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Megan Allen, Kevin Connaughton, and Emma Akerhielm Honored at All Saints’ Chapel Service
In annual observance of All Saints’ Day, the November 7th chapel services at CCES celebrated the lives of those who have gone before us. Chaplains Wallace Adams-Riley, Valerie Riddle, and John Elliott read from the Book of Life the names of all beloved relatives, friends, and pets of members of the school community who have died in the past year, in remembrance.
In addition to the celebration of All Saints Day, three scholarship awards were presented during the Upper School chapel service.
The Chris Ferrell Scholarship Award, first presented in 1990-91, is presented in memory of Chris Ferrell ’89, to one or more members of the sophomore, junior, or senior class who have demonstrated outstanding gifts and performances in the Fine Arts. Upper School Theatre Teacher Reed Halvorson presented the award to the ever-intelligent and gifted Megan Allen ‘20. Reminiscing on Megan’s audition for We’re All Right, Mr. Halvorson said of Megan’s performance, “With a stealth-like focus, Megan worked every moment of every rehearsal and countless hours outside of rehearsal to conquer her greatest theatrical challenge. The end result was an All-Star cast award and the genuine admiration of her cast and the audience.” Megan’s best friend, Virginia Kate Kirby ’20, shared with the congregation memories of her long-time friend from years of shared performances together— from sisters in Pirates of Panzance to best friends in Oklahoma.
The Maggie McLeod Scholarship Award, first given in 2005-06, is presented in memory of Maggie McLeod ’05, to a member of the senior class who exemplifies Maggie’s qualities of creativity and love of life, and who possesses high personal aspirations in the arts, especially in one of Maggie’s favorite genres of creative writing or music. This student personifies cheerful friendliness, good humor, and kind good will to all. This year’s recipient, Kevin Connaughton ‘19, exemplifies all those qualities and more. Dr. Robin Garner, Director of the Arts, presented Kevin with the award saying, “Kevin has a wonderful combination of intellect, talent, drive and humor. He is able to balance an extremely heavy academic course load with extra-curricular activities and service, all with a smile on his face. Nothing rattles him! He never makes excuses, never complains about being tired, and never has a negative outlook…NEVER! I am amazed at his positive, gentle, enthusiastic and empathetic personality. He is a rare breed, and we are fortunate to know him.” Carlee Norwood ‘19 gave a second, more personal tribute to her friend, reminding us that he “has been in every show at CCES since the 5th grade” and is “most happy when he is on stage”. There was nothing like watching the genuine surprise on Kevin’s face when he won the award.
The Richard Buckley Jacques Award, given for the third year in a row, honors a legacy and 13 year veteran of Christ Church Episcopal School. Buckley was well-loved for his sense of humor and adventurous spirit. He enjoyed travel, history, and playing basketball, but found a sense of purpose in the creative arts, especially digital design. This award named in his memory recognizes an Upper School student who demonstrates exceptional talent in the graphics field, whether in photography, film, web design, or other digital media. This year’s recipient was Emma Akerhielm ’19. The award was presented by her documentary filmmaking teacher Owen Riley who stated, “Emma’s often quiet demeanor masks a fierce intelligence expressed in her highly intellectual conceptual photography work.” “Most exciting,” Mr. Riley touted, “is her important documentary ‘Roger Thompson, Standing Up for Civil Rights’ which is the story of a white man born into a racist rural Alabama culture who became involved in fighting for the civil rights of African Americans.” Emma’s friend Lucy Kehl, '19 echoed the sentiments of Mr. Riley saying Emma is an amazing person and hard-worker who gives 100% in everything she does.
The All Saints chapel services have become a tangible reality in the here and now by recognizing and celebrating our relationship, not only with those around us today, but also with all those who have gone before us in all times and places.
The closing hymnal “I sing a song of the saints of God,” appropriately ended the ceremonies. A reception for the award recipients, their families, and members of the senior class followed in the Art Gallery in the Upper School.
“I sing a song of the saints of God, Patient and brave and true,
Who toiled and fought and lived and died
For the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
And one was a shepherdess on the green;
They were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God helping, to be one too.”
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Megan Allen ‘20, 2018 recipient of The Chris Ferrell Scholarship Award
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Kevin Connaughton ‘19, 2018 recipient of The Maggie McLeod Scholarship Award
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Emma Akerhielm ’19, 2018 recipient of the Richard Buckley Jacques Award
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Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.