Academics
College Counseling
Matriculation and Acceptances
Spotlight On: Sam Gallivan, CCES Class of 2024
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 2024. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students!
When Sam Gallivan ’24 started looking at colleges, he wanted to keep an open mind. But he quickly realized that he was subconsciously comparing every school to one that checked every box he had created – academics, location, social life, and study programs. Sewanee, The University of the South was the bar, making it an easy decision to apply early decision, a legally binding process upon acceptance. He says, “I chose Sewanee because I love everything about it and it beat out every other school like it.”
Sam is known for his academic curiosity and a desire to take courses that challenge him as a student. So it is fitting that he will study physics and math at Sewanee, with plans to pursue graduate school for engineering after. At CCES, Sam has strayed from a “traditional” plan of study, choosing instead to forge his own path and electing to take courses in a wide range of subjects. Through the Global Online Academy program, he took both Engineering Problem Solving and Personal Finance. When an Upper School teacher offered an Intro to Greek class, Sam jumped at the opportunity to learn something new.
Junior year is known for being the most challenging academic year at CCES, and Sam decided to take it a step further. To make it as challenging as possible, he elected to double up with AP Chem and AP Physics. Sam says, “I have always been told that it is good to step out of your comfort zone. While I didn’t necessarily have an interest in some of the classes I took, I knew they would help grow my knowledge and point of view.” He notes that his favorite Upper school courses were IB Latin and AP Physics. And through all the new and challenging material, Sam has maintained High Honor or Honor Roll throughout all of high school.
Associate Director of College Counseling, Bartley Sides, describes Sam as “intentional and thoughtful about everything he approaches.” He says, “He is methodical, he loves the hunt for information, and he thrives in situations where he’s able to solve a complex problem.”
Sam is a 13-year vet of CCES, having been at the school since Primer. He chose the word “opportunistic” to describe his time here, sharing that CCES has “always been a place to try new things and meet new people.”
Many of Sam’s favorite memories are from his time on the Boys Varsity Tennis team, with all the practices and trips for away matches. He has been playing tennis for over seven years, influenced by his mom and his older brother. Over time, he found a balance of his competitive nature and the reminder that in the end, it’s just a game. He says, “Tennis has taught me that mental strength is just as important as anything else.” In addition to tennis, Sam is a dedicated member of the RC (Remote Control) Club and is active with the Academic Team.
Outside of school activities, Sam prefers to spend his time outdoors bass fishing. He had been a number of times growing up, but his interest didn’t really kick in seriously until the start of high school. Bass fishing combines so much of what drives Sam – it’s challenging, enjoyable, and allows for growth in knowledge through research. He says, “With bass fishing, there is no risk in doing it and no downfall if you do it wrong. It’s an analytical activity with massive reward. The act of researching and putting knowledge to the test is something I really enjoy and when I was able to funnel that into something as relaxing and peaceful as fishing, it was easy to fall in love with it.”
At Sewanee, Sam will have the opportunity to continue to push himself academically, with plenty of room to explore other interests and exciting course material. His growth mindset and willingness to grow will no doubt allow him to be successful in his future pursuits, as well as allow him to keep expanding his perspective on life.
Just for fun!
Favorite place you’ve ever been fishing? The Florida Keys
Top three bucket list destinations? Florida/Texas to bass fish, Belize, and Australia
If you could share an afternoon with anyone, who would it be? Roger Federer
Favorite memory with your family? Going to Hawaii one summerNo comments have been posted
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.