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

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. 

For Alex Greene, Christ Church Episcopal School has been more than just a school -- it’s been a stage, a workshop, and a community that has shaped who he is today. And after thirteen years at CCES, it is now the launching pad for his next adventure at the University of Denver. His college search started with a simple truth: “I love Colorado.” Drawn by the proximity to both the city and the Rocky Mountains, as well as impressive study abroad and outdoor programs, Alex felt that UDenver was the perfect fit. After visiting campus, “I heard a lot about the general happiness of the student population, and I loved the culture that seemed to surround the school,” he said. He plans to major in either business or sustainability/ecology with the hopes of pursuing a career that allows him to travel and be outdoors. 

As Alex reflected on his time at CCES, he shared that “it’s a blessing to have so many options for things to do.” He’s dabbled in athletics – playing tennis, running track, and even racing mountain bikes during the summers. But it was in the performing arts where Alex found his greatest passion. What began with Willy Wonka in sixth grade grew into a deep love for theater and its community. From Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast to Inspector Javert in Les Misérables, Alex quickly became an integral performer for the theater department. When asked about Alex, Reed Halvorson, Upper School Theater Teacher, noted that whether “as the nerdy Eugene in Grease or the wise satyr, Plautus, in the SCTA-Winning Sillyheart, Alex can handle any character and will be greatly missed on and off stage.” Alex also shares his love of theatre by helping out with the Middle School productions, where he hoped to foster the same sense of belonging and joy he found in the program for younger students. 

In the classroom, Alex has pursued a variety of honors and AP courses and is even pursuing IB Theater Higher Level as a non-IB Diploma student. His teachers describe him as a dedicated and enthusiastic student who consistently contributes positively to classroom discussion. His English III Honors teacher notes, “Alex is passionate and curious and elevates class discussions! I love Alex's passion and his degree of comfort among his peers.” Alex credits the challenges of balancing a demanding academic and performing arts schedule with enhancing his time management skills and study habits while also informing his future career path.

Outside of his love for performing, Alex also has a passion for tinkering with things to make them unique. Whether modifying Nerf blasters as a kid or upgrading the tech in his car–he enjoys taking things apart, learning how they work, and making them his own. This curiosity led him to participate in the CCES Junior Internship program, where he spent two weeks with an automotive group gaining experience in engine rebuilding and troubleshooting. His most recent project has been taking apart his 3D printer and putting it back together. For Alex, tinkering is a creative outlet that blends curiosity and personal expression. 

As Alex embarks on his next chapter at the University of Denver, whether he is exploring the outdoors, diving into the arts, or tinkering with his latest project, we have no doubt that he will make the most of every opportunity. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors! 

Just for fun!
Who is someone who has greatly influenced your life? My dad.
If you could relive any CCES experience, what would it be? I would go back and do some of the shows again, or relive our tours in Europe.
Name something this world could use more of? Love
Tell us something people probably don’t know about you. One of my earlobes is attached and one is not.
If you could try anything and know you wouldn’t fail, what would it be? Either formula 1 or some Red Bull-style mountain bike course. Either that or climb a ridiculously large mountain (most likely K2)
Favorite role you’ve played in a CCES production? Either Javert in Les Mis or Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. 

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.   

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.