For 13 years, Lily Thomas ’24 called CCES home — a place where her passion for the performing arts began and where her talent blossomed. Now, as a sophomore at Clemson University, Lily is embracing an exciting new chapter that recently took her from the classroom to the movie set.

This summer, Lily had the opportunity of a lifetime when she starred in Student Film: The Movie, a project funded by the South Carolina Film Commission Grant. The film was produced by Clemson World Cinema Professor of Practice, Sam Sokolow, along with BrandCinema, and the film was written by Julia Fowler, who is known for her work in Southern comedy. After an extensive audition process, Lily landed one of the starring roles.

Unlike traditional films, A Student Film: The Movie incorporates improv from its actors, which gave Lily the chance to showcase her creativity and adaptability on screen — skills she’s been honing since her days performing at CCES.

At Clemson, Lily is majoring in Performing Arts with a concentration in Theatre and an emphasis in Acting, while also pursuing a minor in Animal Science. Her path to this point began in fifth grade, when she took the stage in Shrek The Musical, Jr. at CCES. From that moment on, Lily performed in every production the school offered.

She fondly recalls learning from Upper School Theatre Teacher Reed Halverson, particularly during her time performing in Hello, Dolly! with Mill Town Players. “That was a pivotal experience for me. Working with acting professionals really opened my eyes,” Lily reflected.

When it came time to apply for college, Lily had always dreamed of attending Clemson. With the encouragement and guidance of Lindsey Waters, Associate Director of College Counseling, Lily successfully navigated the early-action audition process and received her acceptance in December 2024. “Ms. Waters was such a support throughout that whole process,” Lily said. “She truly cared and helped me get where I wanted to go.”

Looking back on her time at CCES, Lily says the lessons she learned went far beyond the stage. “My ability to make connections and talk to people in a business setting is something I learned at CCES,” she said. “I’m not intimidated in those environments. I know how to communicate clearly and professionally.” She credits her teachers for her ability to be intentional and confident in her communication.

Lily also expressed deep gratitude to Lower School Music Teacher Joy Hughes, who gave her early opportunities to perform and explore her love of singing and acting.

So, when can we catch Lily on screen? A Student Film; The Movie is set to premiere at Clemson in Spring 2026. We can’t wait to cheer her on.

Congratulations, Lily! Your CCES family is so proud of you and excited to see where your passion and talent take you next.

Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the successes of senior student-athlete, Bo Lowrance, during a signing ceremony on November 12. Family, teammates, coaches, and teachers gathered in the Hartness Performing Arts Center’s Rooke Theater, applauding as Bo committed to play baseball at the University of Virginia. 

Director of Athletics, Molly Miller, described Bo as a “true leader both on and off the field,” noting his humility and dedication to his craft. While Bo’s talent is undeniable, his coaches emphasized that it’s his leadership – particularly the way he mentors younger players -- that truly sets him apart and will leave a lasting impact on the Cavalier Baseball program.

Bo is described by his teachers as a student who combines confidence, kindness, and authenticity. He is resilient, disciplined, and self-motivated -- someone who can always be counted on. 

Congrats to Bo on all he's accomplished at CCES and the exciting opportunities ahead in his athletic career at the University of Virginia. While he’ll soon be on a new team, he'll always be a Cavalier. Go Cavs!
 

67 CCES Upper School students recently traveled to Columbia to take part in the 2025 South Carolina Youth in Government Conference (YIG) - an immersive experience where students step into the roles of legislators, lawyers, judges, and public officials. This year, CCES was represented by five Mock Trial teams and ten Model Legislature bill partners.

Amanda De Leon ’26 served as the acting Attorney General after being elected to the position last year. In this prestigious role, she spoke on bills relating to the courts and argued for the state in the final appeals showcase.

In Mock Trial, Amelia Koch ’26 and Dodson Kramer ’26 served as presiding judges and were later promoted to special staff - a highly selective and prestigious position that allows them to evaluate scoring alongside senior resource staff members. Hadley Miller ’27 and Sheamus Schellenger ’27 represented CCES’s first-ever Appellate Court team, earning recognition as Outstanding Justice and Outstanding Appeals Attorney, respectively.

Model Legislature students also excelled. Adelaide de Brux ’28, Maggy Hinds ’28, Isabella Melo ’28, and Merry Clark ’28 each saw their bills passed, while Liz Beckham ’29 earned the Outstanding Statesman Award. 

Congratulations to all our CCES students who participated in Youth in Government and made the trip to Columbia a success!
 

On November 6th, two talented Upper School students were honored with Fine Arts Scholarship Awards during the All Saints and Arts Chapel service. These awards celebrate students who have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication to the arts, continuing a legacy of creativity and excellence.

The Chris Ferrell Scholarship Award was established to honor the memory of Chris Ferrell ’89. This award recognizes a member of the sophomore, junior, or senior class who has demonstrated outstanding gifts and performances in the Fine Arts. The recipient of this year’s award was Chloe Korsedal ’26. 

Chloe Korsedal received her award from Upper School Choir Director Todd Monsell, who praised her “easygoing nature, consistent effort, high level of musicianship, unmistakable style, and natural leadership qualities.” Mr. Monsell also shared reflections from fellow teachers, including Upper School Theatre Teacher Reed Halvorson, who described Chloe as “a versatile team player who can quickly whip up two portraits (like in Hound of the Baskervilles) or sing harmony in a nasty gang (like Les Misérables).” Chloe’s friends and classmates, Zoe Yearby ’26 and Sarah Baden ’26 (Bowie), also spoke on her behalf, reminiscing about years of performing together in school productions. They noted that Chloe’s “talent is immense, yet her skill somehow manages to increase with every production. Whether it’s through an ensemble role or as the lead, Chloe always finds a way to go to outer space in terms of effort.”

The Richard Buckley Jacques Award, established in honor of Buckley Jacques ’07, was next. Buckley, a beloved member of the Christ Church community, was known for his humor, adventurous spirit, and passion for the arts, particularly in digital design. Established in 2016, this award honors an Upper School student who demonstrates exceptional talent in digital media, including photography, film, web design, or other forms of digital art.

This year’s recipient was Beau Brashier ’27, who Upper School Digital Media Teacher Owen Riley described as an exceptional photographer with an “artistic vision that has produced beautiful, mysterious, and stunning landscapes and wildlife images worthy of National Geographic.” Jacob Abrams ’27 also spoke, highlighting his friend’s sense of humor, adventurous spirit, and his love of the outdoors. He praised Beau’s creative streak, whether it’s behind the camera in photography class or sketching something random on his papers in class.

These Fine Arts Scholarship Awards provide an opportunity for CCES to recognize and celebrate the artistic gifts of current students while honoring the lives of those who came before them. Congratulations to Chloe and Beau -- whose talent, dedication, and contributions to the arts continue to inspire our community.
 

At Christ Church Episcopal School, cheerleading is more than a sideline sport, it’s the heartbeat of Cavalier spirit. Since it began in 1972, the CCES cheer program has brought energy, enthusiasm, and unity to the Cavalier community. Head Varsity Cheer Coach Caiti Miller shared that while the program has traditionally been sideline-focused, its emphasis on school spirit is what truly makes it special, and “it makes the girls full of school pride.” From cheering on our Cavaliers under the Friday night lights to performing at CavFest, the Kickoff Carnival, and pep rallies, our cheerleaders bring fun and Cavalier pride to every event.

Coach Miller noted that the team’s bond is one of its greatest strengths. “The girls are basically sisters,” she said. “They’ve all grown up together, and the relationships between the underclassmen and upperclassmen are incredible.” That sense of family - combined with teamwork, communication, and shared goals - helps the program thrive year after year. Each season, the cheerleaders challenge themselves to grow as athletes, leaders, and teammates.

Among those leaders is senior captain Sarah Spratlin Bullock ’26, a thirteen-year veteran who embodies what it means to be a Cavalier. Following in her mother’s cheerleading footsteps, she began her own journey in the Lower School while participating in Mini Cavs and Junior Cavs. Now as senior captain, two-time UCA All-American, and recipient of the Most Spirited and Veteran of the Year awards, Sarah Spratlin has definitely made her mark on the cheer program. And this winter, she’ll take her Cavalier pride across the Atlantic, representing CCES in the London New Year’s Parade.

For Sarah Spratlin, cheer has always been about encouragement and connection. “Everyone needs a little motivation,” she said. “Whether it’s an athlete or just someone in your life, everyone needs a cheerleader.” As a leader, she strives to embody that same support for her teammates. “I want to be someone people can come to, I just want to listen and help,” she shared. Her approachable and kind leadership has helped cultivate the sisterly bond that defines the CCES cheer team. 

Her favorite memory? The electric moment during this year’s Riverside game when the Cavaliers stormed the field after a thrilling win. “Everyone was having fun - it was so special,” she recalled.

Outside of cheer, she has immersed herself in nearly every corner of campus life - balancing cheerleading with theatre, choir, and leadership roles. She’s performed in fall dramas and spring musicals, served as an assistant director in Middle School productions, held positions as Prom Chair and Student Ambassador, and was even crowned the 2025 Homecoming Queen.

Despite her hectic schedule, Sarah Spratlin has excelled academically. Looking ahead, she hopes to attend Clemson University’s Honors College, with Georgia and Notre Dame also on her list. She plans to major in genetics or biology and pursue a career in medicine - possibly as an OB-GYN.

Her advice to future CCES cheerleaders? “Do it. It’s such a great community - it helps you get out of your shell, boosts your confidence, and connects you to the school.”

From the sidelines to the stage, Sarah Spratlin Bullock leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and a spirit of inspiration and leadership that define what it means to be a Cavalier. 

On Tuesday, October 21, six members of the CCES Upper School Choir represented the Cavaliers at the South Carolina Western Region Choir held at Furman University. Throughout the day, they joined more than 275 talented high school singers from 26 upstate schools for an intensive day of rehearsals under the direction of Dr. Gregory Graf, Director of Choral Activities at North Greenville University. Accompanied by Todd Monsell, Upper School Choir Director, and Jonathon Reid, Middle School Choir Director, the ensemble came together that evening to deliver a moving performance for family and friends.

It was a day filled with music, collaboration, and inspiration - an unforgettable experience for our students. Hear what it was like firsthand from Izzy Kimmell '26 below.

"Having been in choir at Christ Church since third grade, I thought that I would be used to singing in a group by now, but the experience at SC Western Region Choir was vastly different from what I had expected. Though I attended last year, this time felt completely new. I realized how much the director truly shapes the choir’s spirit, and it gave me a new appreciation for how much Mr. Monsell does to make the choir experience at our school so special. We spent nearly six hours singing together, and our director’s energy never faded. His enthusiasm was contagious and made the experience so much more enjoyable; he taught us new words, techniques, and countless analogies that made the music practically come to life. I learned how to sing in a much larger group and better collaborate with the people around me, as singing with 300 is much different than singing with 30. Everyone there shared the same excitement and emotional connection to the music, and it was truly amazing to be surrounded by so many people who love singing as much as I do. When the concert ended, I was surprised at how suddenly it was over. After spending so much time in a single day preparing, our performance felt fleeting. Even though I was sad that the day was over, I was comforted by the fact that I got to go back to choir class the next day with my friends and our amazing director Mr. Monsell. The entire experience reminded me exactly what I love about being in choir: the community, the music, and the joy of creating something beautiful together."

Congratulations to:
Katherine Bernuy-Bates ’26, Anna Drake ’28, Charlotte Darby ’29, Izzy Kimmell ’26, Julian Monsell ’26, and Jordyn Walsh ’28!

Sometimes the best groups come together in the most unexpected ways. That was the case for The Jerries—a band made up of CCES students Jerry Gan ’27, Powers McKissick ’26, and Anabelle Levy ’26, along with alumni Hunter Frederick ’25, Alex Greene ’25, Sierra Kremenliev ’25, and John Walter Whisenhunt ’25. Different ages, different friend groups, and different paths, yet their shared love of music created something unforgettable.

The idea began with the encouragement of CCES Upper School Theater Teacher, Reed Halvorson, who encouraged the students to try playing together; each member bringing their unique skillset ranging from violin to drums, their first performance was a night to remember. Their inaugural show took place during the Young Artist Series in September of 2024. From there, The Jerries hit the stage at Prom in the spring of 2025, and later capped off their run with a memorable final concert on the eve of the Class of 2025 graduation. That last show wasn’t just about music—it was about giving back. The Jerries chose to host the concert as a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House, raising $2,500 through ticket and merchandise sales.

For Jerry ’27, a member of the Teen Leadership Board for the Ronald McDonald House, the cause was deeply personal. He underwent a medical procedure over the summer, and seeing his parents juggle between caring for him and managing the hassles of being away from home, he learned firsthand just how many challenges families face in these situations. “I’ve always valued the RMHC’s mission,” Jerry shared. “These families are especially vulnerable and there are not a lot of charities like the RMHC that care for them. I’m really thankful that I was able to help in some small way.”

The Jerries’ benefit concert was made possible by the support and creativity of CCES Assistant Technical Director JT Rider, Technical Director and Production Manager John King, and Director of the Arts Katie Leckenbusch, who all helped bring the event to life. Jerry also shared special thanks for Upper School Counselor Zay Kittredge ‘06, who stayed through their entire dress rehearsal, the CCES security team for ensuring the event ran smoothly, and the Head of Upper School, Wes Clarke, who gave the green light for the concert and helped coordinate security. “We couldn’t have done it without each and every single one of them,” Jerry emphasized.

When asked about their time together, The Jerries looked back with nothing but fondness. They laughed about the funny moments, remembered the thrill of performing, and expressed gratitude to CCES for giving them the space to create music and memories together. Some of their favorite moments were simply being together on campus the day before graduation, knowing they were part of something bigger than themselves.

This summer, the group reunited once more—not on stage, but at the Ronald McDonald House to present their $2,500 check. It was a moment none of them will soon forget.

With four members now in college and three still at CCES, fans can’t help but wonder—will there ever be a reunion tour? While the future is uncertain, one thing is for sure: The Jerries left a lasting impact on CCES and the Greenville community. And in the meantime, you can relive a bit of their magic by streaming The Jerries’ Christmas Album on Spotify.

Last week, we joined schools around the world in celebrating Episcopal Schools Celebration Week, a time each year when the Episcopal school community pauses to reflect on what it means to be rooted in this rich and life-giving tradition. At CCES, we used the week to take a closer look at our own Episcopal Identity—what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes the daily life and flourishing of our school community.

The week began with a faculty and staff professional development day led by our Faith in Action committee. They guided us through thoughtful conversations about what Episcopal Identity looks like, sounds like, and feels like here at CCES. Together, we imagined how this identity might take even deeper root in our classrooms, on the stage, and on the playing field. In the afternoon, we put faith into action by serving at more than twenty locations across Greenville (including Project Host, Ronald McDonald House, Serenity Place, and the Dream Center).

Throughout the week, students in every division helped anchor our community in prayer by beginning each school day with words of blessing and gratitude over the intercom. In chapel, we heard from both students and faculty in a deeply impactful panel discussion about what it means to be an Episcopal school. Those reflections carried into CavCircles, where students shared ways to live out these values in their own lives and with one another.

Parents joined the celebration as well. The chaplains, in partnership with Cavalier Social Connection, hosted a Parent Enrichment Session on Episcopal Identity in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd the following week, creating space for curiosity, conversation, and connection around the heart of our shared mission.

We give thanks for the deep Episcopal roots that nourish life at CCES and for the joy of celebrating them together. Stay tuned for more opportunities to explore and live into our Episcopal Identity as a community!

On September 20, the CCES Debate Team hosted the first debate tournament held on our campus in decades. For a little perspective—the very first time a computer was ever used to host a debate tournament in South Carolina, it happened right here at Christ Church Episcopal School. It’s been about that long since we’ve hosted one ourselves, making this event both a proud revival and a milestone moment.

It was a big deal for our students to bring Speech & Debate back to CCES in such a meaningful way. The tournament welcomed around 300 participants: 180 student competitors, approximately 100 judges, and a wonderful group of parents and CCES volunteers who made it all possible.

I am incredibly proud of our founding members—Amanda de Leon, Samantha Hartung, Max Schmoll-Nassar, Izzy Kimmell, Jerry Gan, and Hamilton Shew—who transformed this club from a dream into a thriving community in just three years. Their leadership, passion, and perseverance not only built a foundation for the future of Speech & Debate at CCES but also set the stage for lasting impact.

While we remain a small team, we hope this tournament will serve as a springboard to even greater growth and recognition. Our students are drawn to Speech & Debate because it embodies the very heart of what it means to be a Cavalier—character, community, excellence, and service. Through competition, they are gaining the confidence and communication skills that enable them to influence others and create meaningful change.

After all, how much change has ever truly come through an email or a social media post? It is the power of speech and rhetoric that moves the needle. Few activities prepare students more effectively to thrive in a global, interconnected world than Speech & Debate.

We can’t wait to see what’s next for our team—and for this enduring tradition.