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Episcopal Tradition & Inclusivity

All Saints Chapel

Scholarships Awarded to Annie Williamson, Reema Krishniah, and Helen Baginski
 
In annual observance of All Saints’ Day, the November 5th chapel services at CCES celebrated the lives of those who have gone before us. We remembered the names of all beloved relatives, friends, and pets of members of the school community who have died in the past year.
 
In addition to the celebration of All Saints Day, three scholarship awards were presented during the Upper School chapel service.
 
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. Robin Garner, Director of the Arts, presented the award to a student who is known for her warmth, positivity, and love of literature, Annie Williamson ’21.  Dr. Garner shared the words of Annie’s English teachers regarding her creative writing, both of whom sang her praises in regards to her enthusiasm for literary art and her excellence as a writer. One says of Annie: “As a student of literature, she has a perceptive and nuanced appreciation of how writers create literary art. Her understanding of the author’s craft has shaped her own work and inspired her to find her voice as a writer.” Another teacher shared: “While many of my students note that writing is their least favorite part of English class, this student both enjoys the process of writing and takes great pride in what she produces. Her warmth, kindness, and care for her classmates is instrumental in both creating and maintaining community.”
 
“From a personal standpoint,” Dr. Garner said in closing, “I have enjoyed working with this student in choir and the annual musical for the past four years. Her musicianship, confidence and maturity as a singer have grown exponentially, and she serves as a role model for her peers…Her positive attitude and persistence are qualities which make her unique and worthy of this scholarship.”
 
Annie’s friend Sofia Renner Andreu ’21, also spoke on her behalf saying, “She has the kindest heart and the funniest personality, yet she has this determination and strives to be the help everyone can go to while also pushing herself in her education. No matter what the situation is, she can always put a smile on your face and she never hesitates to check in with other people… She is respectful, yet she stands strong in her beliefs and is a genuine person who you can always go to for help.”
 
The Chris Ferrell Scholarship Award, first given 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.  This year’s recipient, Reema Krishniah ’21, is an accomplished musician who has exhibited the same love and passion for the arts that Chris demonstrated.  CCES Orchestra Director, Charis Burger, shared, “My first year here, I had the pleasure of teaching her violin, starting in the fourth grade, and she has remained actively involved in the orchestra program ever since, now in her 9th year in the orchestra.” Burger went on to name Reema’s many orchestral extracurricular activities which include: “auditioning for and participating in the Region 2 Honors Orchestra, All State Orchestra, as well as performing with a local orchestra that meets weekly at Furman University, the Carolina Youth Symphony.”
 
Reema’s long-time friend and fellow award winner, Annie Williamson, also spoke on her behalf. Annie shared, “All these years, I have had the privilege of growing up alongside Reema and watching her grow into the amazing person she is today.” Williamson continued, “Through all her busy activities and schoolwork, she never fails to possess the amazing attitude she has. She is witty, kind, loyal, vivacious and persistent… But above all, she is an incredible person and friend, always pushing me in my own way to be the best I can be.”
 
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 Helen Baginski ’21.  The award was presented by her photography and filmmaking teacher Owen Riley, who described Helen as both “a remarkable person and artist who practices kindness and openness to all those she comes to know” and “a rigorous academic with a brilliant mind and the discipline to do hard work.” He continued to say, “She is a wonderful artist, who has excelled in her highly creative and conceptual photography, bringing all the gifts that she employs in her life and academics, into her creative and unique artwork. She is an insightful and sensitive filmmaker who brought personal and touching humanity to her documentary filmmaking.”
 
Helen’s close friend, Paulina Pernitsch ’21, also spoke on her behalf. Paulina shared, “Helen is the kind of person that you can just be yourself with, that keeps your secrets, and supports you whenever.” Paulina closed her remarks by personally addressing Helen, saying, “Helen, you are something special. I think that is really rare: being intelligent, funny, talented, and still having such a big heart. And yet, also having open arms for everyone.”
 
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 hymnal “I Sing a song of the saints of God,” was sung by students as we remembered those who have gone before us.
 
“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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  • Dottie Schipper
    Helen this is a wonderful award. Do you have a website? Owen is a great teacher and a friend of mine. I would like to see some of your photography.
    • Annie Williamson

    • Helen Baginski

    • Reema Krishniah

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.