculty), she embarked upon a healthcare/pre-med excursion at UNC Chapel Hill. This week-long experience gave her first hand exposure to the medical world. She participated in medical school classes and activities, interacted with doctors, participated in medical simulations, and had the opportunity to see what life as a healthcare professional truly entailed. “It was inspiring and showed me the reality of the field, which led me to choose this career path over others,” she explains. She particularly appreciated learning about the various specialties and practice areas available to a PA, which aligns with her desire for a versatile, patient-centered career.
Additionally, Mary Mayken participated in the CCES Junior Internship Program, where she shadowed at a law firm with Mr. Beattie B. Ashmore, Attorney at Law. During this internship, she gained insights into legal practices by learning about different court cases, meeting different judges, and observing live court sessions. The experience helped her weigh the potential paths of law versus medicine. “It was a tough choice, but after these programs, I realized that medicine was where my passion truly lies,” she says.
Ms. Schulz describes Mary Mayken as positive, compassionate, and always seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. During her time at CCES, she has been actively involved in several volunteer opportunities, which she states has contributed to her personal growth. She started in her freshman year with the PEER mentoring program, founded by Naya Bakaes ’23, where she taught math and reading to underprivileged children, emphasizing the importance of stability and education. In her junior year, she joined Let There Be Mom, helping create lasting memories and gifts for children of parents with terminal illnesses, while also playing a key role in raising $14,000 through a spring market. Through Femme, she mentored middle school girls, providing guidance through the challenges of middle school and the transition into high school. These experiences have taught Mary Mayken leadership, organization, and the value of giving back.
Mary Mayken has also been an active member of the choir since freshman year, while also participating in honor choir this year. Inspired by her grandmother, a church organist and member of the Richmond Symphony, and her dad, a former member in a band and choir singer, Mary Mayken has been singing since she was seven. When she joined choir in 9th grade, she quickly saw how unique it was. Under the guidance of Todd Monsell, Upper School Vocal Music Instructor, she witnessed the choir grow into a close-knit, vibrant community, where she built lasting friendships and enjoyed events like Just Dance Fridays. As Mr. Monsell says, “Mary Mayken is one of the kindest students I have had the pleasure to teach. She always demonstrates kindness and care for her fellow singers, and genuinely loves singing.” Through choir, Mary Mayken has grown musically, as a leader, and as a performer, gaining confidence and invaluable skills that will serve her well in the future.
Ms. Schulz describes Mary Mayken as “an exceptional young adult who is going to approach the next chapter of her educational journey with great enthusiasm and joy.” Her open-mindedness, dedication, and energy have made a positive impact on both the CCES and Greenville communities, and will undoubtedly contribute to the community at Lehigh University in the fall.
Just for fun!
Name something this world could use more of? Golden Retrievers
What is your favorite song to perform with the CCES Choir? Omnia Sol
If you could relive any CCES experience, what would it be? Homecoming football game sophomore year
Who is someone who has greatly influenced your life? Ms. Schulz
Eliza Roy ’25, a thirteen-year veteran at CCES, exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and leadership both on and off the track. Her journey as a runner began with soccer as a child, but it was in seventh grade when she discovered her true passion for running after joining the CCES cross-country team. Since then, Eliza has proven herself a versatile and consistent competitor across a range of events, from the 800 and 4x800 relay to the 1600 meters and 2-mile.
Throughout her career, Eliza has racked up impressive accomplishments, including Region Runner of the Year multiple times and has earned All-State honors in both cross country and track. One of her standout moments was during her freshman year when she helped set the school record for the 4x800 relay. Eliza’s track and field coach, Darrell Durham, describes her as “a no nonsense, hardworking athlete who quietly and efficiently works towards her goals.” She has also grown into a leader; she’s gone from being a quieter presence to a vocal leader who pushes her teammates to work hard and stay focused. Head Cross Country Coach, Ana Doran, praised Eliza for her unwavering dedication and her embodiment of the ideal team captain.
Eliza's journey hasn’t been without challenges. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in eighth grade, she faced the added challenge of managing her condition while pursuing her athletic goals. Although managing her diabetes requires additional preparation and attention, she has refused to let it slow her down. As she reflected on returning to the sport after her diagnosis, she recalled how the support she received from her teammates and the community was invaluable and only strengthened her commitment.
Off the track, Eliza’s academic curiosity supports her growth as an athlete. In her AP Biology class, she linked her studies of cellular energy and cell communication to understand the distinction between aerobic and anaerobic training and how food molecules fuel her body. Paulette Unger, Eliza’s AP Biology teacher and advisor, noted that she has a “unique ability to integrate personal passions with scientific curiosity.” Eliza actively participates in science and advocacy for Type 1 Diabetes, staying informed through organizations like the Breakthrough T1D and engaging in events such as the Type One Nation Summit. She also attended the Diabetes Training Camp to further her understanding of exercise and diabetes management.
As Eliza looks to the future, she will be attending Baylor University, where she plans to pursue the Business Fellows program on a pre-med track with interests in Spanish and nutrition. Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatric endocrinologist. Though her focus will be on academics, she plans to continue running as a way to stay balanced and relieve stress.
Eliza’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and growth. Her dedication to her sport and her leadership on both the cross country and track teams inspire everyone around her, and as she heads into her final season at CCES, she’s determined to make the most of every moment - while continuing to push herself to be better, both as an athlete and as a person.