CCES had eight varsity teams in action this fall, with 49 student-athletes who were named All-Region and/or All-State in their respective sports. Congratulations to all!

Baseball
All-Region: John Walter Whisenhunt, Bo Lowrance, Carter Phillips

Boys Golf (State Runner-Up)
All-Region: John Waldrop, Heyward Jennings, Henry Wofford
All-State: John Waldrop, Heyward Jennings 

Girls Lacrosse 
4A Attack of the Year: Foster Miller
Foster Miller - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Lexie Sobocinski - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Kate Marguet - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Maggie Chernez - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Adelaide de Brux - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Kathryn Toomey - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Sydney Shaw - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Catharine Easterling - 2nd Team All-Upper State
Mae Harmon Hatfield - 2nd Team All-Upper State
Julia Davis - 2nd Team All-Upper State

Boys Lacrosse
Ryan Doherty - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Will Morton - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
William Roye - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
James Bowie - 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Aiden Feltman - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
JT Harrell - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Reid Von Wyl - 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Bates Mann - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Wright Goldsmith - Honorable Mention All-State, 2nd Team All-Upper State
Connor Thompson - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Augustus de Brux - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Ryan Von Wyl - Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Upper State
Wallace Conger - 1st Team All-Upper State
Will Marguet - 2nd Team All-Upper State
Banks Horton - 2nd Team All-Upper State

Girls Soccer (Upper State Champions, Region Champions)
Region Coach of the Year: Jacob Rawlings
Region Player of the Year: Amelia Spinks 
All-Region: Grace Harrell, Sophia Mahfood, Sophia Tzouvelekas, Amelia Spinks, Lulu Waecker, Laura Morgan
All-State: Grace Harrell, Sophia Mahfood, Laura Morgan, Amelia Spinks, Sophia Tzouvelekas 

Boys Soccer
All-Region: William Ossmann, Payne Hornish, Mateo Gärtner Laviña, Rodrigo Marques 
All-State: Mateo Gärtner Laviña, Payne Hornish

Boys Tennis (Region Champions)
Region Co-Coach of the Year: Wallace Adams-Riley
All-Region Singles: Carson Bowers, Tucker Hendrix

Track & Field
Region Champions: Jude Hall (110H and 400H), Wallace Cheves (Long Jump), Kendall Foster (800m), Alina Uguz (High Jump)
All-State: Ryder Kent (800m), Kendall Foster (800m), Alina Uguz (High Jump) 

Congratulations to these CCES athletes, coaches, and teams for these honors and recognitions! Go Cavs!
 

While summer break offers a slower pace for many, CCES athletes and coaches keep moving. Whether it’s early morning lifts, team practices, or traveling to college camps, the work continues - on the field, in the weight room, around the track, and on the court. Nearly every athletic program at CCES uses the summer months to grow as a team, build strength, and lay the groundwork for the season ahead. 

“Summer training lays the foundation for skill development, physical readiness, and team culture,” Head Varsity Volleyball Coach Jamiyae Mattress noted. While each sport takes a unique approach to summer training, the commitment across programs is universal: 

• Volleyball: The volleyball program practices three times a week, with every session centered on building fundamentals and chemistry. Traditions like “hype partners” and the “Cavalier Circle” create accountability and trust among the team. They also compete in preseason scrimmages to identify areas of growth before official matches begin. 
• Football: The Cavaliers’ summer is packed with early morning workouts including on-field practice, weight training, speed work, and weekly competitions like 7-on-7 tournaments and lineman camps (including Wofford College and Eastern Kentucky University). Players are divided into Accountability Teams, led by seniors, with points awarded for attendance and team challenges. The summer wraps up with a beach-themed cookout and slip-and-slide celebration.
• Boys Basketball: With 2-4 practices a week and attending several camps (including Georgia Tech and the SCHSL Live Tournament), “this is when the coaches decide how the season will be played,” said Head Varsity Basketball Coach John Butler. Players compete for key roles, help shape game strategies, and build chemistry through overnight camps and the annual team bowling tournament.
• Boys Cross Country: Twice-weekly coach-led workouts and captain-organized group runs build a foundation of running fitness over the summer that leads to race-specific training starting in August. Runners aim for milestone goals like 200 miles or 40+ running days. Traditions like Saturday post-run Waffle House breakfasts and an early August retreat to Blowing Rock, NC build relationships that are key to the team’s core value: “Run Together.” 

Other sports, including baseball and lacrosse, are also hitting the weight room, developing their skills, and participating in tournaments and camps throughout the summer. And at the heart of it all is our Strength & Conditioning program, run by Coach DJ Johnson, designed with tailored programs that support in-season performance, injury prevention, and year-round athletic progression.

Behind every committed Cavalier athlete is a coach who’s just as dedicated, and the summer season gives them the chance to work with athletes on a more individualized level, focusing on areas of growth that might be harder to address mid-season. From physical development to building team culture, coaches are intentional about making every moment count. “We challenge the guys everyday,” stated Quin Hatfield, Head Varsity Football Coach. “We strive for a culture where our players embrace hard work and don't back down from challenges.”

That culture is seen throughout the CCES Athletics Program, where coaches and athletes alike buy into the grind. From early morning starts on the football field to grueling mileage in cross country, the shared sacrifice of summer fosters resilience and unity. “It’s tough to run in the heat,” said Charlie Woodward, Head Boys Varsity Cross Country Coach, “but having teammates beside you makes the difference. We run together.” The summer might be a short season, but the habits, mindset, and bonds it builds last all year. 

For the full Summer CTC Schedule, click here. 
 

On May 22, 2025, we gathered at Avenue in downtown Greenville for a truly special evening—the Head of School Dinner (previously known as the Headmaster Dinner) honoring the Christ Church Episcopal School Class of 2025. This event marked a one of the final times our seniors came together as students before commencement, a meaningful tradition that has taken place for over four decades. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, joy, and reflection as we celebrated their journey and looked ahead to all that’s to come—including bright futures at institutions like Yale, Princeton, Clemson, USC, the United States Air Force Academy, and many more.

All 109 members of the senior class were in attendance, joined by their senior advisors and members of the CCES Leadership Team. Head of School David Padilla, kicked off the evening with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a night to remember.

The program featured thoughtful and inspiring words from guest speaker and CCES Alumni Association President, Robert DiBenedetto '10, who spoke about the importance of being a CCES alumnus. He encouraged the seniors to embrace their new role in the CCES community, highlighting the value of staying connected and the lifelong pride of being a Cavalier. I had the pleasure of also sharing a few words as Director of Young Alumni Relations and Communications, welcoming the Class of 2025 into our vibrant alumni network.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came at the end of the program, when each student received a gift bag from the CCES Alumni Relations Team. Inside were special keepsakes: a newly designed CCES Alumni shirt, a custom alumni mug, a personal note from me, and—perhaps the most heartwarming—a drawing from each student’s Primer buddy. It was a meaningful reminder of how far they've come and the bright future that lies ahead.

To our incredible Class of 2025- I’m so excited for all that’s ahead for you. The Alumni Relations Team and I are cheering you on every step of the way!

See photos from the Head of School dinner here.

At CCES, getting students “college ready” is a comprehensive, multi-year process that starts in early grades and culminates in the Upper School, where three outstanding college counselors are committed to working one-on-one with each student to help them find their college fit. In 2018, CCES College Counseling took their individualized and all-encompassing curriculum a step further by introducing Transitions to College: School Life, Academics, and Healthy Relationships. This three-day series for seniors focuses on the things that we all wish someone had taught us before we left for college.

This year, Transitions to College Programming kicked off with a conversation about personal finances with Ben Worley from Northwestern Mutual. Worley explained steps to build a strong financial foundation as well as basic financial skills, including the importance of time when investing, creating a budget, and cash flow management. He shared personal experiences, recommended helpful resources, and offered insightful answers to questions from students.

Students rounded out day one with an Alumni Panel held in the Performing Arts Center. Moderated by Associate Director of College Counseling, Lindsey Waters, the six recent CCES alumni shared personal college experiences, advice for college life, and answered questions including: 

• What is something that surprised you about college?
• What do you wish you had known before entering college?
• How have you found opportunities to get involved?
• Have your study skills changed from high school?
• What do you miss most about CCES?

Panelists included: Kayla Bress ’24 (Auburn University), Ciarán Doggart Greer ’24 (Berry College), Arya Krishniah ’24 (Duke University), Louise Martin ’24 (Texas Christian University), Lilly Shoffner ’24 (Washington and Lee University), and Lilly Thomas ’24 (Clemson University). 

On Tuesday, seniors participated in self-defense classes with Terence and Ashley Brister from Unified Self Defense. Terence is the owner and a State Certified Law Enforcement Officer with 13 years of experience in the military, law enforcement, and personal protection services. Ashley is the Class Coordinator of Unified Self Defense, a home invasion survivor, and a huge advocate of self-defense classes. The pair educated students in simple and effective self-defense techniques, such as a head block, knee strike, and palm heel strike, that they could easily retain. 
 
Seniors concluded this series with a discussion on Health and Safety with guest speakers Aaron Whited (12th Grade Dean of Students), Stacey Ejiri (Middle/Upper School Nurse), Zay Kittredge (Upper School Counselor), and Amy Rogers (Registrar and OCC Coordinator). Speakers covered a wide range of topics - from personal college experiences and building healthy relationships to a parent’s perspective and overall health and safety - while also answering student questions. Following the presentations, students participated in hands-on CPR training.

This programming led into senior service programming on Thursday, which included the Senior Breakfast on campus, off-campus community service, graduation rehearsal, and the Head of School’s Dinner. 

The “Transitions to College” program would not be possible without the coordination of the Upper School Administration and College Counseling Teams, as well as the generous guest speakers and alumni who take time to share with students. The Class of 2025 will soon graduate academically prepared through the CCES college-prep curriculum and more college-ready thanks to the Transitions to College series. 
 

This year, the Underclassmen Awards and Senior Awards were combined into one joyful celebration. We will be covering the awards in more depth in the Fall 2025 issue of Highlights.

On Thursday, May 15, the Upper School student body gathered together in the Hartness Performing Arts Center’s Rooke Theater for the 2025 Upper School Awards Ceremony. Head of School, David Padilla, welcomed everyone and offered his congratulations to the individuals who would be recognized. Mr. Padilla was followed by Head of the Upper School, Wes Clarke, who reflected on this ceremony as a wonderful celebration of the CCES community.

The first set of awards were presented by Amanda Beckrich, Assistant Head of the Upper School. These included the Cavalier Spirit Awards as well as several named awards honoring the memories of former CCES students and/or teachers.

The Cavalier Spirit Awards are given in recognition of a girl and a boy from the Ninth Grade and from the Tenth Grade who exemplify the Cavalier Spirit, characterized by integrity, enthusiasm, outreach to others, and cooperation. The recipients of the Ninth Grade Cavalier Spirit Awards were Fin Adams-Riley and Mary Eleanor Gouch. The recipients of the Tenth Grade Cavalier Spirit Awards were Dewey Henderson and Hadley Miller.

The Daniela Dacco Award is selected by members of the sophomore class and given in memory of Daniela Dacco ’73, the first CCES exchange student. The award recognizes the sophomore who exhibits leadership, concern, and sensitivity for others. The recipient of the 2025 Daniela Dacco Award was Isabella Agnew. 

The Katy James Award was established in memory of Judith Katherine James ’13 and is awarded to a member of the sophomore class who pursues diverse interests with joy and enthusiasm. This award recognizes an individual who, in the ninth and tenth grade years, has distinguished him or herself in athletics, arts, and academic pursuits, as Katy did. The recipient of the 2025 Katy James Award was Judd Windham.

The Meghan McManus Memorial Award is given in memory of Meghan McManus ’14 to a senior girl who best exemplifies the qualities for which Meghan was known: a faithful and committed Christian; a compassionate friend to all; an intelligent, grounded, and level-headed young lady; and a well-rounded student, one accomplished academically, athletically, and artistically. The recipient of the 2025 Meghan McManus Memorial Award was Ava Pitts.

The Connor McManus Memorial Award is given in memory of Connor McManus ’17 to a freshman boy who best exemplifies those qualities for which Connor was known: a faithful and committed Christian; an empathetic friend with a big heart for the underdog; enthusiasm for school sports and service; a fun-loving student with a dry wit; and an avid reader. The recipient of the 2025 Connor McManus Memorial Award was Nehemiah Lomax.

The Kathy Adamee Award was established in honor of former CCES English teacher, Kathy Adamee, after 34 years of service in both the Middle School and Upper School English departments. This award recognizes a student in the sophomore class who has demonstrated the greatest growth and/or skill in the areas of academic research and oral presentation in his or her Sophomore Project. The recipient of the 2025 Kathy Adamee Award was Ellis Trail. 

The Anna Gibbins Young Women’s Leadership Award was established in memory of Anna Gibbins, who demonstrated her devotion to CCES through her work as a CCES parent, a member of the Board of Trustees, and as Assistant Director of Development in the school’s first Development Office. This award is given to a female from the junior class to encourage leadership development and exploration of interests through a unique summer program opportunity. The 2025 Anna Gibbins Young Women’s Leadership Award recipient was Katherine Bernuy-Bates.

 ***
Vaughn Vick, 11th Grade Dean of Students, joined college counselors Linda Schulz, Bartley Sides, and Lindsey Waters to present the 2025 Collegiate Book Awards, which are sponsored by college admission offices and local college alumni associations. The award recipients are selected by Upper School faculty. This year’s award recipients were:

Wrigley Valle, Columbia University Book Award
Kinsley Bitner, Dartmouth College Book Award
Isabella Agnwe, High Point University Book Award
Isabella Kimmell, Hollins University Creative Writing Book Award
Graham Smith, Rhodes College Book Award
Amelia Koch, Tulane University Book Award
Camila Lopez-Jordan, Wake Forest Book Award
Riley Glenn, Washington and Lee University Book Award
Priya Lafeber, Hollins University Mary Beth Hatten Award for Science and Scholarship
Isabella Kanos, University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award
Nick Pritchard, University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology
Alexis Sobocinski, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award
Katy Cox, West Point Leadership Award
Molly Reed, George Eastman Young Leaders Award
Amanda de Leon, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award

***

Next, Student Council President, Tucker Hendrix, and Honor Council Chair, Skylyr Yearby, presented the Jones Endowment Faculty Award. This award was established in memory of two former CCES teachers, Catherine Wing Jones and her daughter, Ellen Jones Donkle ’74. Members of both the CCES Student Council and Honor Council select the recipient, a faculty or staff member of the Upper School who demonstrates genuine commitment to his or her subject area of responsibility. The 2025 Jones Endowment Faculty Award was Father Wallace Adams-Riley, Senior Chaplain. Described by students as someone whose “dedication touches the lives of each student and teacher he comes in contact with,” Father Wallace is known for greeting students with a beaming smile each morning and his desire for meaningful conversations. He is genuine in his love and care of students and faculty, leaving an impact on all the entire Cavalier community. 

***

The next three awards were presented by Associate Head of School, Dr. Angela Allen.

The Lane Abrams Growth Mindset Award was established in honor of CCES Director of the Achievement Center, Lane Abrams. It recognizes an Upper School student from the freshman, sophomore or junior class who demonstrates achievement while fostering a growth mindset. The awardee is one who exhibits grit and resolve by showing innovation, motivation, and productivity in his or her daily pursuits, both academic and personal. The recipient of the 2025 Lane Abrams Growth Mindset Award was James Bowie. 

The Blair Babb Smoak Memorial Award is given to the junior who, in the opinion of classmates, best exemplifies the qualities by which Blair Babb Smoak ’93 is remembered – a person of genuine sensitivity and caring for others, a leader who is willing to give of self to help at all times, one whose character demonstrates sincerity and dependability, and one who leads by exhibiting all the attributes of a true friend. The recipient of the 2025 Blair Babb Smoak Memorial Award was Sarah Spratlin Bullock. 

The Will Grist Scholarship Award is given in memory of Will Grist Jr. ’99 to a rising senior who demonstrates Will’s qualities of honesty, integrity, compassion, and gentleness; a true friend with a zest for life; a wonderful sense of humor; respect for the dignity of the individual and consideration for others. The recipient of the 2025 Will Grist Scholarship Award was Sarah Spratlin Bullock.

***

The next three awards were presented by Head of School, David Padilla.

The Jackie Messer Rogers Scholarship Award was established in honor of Jackie Messer Rogers by her children – Charles Jack Rogers ’80 and Mary Rogers Guy ’82. It is awarded to the rising senior with the highest cumulative GPA at CCES in grades nine, ten, and eleven through the first semester, with concentration in AP or IB course work. The recipient of the 2025 Jackie Messer Rogers Scholarship Award was Isabella Kanos.

The Roger, Kirk, and Dena Stone Scholarship Award was established in the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. E. Randolph Stone. It is awarded to the rising senior who has been in attendance at CCES continuously since grade nine and who has achieved the highest combination of evidence based reading and writing and math scores on any SAT taken through the end of the junior year. The recipient of the 2025 Roger, Kirk, and Dena Stone Scholarship was Krish Patel.

The Aletta Wood Jervey and Jinks Jervey Page Memorial Scholarship, established by Dr. James Wilkinson Jervey, Jr. and Dr. E. Darrell Jervey is awarded to that member of the graduating class with the most outstanding academic record based on grade point average and quality of academic curriculum from Grades Nine through Twelve at CCES. The recipient of the 2025 Aletta Wood Jervey and Jinks Jervey Page Memorial Scholarship was Eliza Roy. 

Additional awards given were:  

The CCES Community Service Award, presented by Service and Experiential Learning Coordinator Alli Stone, is given in recognition of a senior who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to service within and outside our school community. The recipient of the 2025 CCES Community Service Award was Mackenzie Grove. 

The Chaplain’s Award, presented by Father Wallace, is given to a senior who has demonstrated qualities of Christian leadership at CCES as well as academic excellence. The recipient of the 2025 Chaplain’s Award was Tucker Hendrix. 

The Head of School Award, presented by David Padilla, is given to a senior who best embodies the values of character, community, excellence, and service. By action, consideration, thoughtfulness, academic accomplishment, and general well roundedness, the recipient serves as a model for all that is best about being a Cavalier. The recipient of the 2025 Head of School Award was Chandler Sherman.

Congratulations to all of the award winners at the 2025 Upper School Awards Ceremony!

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!

When you meet Autumn Mayes, one thing becomes clear right away—she’s someone who means business. Whether she’s leading the cheer squad, diving into college-level science coursework, or dreaming up the perfect bakery menu, Autumn carries herself with a sense of purpose and sincerity that sets her apart.

This fall, Autumn will begin her next chapter at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where she plans to study pre-nursing. After receiving acceptances from schools including Spelman, USC, and LSU, Autumn chose FAMU for its warm climate, vibrant campus atmosphere, and strong sense of community. It’s a fitting choice for someone who thrives in close-knit environments and values support, connection, and personal growth.

Autumn’s CCES journey began in 7th grade, and over the years, she found her voice—and her place—through both academics and extracurriculars. She ran track from 7th to 11th grade and cheered throughout high school, serving as co-captain of the cheerleading team her senior year. Ms. Lindsey Waters, Associate Director of College Counseling notes that “In every aspect of her life—whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the broader school community—Autumn demonstrates remarkable resilience, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose.”

“My experience at CCES has been full of community and support,” Autumn shared, a sentiment echoed by those who know her well.

Autumn’s teachers describe her as a determined and focused student, someone who doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Her AP Environmental Science teacher, Ms. Katherine Kramer, recalled how she entered the classroom ready to tackle rigorous coursework, standing out for her work ethic and unwavering commitment to learning.

“Autumn frequently engaged in class discussions and was quick to ask questions,” said Ms. Kramer. “She meant business—and she never let distractions get in her way.”

Autumn’s favorite class at CCES was AP European History, thanks to Ms. Doggart-Greer whose passion for the subject made every lesson engaging. Her love of learning, especially when matched with a passionate educator, is a theme that has carried her through her academic journey.

Autumn is not one to hold back. Her teachers admire her candidness and competitive spirit—qualities that make her a natural leader in the classroom and beyond. “She’s bold,” Ms. Kramer said. “Her drive to succeed was revealed in full force whenever we held review games in class.”

With a heart for helping others and a sharp academic mind, Autumn is set to thrive in her nursing studies and wherever life takes her next. She’s inspired by her sister, Summer Mayes '28 and is driven to be her best self not just for her own future, but for those who look up to her.

When asked what the world needs more of, Autumn responded simply: empathy. It’s a powerful answer from someone who combines strength with heart—someone who’s not afraid to lead, to speak up, and to care deeply.

Congratulations, Autumn! Your courage, drive, and authenticity will take you far—and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make at FAMU and beyond.

In August 2024, Mary White, LS Discovery teacher, Stephanie Morgan, Assistant Head of Lower School and PYP Coordinator, and Primer teacher Grace Toler applied for a Daniel Mickel grant. Ms. Toler’s vision was the creation of a monarch waystation for the existing Primer Garden, while Ms. White and Ms. Morgan sought to create a second garden to serve all Lower School students.

But securing the funds was just the beginning. In the same way seeds take root and grow, the garden project became something even larger and more beautiful than they could have imagined. 

First came the formation of the 3rd grade gardening group, which started in February and meets once a week during lunch. Then came US Science teacher Paulette Unger and some of her students who helped the students collect soil samples in collaboration with the Master Gardeners from Clemson University. “They helped us figure out where the garden should go, what to plant, and what plants we should include for the butterfly waystation,” says Ms. Morgan. “We all learned a lot.”

From there, the CCES Maintenance team cleared space and built four rectangular containers for the gardens. During their weekly meetings, the garden club grabbed shovels and donned t-shirts and filled the containers with soil, put in dividers, and planted the seeds. 

Robyn Liau, who serves on the LS Parents Panel as the PYP parent representative, was involved from the start, working alongside Ms. White, Ms. Morgan, and her son Henry in the gardening group. It was Ms. Liau who had the idea to try to tie the garden to Earth Day. “She reached out to an artist in North Myrtle Beach, Jim Swaim, who does these amazing environmental sculptures that highlight the issue of plastic litter within our communities,” says Ms. Morgan. “He actually did the first rabbit on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.”

Having never worked with a school before, Mr. Swaim jumped at the opportunity. “So then we  collaborated with Director of the Arts Katie Leckenbusch and the CCES Arts Guild on funding to bring him here,” says Ms. Morgan. “It still amazes me how many people in our community made all of this happen. And, in some ways, the evolution was just so natural it felt almost effortless.” 

Mr. Swaim was scheduled to come for the last week of April, while the students learned more about recycling, the effects of plastics on wildlife, and the art of sculpture. “And then our April book selection for PYP and Pajamas, was Soar, which is the story of a hummingbird trying to find its way and ultimately soaring into the world,” says Ms. Morgan. “And on the cover was this beautiful red-throated hummingbird, so we knew exactly what we wanted Mr. Swaim to create for our garden.” 

Every single 3rd grader was able to participate, and the Primers gathered the tops off of plastic bottles to fill the hummingbird’s belly. Mr. Swaim fills the bellies of all of his sculptures with plastic as a reminder of where our discarded plastic often ends up. 

On May 6, prior to the LS Art Show, CCES had a small dedication service for the garden, which was also a celebration of the breadth of collaboration that brought the project to life. From the vision and commitment of our LS teachers to the generosity and support of the Daniel Mickel Foundation and the CCES Arts Guild; from the passion of our our parent volunteers to the partnerships with US science students, Clemson Master Gardeners, and visiting artist Jim Swaim; from the hard work of our CCES Maintenance team and the curious minds of our LS students who were always wanting to learn more; the LS garden blossomed into a tangible symbol of how truly special the CCES experience is for all of us. 

“I think for me, this project has been the perfect display of the community here,” says Ms. Morgan. “This is what education is all about – the interdisciplinary ties, the curiosity and collaboration. It is really what makes learning so authentic, and we are so lucky to have that 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!

With a résumé that spans academic excellence, artistic talent, and meaningful service, Bella Ludkowski has made her mark on CCES in more ways than one. A dedicated dancer, driven scholar, and compassionate leader, Bella has spent her years at Christ Church Episcopal School embracing every opportunity to grow. 

Since joining CCES as a freshman, Bella has immersed herself in academics, activities, and service. An IB Diploma candidate, AP Scholar with Honor, and National Merit Commended Student, Bella has consistently pushed herself in the classroom, balancing a demanding academic schedule with a deep curiosity and love of learning.

Her favorite classes include IB Psychology and IB English, where she’s found both intellectual challenge and supportive communities. “In Mrs. Bussey’s class, we can talk about anything,” Bella says, “but it always circles back to the curriculum in a way that sticks.” She credits her teachers with helping her understand the value of truly learning concepts - rather than memorizing facts - a mindset that has helped her excel in her toughest subjects, including AP Calculus BC.

Outside of school, Bella is a dedicated dancer, training every day in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical at DanceArts Greenville. She has performed in over 25 shows, including annual Nutcracker performances with the Carolina Ballet Theatre and school musicals. She also competed in the Youth America Grand Prix through DanceArts Greenville’s DAYCO program. Dance has been her lifelong passion, one that has taught her discipline, resilience, and the joy of expression.

Bella has also been an active member of the Cavalier community. She’s participated in Crafts for a Cause, Spanish Club, and the Prom Committee - where she helped raise over $8,000 and plan last year’s dance. She’s also mentored younger students through the FEMME program and completed a summer internship at Lincoln Energy Solutions.

What sets Bella apart is her ability to blend creativity with social consciousness. She once launched a baking TikTok account to raise money for a local food pantry, and her research into plant-based pesticides reflected both her love of biology and her concern for sustainability. As one teacher noted in a letter of recommendation, “Bella leads with quiet confidence, empathy, and an unwavering drive to grow.”

Next fall, Bella will attend Tufts University, where she plans to study biotechnology. She was drawn to Tufts’ perfect balance of community, research, and exploration - and she looks forward to continuing her studies in graduate school.

When asked what the world needs more of, Bella answered, “Education - knowledge is the only thing someone can’t take from you.” It’s a fitting reflection from a student who has made the most of every opportunity, while always staying true to her values. 

Congratulations, Bella! Your grace, dedication, and spirit will leave a lasting legacy at CCES—and we can't wait to see all that you accomplish next.

Just for fun!
Who is someone who has greatly influenced your life? My ballet teacher, Mrs. Erica.
If you could relive any CCES experience, what would it be? Anytime my friends and I took Chapel Laps during class or when we were decorating the Poinsett Club the night before Prom. 
Tell us something people probably don’t know about you: I’m currently working on perfecting my matcha skills.  
If you could try anything and know you wouldn’t fail, what would it be? Go on Jeopardy! Or open up a bakery.

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!

When you first meet Liam Weston, he probably won’t be the loudest person in the room - but don’t mistake his quiet for shyness. He’s the kind of person who listens first, thinks deeply, and then says something that makes you stop and go, “Wow.” When asked about Liam, one of his teachers shared that “His knowledge is expansive and detailed, and he is rarely stumped by any question posed in class.” Let’s just say there’s a reason his teachers and counselors call him one of the most brilliant students they’ve ever met.

Liam is the real deal: thoughtful, kind, and incredibly smart. He’s the kind of student who not only takes the most challenging classes (we’re talking 14 AP and IB courses, when the average is 5.5!) He once spent over 21 hours creating a detailed, historically accurate battle scene video in Minecraft for a Latin project when a drawing simply would’ve done. He did it because he wanted to learn something new and bring the past to life. He cares about exploring big questions - like how AI works and how technology can impact the world.

This fall, Liam’s heading to Yale (his top choice!), where he plans to dive into computer science with interests in artificial intelligence, game design, and digital creativity. “I chose Yale primarily because of its endless opportunities. Yale is very dedicated to providing undergrads with advanced research opportunities, which is very important to me.” 

Liam’s teachers describe him as, “pleasant in class” and “the kind of student teachers enjoy teaching” noting that “his classmates appreciate his contributions to discussions and his lovely sense of humor.” Whether it's in the classroom, at summer camp, or on the cross country trail, Liam shows up for people - with empathy, respect, and a great sense of humor (make sure to ask him about the silver skeleton bow he once wore to English class).

But what really sets Liam apart is that he’s as compassionate as he is driven. He volunteers with “Sunday Dinner with a Twist,” a local organization serving people experiencing homelessness, and he lights up when he talks about making someone’s day better, even in small ways. He's also been a mentor and counselor for younger students, a supportive teammate on the cross country team, and a steady presence in clubs like the Academic Team and Anime Club. (He even played viola in orchestra until his schedule became overloaded with advanced coursework!)

When asked who inspires him, Liam mentioned Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. highlighting his widely known quote “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Liam has also been inspired by Red Martin, who runs Sunday Dinner with a Twist. Red often uses the phrase “love with no stipulations,” which Liam says he tries to embody. And that is who Liam is: a compassionate person who sees the world not only as it is—but as it could be—and he is already working to get us there!

Because being brilliant is great. But being brilliant and kind? That’s something special.

Just for fun!
If you could relive any CCES experience, what would it be? Running a 5-kilometer race in under 20 minutes in my 10th grade year of Cross Country. (even though it was very painful)
What is something this world could use more of? Empathy.
Tell us something people probably don’t know about you. I really love traveling and want to experience different cultures and parts of the world.
If you could try anything and know you wouldn’t fail, what would it be? Learn another language.