This year, 86 Middle School students took the stage or worked behind the scenes to bring SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition to life. It was a jaw-dropping performance – vibrant, energetic, occasionally a little chaotic, and bursting with talent.

As the music director, I had a front-row seat to the magic. Every day, I watched students take risks, find their voices (sometimes quite literally), and encourage one another in ways that went far beyond the stage.

Leading the charge was Upper School theater teacher Reed Halvorson, who must run on pure creative energy. Fresh off directing Footloose and an encore performance of Southern Belle Telephone at CCES and the Southeastern Theatre Conference, Reed jumped straight into this production with vision, humor, and just the right amount of undersea shenanigans - sometimes juggling all three shows at once. Somehow, he made it all work, bringing both structure and joy to every rehearsal.

At the heart of this entire show - truly the magic behind the magic - was someone our students lovingly call Dr. Lisa. Dr. Lisa Allen first came to CCES as a parent volunteer when her children, Andrew ’17 and Megan ’20, were students - and thankfully, she never left. In her role as Theater Costumer and Production Assistant, she serves as the creative force behind some of the most imaginative costuming ever seen on a school stage.

And SpongeBob was no ordinary show.

We were transported to an underwater world filled with sponges, a squirrel, a myriad of sea creatures, and pure imagination - which meant the costumes had to do a lot of storytelling... and Dr. Lisa delivered.

Our Sardines rocked lime green parachute pants.

Our Electric Skates rolled across the stage in Heelys.

Our Sea Anemones? Tap danced with feather boas, naturally.

Every detail was thoughtful, imaginative, and designed to help students fully step into their roles - and have a lot of fun doing it.
And then there were the students themselves.

They balanced full academic days, homework, and, for many, both winter and spring sports. They memorized lines between practices, reviewed choreography after homework, and showed up each day ready to give their best.

One of the most special parts of a CCES production is that it truly becomes a family affair. Parents jumped in to help build the set in the vibrant world of Bikini Bottom, organize costumes, clean dressing rooms, create props, and support the countless moving pieces behind the scenes. Their time, energy, and willingness to pitch in made a production of this scale possible.

And last but certainly not least, 45 Upper School students led the way backstage. They guided Middle School crew members as they moved sets (including the massive “Mt. Humongous”), assisted cast members with hair and makeup, operated the curtain fly system, and even built the guitars for the Electric Skates (shoutout to Nick Pritchard ’26).

Theater - whether under the sea or on land - is the ultimate team effort. It’s collaboration, creativity, flexibility, and trust. In this case, it was nearly 100 students, dedicated faculty and staff, and an incredible parent community all working together to create something joyful and memorable.

And in the end, it was about more than just a show. It was about students discovering confidence, connection, and the thrill of being part of something bigger than themselves.

To see more photos from the performance, 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

Our Theater students delivered an outstanding performance at the South Carolina Theater Association Conference held at Clemson University. Their production Southern Belle Telephone—an original drama written by our theater teacher, Reed Halvorson—was named State Winner out of 20 shows, earning two perfect scores. Isabella Agnew and Addy Lyon were recognized as All Star Cast members, and Mr. Halvorson was awarded Best Director.

Additionally, our teams excelled in the Tech Olympics, placing 1st and 3rd, with several students also earning additional individual honors. In the Monologue category, Isabella Agnew placed 1st and Cameron Wilkie placed 3rd. Ben Brownlee was named a Musical Theater State Finalist.

Additionally, several students were cast in the conference’s 10-Minute Play Readings, performing in front of the entire SCTA delegation with excellence: Cameron Wilkie, Celina Brotherton, Addy Lyon, and Nicole Buah-Kwofie.

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 Theater 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.
 

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!

The Department of Visual Arts at Greenville Technical College recently hosted the 35th Annual Upstate High School Art Exhibition (AUHSAE), showcasing some of the most impressive high school artwork from across the Upstate. This year, 51 art instructors from 25 Upstate high schools submitted 199 works by 182 talented students—each piece a powerful testament to the creativity and passion of young artists in our region.

We’re proud to share that three of our students were honored among this inspiring group:

• Chloe Korsedal earned 2nd Place in Painting (Art Honors, with Dana Kimmell)
  “Second Place, Still Life, features strong draftsmanship along with careful control of value and intensity through a thorough understanding of color theory to put an outdoor spin on the still life genre.”
   
• Mary McDonald received an Honorable Mention in Printmaking (Fundamentals of Art II with Dana Kimmell)
   
• Sophia Malave was awarded an Honorable Mention in Photography (Photography with Owen Riley)

These awards are more than recognition—they are a celebration of each student’s dedication and vision. We are so proud of Chloe, Mary, and Sophia, and we look forward to seeing how their creative paths continue to unfold.

This exhibition not only honors individual achievement but encourages continued exploration and excellence in the arts. Congratulations to all the young artists who participated!

To view the digital catalog, click here.

The power of music to transcend borders was evident during the recent Upper School Ensembles performance tour through Italy. Over the course of this spring break journey, the group gave three hour-long performances in stunning historic venues, toured breathtaking landmarks, and immersed themselves in Italian culture. Here’s a look back at their unforgettable experience.

Performances in Iconic Venues

The musical journey took the ensemble to three incredible locations:

• St. Paul’s Within the Walls, Rome – A stunning neo-Gothic church.
• Chiesa di San Filippo Neri, Florence – A Baroque-style church known for its remarkable acoustics.
• Cremona Solidale, Cremona – A retirement community in the heart of Italy’s violin-making capital.

Each concert was a special moment, allowing the students to connect with audiences through music and share their passion in some of the most inspiring settings.

Exploring Italy’s Treasures

Beyond their performances, the group had the chance to tour three cities, soaking in their history, art, and traditions.

Rome: The Eternal City

Their time in Rome was packed with awe-inspiring sights and once-in-a-lifetime experiences:

• Guided tours of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, bringing history to life.
• A visit to the Vatican Museum, where they saw the Sistine Chapel.
• They carried a cross through the Holy Door into St. Peter’s Basilica—a rare experience, as the door only opens during the Jubilee every 25 years, next in 2050.
• Sightseeing at the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

Florence: The Heart of the Renaissance

In Florence, art and culture took center stage:

• A walking tour through the city’s highlights, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Baptistery.
• A visit to the Academy of Fine Arts, home to Michelangelo’s David and some of the earliest pianos ever made.
• A hands-on cooking class, where students crafted their own fresh pasta.

Cremona: The City of Violins

The final stop was the enchanting city of Cremona, famous for its violin-making legacy:

• Visits to luthier shops, where students witnessed master artisans crafting exquisite string instruments and even had the opportunity to assist in the process.
• A tour of the Museum of the Violin, where they were treated to a private recital on a 1734 Stradivarius violin—a truly mesmerizing moment.
• Exploring the Cremona Duomo, home to Italy’s tallest brick bell tower. Some even climbed to the top!

From performing in historic churches to discovering the artistic and culinary wonders of Italy, this spring break tour with the Upper School Ensembles was an experience the students will never forget!

This year, we are thrilled to celebrate six talented CCES students who were accepted into the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) State Elementary Honor Choir! Fourth graders Elsa Boerner, Caroline Buchanan, Caroline Cox, Parker Lyle, Jack Schaumber, and Terrance Zhang earned this prestigious honor after being nominated from our Lower School Choir.

Leading up to the event, these young musicians dedicated themselves to learning a diverse and challenging repertoire. Their hard work culminated in a weekend of intense rehearsals, where they joined 250 students from across the state for a total of eight hours of practice. Under the direction of Dena Byers, they took the stage on Saturday afternoon, delivering an inspiring performance for an audience of parents, teachers, and music educators.

The Honor Choir experience coincided with the SCMEA Conference in Columbia, making it an unforgettable opportunity for our students to grow as musicians while representing CCES. Congratulations to these dedicated singers on this incredible achievement!

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 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 eight CCES students who earned awards, including 2 Gold Key, 4 Silver Keys, and 2 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.

Banks Horton ’27 for Photography 
Sophia Malave ’27 for Digital Art

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

Christopher Kanos ’28 for Photography
Darren Lin ’28 for Poetry
Charlie Lowrance ’28 for Photography
Ryan Von Wyl ’27 for Photography

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

Charlotte McKillop ’28 for Photography
Campbell Miller ’28 for Photography