SEVEN CCES STUDENT-ATHLETES SIGN THEIR LETTERS OF INTENT

Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the successes of seven senior athletes today, April 13, during a signing ceremony. Family, teammates, coaches, friends, and school officials gathered in Rooke Theater to watch Claire DePiero, Grant Dunham, Max Gallivan, Amauri Johnson, Grayson Klue, London Sales, and Dasia Yearby sign letters of intent. Claire DePiero will be swimming at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, Grant Dunham will be running cross-country at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, Max Gallivan will be playing tennis at Sewanee, The University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee, Amauri Johnson will be playing football at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Grayson Klue will be playing football at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, London Sales will be playing football at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, and Dasia Yearby will be wrestling at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois.

 

Director of Athletics, Molly Miller, thanked family coaches, administration, teachers, friends, and teammates for their support in both athletic and academic endeavors. She specifically thanked Head of School, David Padilla, the Senior Leadership team, the Upper School division directors, and all CCES faculty and staff for their support of athletics and the role it plays in developing student-athletes. She also recognized the phenomenal CCES College Counseling team for guiding students throughout the college process and organizing signing day ceremonies; the Booster Club for all they do to support CCES athletic programs and student-athletes; and the Performing Arts Technical team for all they do to make these signing days possible. Molly went on to expand on the seven students, sharing thoughts from their teachers and coaches.

 

Claire DePiero is described by her teachers as focused, disciplined, and reliable, both “in commitment to academics and athletics.” She is thoughtful, intuitive, and has “demonstrated her maturity in managing her dedication to her studies and her sport.” Varsity Swim Head Coach Matt Jacobssen calls Claire “a historically amazing Cavalier swimmer,” who will graduate as a multiple-time individual state champion, earning All-Region and All-State each year of her high school career, and with five varsity records to her name. He describes her as a “pillar of positive leadership” and her energy as “infectious.” Jacobssen says, “Claire’s legacy of competitive excellence and warm camaraderie is invaluable to the CCES swimming family.”

 

Teachers describe Grant Dunham as thoughtful, caring, and curious as well as one who is both “excellent and devoted” in his studies. He contributes in quiet ways, but always gives 100%, offers important insights in class discussion, and is “an asset to his peers.” Varsity Boys Cross-Country Head Coach Charlie Woodward notes Grant’s dedication to the cross-country team, having been a member since the 8^th grade, and says, “Grant’s steady presence and work ethic have shaped the culture of our team in positive ways.” Woodward specifically points to Grant’s selflessness and work ethic, sharing: “Grant does all the little things that make a team work well. Nobody outworks Grant and his resilience has been an example to his teammates.”

 

Max Gallivan is described by his teachers as smart, kind, even-keeled, and talented, always bringing “positive energy to any class he joins.” He listens carefully, demonstrates respect for those around him, and “when he decides he wants something, he is all in.” Varsity Boys Tennis Head Coach Jimmy Burford counts himself as “fortunate,” having the privilege of coaching Max since the 8^th grade and being able to witness his growth as a player and leader over the years. He calls Max a “mantle of leadership,” serving as team captain this season and guiding their young team to another Region championship and playoff berth. Burford says, “While Max will be playing in Tennessee next year, his shadow will long remain on the Cavalier tennis courts.”  

 

Teachers describe Amauri Johnson as personable, open-minded, and responsible, as well as a leader both in the classroom and on the field. He is known for his “contagious smile” and his positive energy. In his classes, he “makes great connections between content and personal experience.” Varsity Football Head Coach Quin Hatfield calls Amauri “a team player” and one who “genuinely gets excited when others succeed.” He notes Amauri’s willingness to be physical and seal blocks on the outside, traits of a great receiver, and his ability to make “big plays in big games.” Hatfield says, “Amauri lifts others up and elevates both the mood and competition in practice. We are thankful we had him in our program.”

 

Grayson Klue is described by his teachers as humble, thoughtful, kind, and having an “outstanding work ethic.” He is a “multi-layered person with so much to offer” and consistently demonstrates “tremendous grit, fortitude, and perseverance when it comes to academics.” Varsity Football Head Coach Quin Hatfield describes Grayson as “a physical runner with breakaway speed who always gives champion-like effort.” Hatfield notes Grayson’s positive attitude, sharing: “Grayson never complains about anything and has a vibrancy about him that others feed off of. He is always thinking about what is best for the team.” He says, “Grayson will go down as one of the best running backs to ever wear the Christ Church uniform.”

 

London Sales is described by his teachers as engaged, proactive, and responsible, always bringing “great energy” to classroom discussions and debates. He is a talented artist, known for his style and spirit, and determined in all he does, whether in the classroom or on the field. Varsity Football Head Coach Quin Hatfield says, “London is a testament to what happens when someone sets a goal and decides nothing is going to get in the way of accomplishing it.” He notes London’s consistent effort as he developed into a “true lockdown cornerback” who made a “significant impact” on defense this season. Hatfield shares, “London loves to compete and that mindset will serve him well at Carson-Newman and wherever else he lands in the future.”