After nearly two decades at CCES — and an incredible 60 years coaching high school football overall — Coach Joel Rice is retiring from the sidelines at the age of 91. He’s been a part of 10 state championship teams (including six at CCES) and a perfect 10–0 in state title games. But he leaves behind a powerful and enduring legacy that runs far deeper than wins and losses.

Coach Rice joined the CCES football program in 2007, with an old-school spiral notebook always in hand, carefully jotting down plays and ideas. He began as special teams coordinator, but over the years his role naturally evolved into a trusted football operations presence, always keeping a sharp eye on special teams and the details that matter most. A proud Marine, Coach Rice brought with him a level of discipline, toughness, and respect that quickly became part of the fabric of the program. 

His dedication has never wavered. Despite being several decades older than many of his colleagues, Coach Rice continued coming to practice every day, modeling what it means to be  tough-minded: get knocked down (sometimes literally), get back up, and keep going. Locke Swent ’21, a former varsity football player who graduated from the United States Naval Academy and now serves as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, shared that Coach Rice “was the foundation of the team, he showed us what it means to be truly committed to something.” That commitment, passion, and love for the game have been infectious, setting the standard for how Cavaliers play and treat one another.

Beyond the field, Coach Rice was a constant source of wisdom, always leading with perspective and intentionality. Jackson Repp ’25, a former varsity football player now playing at the University of South Carolina, recalled “no matter what, he would always find time, whether it was before, during, or after practice, to check up on me as a person and not just as a player.” Players and coaches alike echo that sentiment: Coach Rice shaped not only athletic ability, but character. Josh Jackson ’16, former varsity player, who went on to play at Clemson University, and is now an assistant varsity football coach for the Cavaliers, reflected, “as a player, he instilled discipline, accountability, and the importance of doing things right… As a fellow coach, he guided me on how to lead young athletes, the importance of consistency, and how to impact the program in my own way.”  

One of Coach Rice’s most cherished roles has been leading the CavWalk before home games - a tradition that began shortly after he arrived -  where the oldest Cavalier in the program leads the youngest player through the tunnel and down to the field. For him, CavWalk has always been about community: players high-fiving fans, little kids lining the path, and families seeing their sons and brothers take the field. When reflecting on his time leading that tradition, he shared, “I feel like the players do. I’ve enjoyed it, and it will always be a pleasant memory.”

This year, Coach Rice received the Top Cavalier Award - one of the football program’s highest honors, symbolizing leadership, sacrifice, and lasting impact. As Head Varsity Football Coach, Quin Hatfield, shared, “He will be the Top Cavalier in my mind forever.” 

Expressing their immense gratitude, some of his players shared the following:

“Thank you Coach Rice for everything. You’ve made a lasting impact on so many more people than you know and I am so grateful to have spent as much time around you as I have.” - Jackson Repp ’25

“Thank you for your dedication to Christ Church Football and the lives of the young men you helped mold. Cavalier Football will miss you and won’t be the same without you! Semper Fi!” - Locke Swent ’21

“Thank you - not just for the wins, the practices, or the seasons, but for the example you set everyday. If I’m able to positively impact even a fraction of the young men you have, then I’ll consider my coaching career a success.” - Josh Jackson ’16

And from all of us at CCES, we would like to thank you, Coach Rice, for your years of service, your steady leadership, and the legacy you leave here. Coach Jackson said it best, “your legacy will outlast scoreboards and seasons because it lives in the people you influenced.” You will always be a part of Cavalier football! 

The Christ Church Episcopal School community gathered for an evening of connection and camaraderie at the second annual Cavalier Networking Night, a growing tradition that continues to strengthen ties across generations of Cavaliers. Hosted by the CCES Alumni Association and generously sponsored by Coldwell Banker Caine Realtor Thomas Cheves and Velda and Jackson Hughes, the event brought together nearly 150 attendees.

Alumni from a wide range of class years were joined by parents of current students, parents of alumni, and members of the greater Upstate community. The diverse mix of guests created a dynamic atmosphere filled with meaningful conversations, new introductions, and renewed friendships. From first handshakes to familiar reunions, the evening provided a wonderful setting for connection, relationship building, professional networking and fun.

The program featured remarks from Alumni Association President Carter Lowrance ’94 and Head of School David Padilla, both of whom spoke to the strength of the Cavalier network. The evening’s featured speaker was Dr. Courtney Tollison Hartness, a proud member of the Class of 1995. Dr. Hartness shared insights from her professional journey and reflections on CCES from her experiences as a student, alumna, and now parent of a current student. She affirmed the enduring value of a CCES education and the unique sense of community that pervades school culture. 

As the Cavalier Networking Night concluded, it was clear that this new tradition is here to stay.  With strong attendance and enthusiastic participation, the event continues to build momentum, and the CCES community looks forward to continuing and growing this special tradition in the years to come.

Click here to view the full event photo album. 

Continue reading to enjoy Courtney Tollison Hartness’s complete remarks:

“Good Evening!

While thinking about what I wanted to say tonight, the concept of community was continuously front of mind. I’ve spent the last two years writing a bicentennial history of Furman. The root of the word history is story and when history is taught or written well it is enjoyed as a story. As I was writing about Furman’s move to Greenville, or about the Duke Endowment, or when one of our graduates became President of Finland, I repeatedly realized that Furman is special because of her people, and the same is true of CCES. 

If you go to the CCES website, the opening page offers a simple yet powerful message: “Where You Belong.” You will also see the words: Character. Community. Excellence. Service. 

We know our community is special because we feel it. What is harder, however, is articulating why this community is so special. Why are we grateful to be part of CCES?

In 1959, the year the school was founded, an article in The Greenville News declared that the new school aimed to offer an “academically rigorous education in a Christ-centered environment.” That is a laudable aspiration, but are there are lots of schools with that mission who aren’t thriving as we are over 60 years later. 

At its core, the strength of the community lies in its values-driven, holistic and experientially-based education. 

Yet, there is more… 

Perhaps part of what makes our community special is that it is intergenerational. The 5-year-olds who enter Primer constitute a community, full of fresh promise, and so do their parents, many of whom will develop meaningful bonds over the course of the next 13 years. The teachers, coaches, chaplains, staff, and administrators who teach, mentor, and care as they challenge young minds constitute a community, and so do the Golden Cavaliers, a group of CCES retirees. The graduates who gather at the Alumni Christmas Party every December 23^rd and those who return for reunion years rejuvenate the deep bonds forged during our time as students. Grandparents of current students who were once parents of students pass on an appreciation for CCES that has endured. CCES is a rich tapestry of interwoven micro-communities, bound together by hands old and new. It is a community you can be part of for life. 

Perhaps another part of what makes our community special is that it is cross-cultural. For at least 15 years, Greenville-Spartanburg has boasted the highest per capita international investment in the country. Our local economy is international and the school embraces that internationalism. My son’s first grade class has 3 German students in it. I love going to chapel with my son and singing “This is the Day” in English, Spanish, and German. The school boasts exchange programs – in fact, one of my closest friends at CCES was an exchange student from Surrey, England.

Yet, as the school celebrates and cultivates a curiosity about global cultures, it maintains a deep and sustained focus on the Christian faith and on serving and shaping the Greenville community -- another aspect of why CCES is special. In the spirit of St. Martin, who teaches us to care for others, the school offers a class in Service Leadership, but those values are also deeply embedded in the CCES culture. Not a week goes by without a student drive to donate coats, canned food, books, or even gently used musical instruments to those in need. Students routinely venture off campus to donate their time and engage in internships or other activities that complement the curriculum. 

CCES students are out, making a difference for good in Greenville and beyond, and so are the school’s graduates, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and others. The imprint of CCES – professionally, philanthropically, and in myriad civic and faith organizations – is strong.  

In conclusion, I want to share my first experience with CCES. It was silly, in hindsight. As a child, my mother and I visited the lower school, which was then located downtown at Christ Church. My only memory is of the woman we met with telling us that classes would often go into the cemetery with crayons and big rolls of white paper that students rolled out over the grave markers and colored so that the inscription from the marker would imprint on the paper. Well, the prospect of that terrified me enough to stay away. 

Fast forward several years. I approached my parents and asked if we could consider CCES again. Thankfully, my visit to the Cavalier Drive campus was much less scary. I was happy, motivated, and grateful as I began my CCES experience. 

Throughout the rest of my time at CCES, I remained happy, motivated, and grateful…grateful to be part of the school and really grateful that my childhood fears of cemeteries had not stymied one of the best decisions of my life. 

Fast forward a few decades. When it came time to send our oldest child to school, there was no question about where I wanted him. A year and a half ago, when we dropped our son off for his first day of Primer, I was still feeling happy, motivated, and grateful, and more importantly, he seemed that way, too. 

Professors like to inspire contemplation, so in that spirit, I’ll conclude with a challenge that I hope will prompt reflection and action. Why are you grateful to be part of this community? And, how can you best contribute to it, knowing that the CCES of the future depends on us?”

–Dr. Courtney Tollison Hartness ‘95

We are proud to recognize Coach Jordan Filiatreau, Assistant Athletic Director and Head Varsity Coach for both Girls Basketball and Boys Golf, for being selected as a member of the Tomorrow’s 25 Coaching Fellowship, South Carolina’s signature program for athletic leadership. Presented in partnership with the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association (SCACA) and the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL), this fellowship honors 25 coaches from across the state who have been identified as emerging leaders in high school and middle school athletics.

The Tomorrow’s 25 Coaching Fellowship is a highly selective, 10-month program designed to invest in coaches who demonstrate a deep commitment to young people, excellence in their sport, and a passion for developing student-athletes for life beyond competition. Each coach was chosen by a statewide selection committee and represents the very best of education-based athletics in South Carolina.

“It is absolutely no surprise to me that Coach Filiatreau was selected for the Tomorrow's 25 Coaching Fellowship,” said Varsity Basketball Player, Katy Cox ’26. “He is the most attentive, genuine, and passionate coach that I have ever had, and he truly does exemplify what it means to be not only a coach, but a friend. He leads by example no matter the circumstance, and has taught every member of our team what it looks like to be a true and effective leader.” 

Over the course of the program, Coach Filiatreau will participate in ten sessions focused on three core areas: positively impacting student-athletes through leadership, resilience, empathy, and responsibility; building a strong peer network of fellow coaches from across the state; and engaging with state and national leaders in athletics and education.

Coach Filiatreau reflected on his experience so far, saying, “I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, build meaningful relationships, and form professional bonds that will last throughout my career. I am grateful for the chance to learn from outstanding leaders whose skills and perspectives are among the best in the country. My hope is to bring these tools back to our Cavalier community, using a lens of collaboration, growth, and continuous learning to become a better leader in service of others.” 

Congratulations to Coach Filiatreau on this well-earned recognition - we’re excited to see the continued positive impact of his leadership on our student-athletes, our school, and the wider Cavalier community. 
 

Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the successes of two senior student-athletes during a signing ceremony on February 4th. In the Rooke Theater, Anthony Atkins and Rody Barnett signed their letters of intent to the enthusiastic applause of teammates, coaches, and school officials. Anthony Atkins will be playing football at Cornell University and Rody Barnett will be playing football at Wofford College. 

Director of Athletics Molly Miller welcomed the families, coaches, teachers, friends, and teammates of these two seniors, thanking them for their continued support of Anthony and Rody - both on the field and in the classroom. While both student-athletes are multi-sport competitors, team captains, and State Champions, Miller emphasized the example they have set, sharing that “they’ve established a standard of excellence and modeled the level of commitment required to be here today as they set their sights on Division I football.”

Coaches consistently describe Anthony Atkins as a hardworking, dedicated leader - someone they can always count on. Varsity Football Assistant Coach Josh Jackson shared a moment that perfectly captures these qualities: during last year’s playoff game against Crescent, Anthony was feeling unwell but still played the entire game, holding their NC State commit to zero catches and zero yards. Head Varsity Football Coach Quin Hatfield echoed that praise, calling Anthony a “lockdown cornerback who rarely surrendered a catch, a hard-hitting, downhill safety, an all-purpose receiver, and a dangerous kick returner.” The respect Anthony has earned from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike is evident in his selection as Team Captain and his honor of being chosen for the North/South All-Star Game. 

Coaches describe Rody Barnett as a true force multiplier - always locked in and ready to compete. During his senior season, he graded out at an impressive 98% for assignment execution and recorded 128 knockdowns, all while not surrendering a single quarterback sack for the second consecutive year. His presence on the field consistently demanded respect and set the tone for those around him. A football State Champion, wrestling State Champion, Team Captain, and recipient of the Palmetto Champion Award as the top 3A lineman in the Upstate of South Carolina, Rody’s impact speaks for itself. Coach Hatfield shared, “Rody elevated the level of play in the trenches, and that is something that was fun to watch and will have a lasting impact on our program.”

Congrats to Anthony and Rody 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.
 

Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth - young artists and writers, filmmakers and photographers, poets and sculptors, video game artists and science fiction writers -  and provided opportunities for these creative students to be celebrated.

Hundreds of thousands of works are submitted at the regional level, with more than 2,000 public, private, and home-schooled students receiving national recognition. CCES competes in the Southeast Region at Large, which extends from Washington, DC to the Caribbean. This year, we had eleven CCES students who earned awards, including 4 Gold Keys, 3 Silver Keys, and 4 Honorable Mentions. Our Gold Key winners will be entered in the National Contest.

Congratulations to the following students:

Gold Key: The very best works submitted to Region-at-Large programs. Gold Key works are automatically considered for national-level recognition.

Michelle Bernuy-Bates ’28 for Photography 
Anna Drake ’28 for Photography
Jacob Abrams ’27 for Photography
Isla Knight ’29 for Photography

Silver Key: Distinguished work submitted to Region-at-Large programs demonstrating achievement

Beau Brashier ’27 for Photography
Anna Drake ’28 for Photography
Sophia Reamer ’29 for Photography

Honorable Mention: Accomplished works submitted to Region-at-Large programs showing great skill and potential.

Griffin Boyd ’28 for Photography
Charlotte McKillop ’28 for Photography
Anna Drake ’28 for Photography
Sam Sutton ’28 for Photography

Construction on campus means progress…and, at times, a bit of problem-solving! That has been especially true of our athletic spaces, but our coaches and athletes are embracing the changes with creativity, resilience, and determination in the interim.

These temporary changes are all part of a much bigger and exciting vision: our Build for the Future Campus Master Plan, which includes a new Sports Performance Building and updated athletic facilities. When complete, the 56,000 sq ft complex will house a double-court gymnasium and competition arena, a 4,500 sq ft strength and conditioning area, a 3,500 sq ft dedicated wrestling space, a 1,500 sq ft training center with hydrotherapy access, 10 modern locker rooms, and an elevated indoor track. Beyond the building, our student-athletes will have access to a competition-level lacrosse and field hockey field - bringing next-level opportunities for training, competition, and growth.

Following the celebratory groundbreaking event on November 17, 2025, the project officially entered early stages of construction. But long before the first shovel hit the ground, the athletics team had begun proactively working with coaches to prepare for the temporary adjustments construction brings. Director of Athletics Molly Miller shared that her team began planning nearly ten months ago: “From assigning home game nights and developing a rotation for off-site and on-site field usage to coordinating strength and conditioning schedules, we’ve communicated well in advance so there are no surprises.”

As a program, CCES Athletics has taken these changes in stride - sharing field space, adjusting practice times, and leaning into a mindset of creativity and adaptability. Coach Miller noted that “our coaches have responded beautifully, with a ‘Team CCES’ mindset.” Head Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach Jennie Overstreet shared that the adjustments will benefit her team in the long run, pointing out that “a shifting situation is very applicable to games and sports.” Learning to be adaptable during practices, she noted, helps athletes stay calm and confident when things change in a game, rather than feeling thrown off. 

Another adjustment has been relocating the strength and conditioning gym from the Cavalier Training Center to a temporary on-campus space. Strength and Conditioning Coordinator DJ Johnson shared that navigating the change has been rewarding, pushing him to think creatively and stay energized in his work. He too embraces the idea that short-term discomfort leads to long-term gains - not just in the weight room - and is excited for the new athletic facilities, which will help student-athletes become stronger, faster, and more versatile.

Our athletes have also embraced these changes without losing sight of their goals - continuing to grow individually and push toward a successful season. Varsity Girls Lacrosse player Lexie Sobocinski ’26 shared that practicing in different spaces has reinforced an important lesson: “It’s not the equipment or the facilities we have access to, but the mindset each player brings to practice and their willingness to improve that ultimately leads to success.” Varsity Baseball player Bo Lowrance ’26 echoed that perspective, explaining that while space has been more limited, it has made each practice more intentional and meaningful. “Everyone has been more engaged in practice as a result,” he noted.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that these temporary adjustments are just a small step toward something much bigger. The first phase of construction promises to be transformational, not only for our student-athletes, but for the entire CCES community. Our athletes and coaches have already shown incredible adaptability and drive, and soon they’ll have facilities that reflect that standard and help them reach the next level. Short-term discomfort for long-term gains has never felt so worth it, and we can’t wait to see all the ways this investment will elevate the experience, pride, and spirit of CCES Athletics.
 

On Thursday, January 22nd, our community gathered in McCall Fieldhouse for our first all-school MLK Chapel, coming together across divisions to honor the life, legacy, and enduring call of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students, faculty, and staff filled the space not only to remember Dr. King’s witness, but to renew our shared commitment to the work of justice, love, and courage that continues today.

One of the most visible expressions of that commitment was how we gathered. For this service, students were seated in mixed-grade and mixed-division groups, a departure from our usual all-school gatherings. Throughout the gym, Lower, Middle, and Upper School students sat side by side, practicing what it looks like to be in community with people who may be different from them.

Upper School students arrived first and took on the role of hosts, greeting and guiding Middle and Lower School students as they entered. Holding handmade signs created by Lower School students, they helped ensure that everyone found their place. Members of the Faith in Action student committee served as ushers, offering support and modeling leadership rooted in service.

The chapel itself wove together beloved elements from across the school. Lower School students brought joy and energy through song and movement. Everyone got a workout during the up-and-down enthusiasm of the Lower School classic Hallelu, Hallelu. A Middle School student opened the service with a guiding question, inviting everyone to turn and talk with their neighbors. Four Middle School students joined four Upper School students, members of the original Gospel Acting troupe, to act out the Gospel lesson and bring the story of the Good Samaritan to life. The Acafellas and the Upper School choir lifted powerful voices that filled the room and anchored the service in music and meaning.

We were especially honored to welcome the Rev. Dr. Dorothy White as our guest homilist. Her message invited us to reflect on what it means to be a neighbor, the very question Jesus posed to his audience in the Gospel lesson, and encouraged us to dream boldly and to become everything God dreams for us to be.

This chapel was also our second Nametag Day, a simple but meaningful practice that helped students and adults notice one another by name. Across divisions, nametags supported conversations, connections, and a shared sense of dignity and belonging, reinforcing the values at the heart of the service.

As we look back on this gathering, we are grateful for the many ways our community showed up with intention, joy, and care. May the spirit of this chapel continue to shape how we see one another, who we choose to define as our "neighbor," how we choose to act, and how we carry Dr. King’s vision of love and justice into our life here at CCES.

See more photos from the service here.

On Thursday, January 15, CCES Upper School students and faculty gathered in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd for the annual Epiphany Chapel service to celebrate the beginning of Epiphany season and the naming of our CCES Epiphany Scholar. This scholarship was established in 1991 and is advanced by the Rector of Christ Church Episcopal to honor a student who exemplifies a commitment to Christian values through worship, sensitivity, and outreach to others. The student should also exemplify a personal manifestation of love of God and God’s people in one’s daily life at school, at church, and within the community. This year’s Epiphany Scholar Award recipient is Hamilton Shew ’26.

Upper School Spanish Teacher Brad Greer introduced Hamilton, describing him as a  “student committed to his Christian beliefs and someone who exudes the joy and inner peace that I believe can only be manifested as a result of deep, genuine faith.” 

As Hamilton’s Spanish teacher, Señor Greer reflected on the impact he has had on the Cavalier community. Despite facing a series of major reconstructive surgeries that prevented him from participating in athletics for several years, Hamilton’s light and positivity have never wavered. Señor Greer fondly recalled Hamilton’s deep, contagious laugh - always paired with an infectious, ear-to-ear grin. He closed with a heartfelt charge: “From teacher to student, I want to say thank you for being a light for me and for others in a world that desperately needs it, and for reminding me not to stop looking for the good.”

Samuel Levy ’26, didn’t hesitate when asked to speak about his close friend, describing him as “one of the most genuine and kind people I know.” While Hamilton excels both academically and athletically, Samuel says his achievements never go to his head. Reflecting on advice his dad once gave him - to surround himself with people who are “what you see is what you get” - Samuel points to Hamilton as the perfect example. “He doesn’t hide behind a persona to appeal to others,” Samuel shared. “His kindness and thoughtfulness are completely genuine.”

Congratulations to Hamilton, our 2026 Epiphany Scholar! CCES is grateful for the light and positivity you have brought to this school community, and how you uplift everyone around you. 
 

Throughout the summer and fall semester, the CCES College Counseling team has been actively supporting students to navigate the college search and application journey. The College Counseling team, including Director of College Counseling, Linda Schulz, along with Associate Directors, Bartley Sides and Lindsey Waters, offered a wide range of resources from personalized advising, informative sessions, and ongoing support, to help students feel confident and prepared. Here’s a look back at the busy and exciting semester! 

For Seniors:

• 2 Essay Writing Workshops (June/July)
• 4 College Application Workshops (July/August)
• College Night for Seniors and Parents
• Paying For College meeting for Seniors and Juniors
• Various CavCircles focused on the college application process
• Apps and Snacks events for seniors (students are welcome to drop in, work on their applications, and enjoy a snack!)
• Numerous individual meetings guiding seniors through deadlines, testing strategies, brainstorming/editing essays, and submitting applications
• Handle with Care: Admission Decision Season (virtual presentation offering support for parents of seniors) 

For Juniors:

• College Night for Juniors and Parents
• Individual college planning meetings with Juniors starting in November
• Numerous CavCircles for Juniors focused on self-reflection and college planning

For Sophomores: 

• Students updated their activities résumé with additional extracurricular activities and community service during CavCircle
• They participated in College Counselor Trivia and had the opportunity to get to know the counseling team
• They discussed admissions myths and common worries about the college process with their peers and had their questions answered live

The College Counseling team is also committed to giving our students direct access to universities. This fall, over 50 college and university admission representatives visited CCES to meet with students and share information about their schools. Our college counselors also serve on several college advisory boards – attending meetings at institutions such as Furman, Mercer, UT Knoxville, USC, and High Point. Additionally, they visited numerous colleges, including Kenyon, Belmont, Lipscomb, ETSU, and Clemson’s College of Business.

In addition to our regular programming, the College Counseling team participated in several events to stay connected with the broader college admissions community. Mrs. Waters attended the NACAC Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio and where she connected with over 6,000 college admissions professionals and heard renowned author and researcher Brené Brown’s keynote speech.  Mrs. Schulz also co-chaired the Greenville County College Fair, an event that served over 2,500 students and Upstate families, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with a wide range of colleges. Finally, Mr. Sides was asked by the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS) to help author a blog post about our office’s Instagram account (Follow them @ccescollegecounseling)!

While they take their work seriously, they also know how to have fun! For Halloween, they dressed up as Mother Nature, Sun, and Storms characters and handed out candy during lunch, spreading joy among the students.
As always, the College Counseling team at CCES has gone above and beyond this semester to support our students and families with workshops and individual guidance to fun and festive moments! 

Learn more about our College Counseling program here and follow them on Instagram here.