Meet Our Student Ambassadors - The Episcopal School of Dallas | Best Private Schools in Dallas

Will Cook '26

What grade did you start at ESD?
Beginner

What do you love about ESD?
How close together each grade is with each other, as well as how close grades are (in other terms, the overall bond we have with each other).

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Co-president
Ambassador Executive Board - Middle School Student Visit Manager
Investment Club
Conservative Student Union Club
Football
Basketball

What's your favorite SAFE lunch item?
Chicken Sandwiches

What advice would you give to a new student?
Listen to the advice your teachers give you, and don't be afraid to schedule a time to meet together.

Beau McKnight '26

What grade did you start at ESD?
Seventh Grade

What do you love about ESD?
I love ESD because whether you're in lower, middle, or upper school, we are all one big family. The support that I get from peers and teachers is unlike anything I've had before. There is truly a place for everyone, and you will always have people rooting for you.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Communications Director
Student Body President
Investment Club Secretary
Mu Alpha Theta
Eagle Edition Web Editor
Field Hockey
Lacrosse

What advice would you give to a new student?
Do your best to involve yourself in the things that interest you that ESD offers, whether that be a club, class, sport, or fine art, because that is where you'll find your people and your passion in one place.

What are you looking forward to most this year?
This year, something I'm looking forward to most is the advisory chapel talks from the seniors. It's always super cool to see what they have to say about their experience at ESD, and it gives me something to look forward to.

What is your favorite ESD tradition or experience?
The annual powder puff football games are always a blast, and it's so fun to see the whole Upper School supporting their grade. People get super involved in the games, and it's a great way to bond as a community despite the competition.

Tatum Reynolds '26

What grade did you start at ESD?
Beginner

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Upper School Student Visit Manager
Student Council Treasurer
Mahjon Club President
Relax and Craft Club Communications
Grant Board President
Investment Club
Baking for a Cause Club

What advice would you give to a new student?
Don't be scared to talk to anyone (especially upperclassmen). At one point or another, we were all in the same boat that you are in right now; everyone is here to help.

What is your favorite ESD tradition or experience?
Lessons and Carols, Pass It On, and Powder Puff!

What will your schedule look like this year?
I will be taking AP Literature, AP Calculus AB, AP Spanish, AP US Government (first semester), Financial Literacy (second semester), Civil Engineering I.S. (first semester), Culinary Chemistry (second semester), Honors Architecture III (first semester), and AP 3D Art (second semester).

What are your thoughts on the no cell-phone policy?
I actually love it (but don't tell anyone).

Jack Coben '27

What grade did you start at ESD?
Seventh Grade

What do you love about ESD?
I love being able to walk down the halls and know every person. I love how others will notice if you're having a bad day and will help put a smile on your face. The community at ESD is unlike anything I have been apart of.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Upper School Student Visit Manager
Conservative Student Union - Vice President

What is the best part about Upper School at ESD?
The best part about ESD is the freedom that you have. Whether you need a snack at the Eagles Nest or to go for a walk near the Quarry, ESD is a welcoming and amazing community.

What advice would you give to a new student?
I would say be proactive and meet with teachers because they really are there to help you.

If you came to ESD in Fifth Grade or after, why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD because when I toured, I just realized that this was the place where I belonged.

What is your favorite ESD tradition or experience?
My favorite experience at ESD has been participating in two lacrosse state championship games.

What will your schedule look like this year?
I am taking AP US History, Honors Pre-Calculus, AP Physics, AP Language and Composition, Newspaper, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Microeconomics.

Valentina Boltchi '26

What grade did you start at ESD?
First Grade

What do you love about ESD?
The community here is so strong, even across all three divisions. I still say hi to all my lower and middle school teachers when I see them in the halls, and they say hi to me! Meeting an ESD alumnus always fosters an automatic connection and conversation. The community here is so strong and one that people don't forget!

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Secretary
Eagle Edition Managing Editor
Itinerary Magazine Editor-in-Chief
Chemistry Club President
Grant Board Vice President
Mu Alpha Theta
Walnut Hill Learning Program
Community Service Council
Varsity Cheer

What is your favorite SAGE lunch item?
Orange Chicken with Fried Rice

What advice would you give to a new student?
Try everything! Don't be scared or shy away from trying a new sport, club, or class. Really put yourself out there and go for opportunities even if you're nervous.

What will your schedule look like this year?
I am taking AP English Literature, Journalism: Newspaper and Magazine, AP Calculus AB, AP Macroeconomics, AP US Government, AP Physics I, AP Spanish Literature, and Ethics.

Annabel Brown '27

What grade did you start at ESD?
Seventh Grade

What do you love about ESD?
I love that at ESD, we are encouraged to do more than one thing. Because I go here, I am allowed to participate in various school activities such as the musical, cheer, mock trial, and multiple clubs. I also love that we are encouraged to expand our horizons and understand the world is much bigger than we think through programs offered like the Swiss Semester and Shoulder to Shoulder.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Social Media
Bible Study Club
Psychology Club

What are your favorite classes at ESD?
My favorite class I have ever taken at ESD is Ethics. It made me think in a way I had never thought before, and to this day, I can see the world from opposing viewpoints and more accurately form my opinions.

What is your favorite SAGE lunch item?
Caeser Salad Wraps

What is your favorite ESD tradition or experience?
My favorite ESD experience is the Winter Musical, as it attracts very different groups of people. At first, this scared me a bit as none of my close friends do it; however, the cast was incredibly welcoming, and the musical has become the highlight of my school year.

What will your schedule look like this year?
I am taking AP US History, AP Language and Composition, AP Seminar, Honors Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, Journalism III (Newspaper), and Choir. Additionally, I do the spring musical and participate in the ESD mock trial and debate team year-round!

Chambers Jones '26

What grade did you start at ESD?
Beginner

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Co-Vice President
Junior Representative of Environmental Awareness Club
Secretary on Student Council Executive Board
Mahjong Club Vice President and Co-founder
Eductaion Club
Vestry

What is your favorite SAGE lunch item?
Fajitas/Tacos

What advice would you give to a new student?
Try everything! Attend multiple clubs and try different sports to find your passion.

What is your favorite ESD tradition or experience?
Seniors get to wear cowboy boots and college polos.

What are your thoughts on the no cell-phone policy?
It has made me significantly more productive and efficient during my free time and off periods.

Story Sinelli '27

What grade did you start at ESD?
Fifth Grade

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Upper School Student Visit Manager
Psychology Club
Varsity Cheer
Film Club
GEARS Club

What advice would you give to a new student?
Talk to everybody! If you need extra help, your teachers are always there and would love to meet!

If you came to ESD in or after Fifth Grade, why did you choose ESD?
I remember choosing ESD because when I toured the campus, I felt very welcomed. Everyone in the classes I visited introduced themselves and were curious to get to know me!

What will your schedule look like this year?
I am taking Advanced Ceramics, Entrepreneurship, Honors Spanish IV, Honors Pre-Calculus, AP US History, AP Environmental Science, and AP Language and Composition. I also have a study hall both semesters, with cheerleading and tennis happening after school.

Aiden Jones-Quaido '27

What grade did you start at ESD?
Ninth Grade

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Upper School Student Visit Manager
Chief Products Officer for the Robotics Club
Ed Tech Ambassador
Asian Student Union Treasurer

What is your favorite SAGE lunch item?
Butter Chicken

What will your schedule look like this year?
I am taking AP US History, AP Language and Composition, AP Chemistry, AP Physics I, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors Post-AP Computer Science A, and Study Hall.

Erin Muriungi '26

What grade did you start at ESD?
Ninth Grade

What do you love about ESD?
What I love about ESD is that there is a comforting sense of community in every aspect of the school. Whether it is cheering on classmates' games or meeting with a teacher for extra help, ESD is always a place where everyone feels welcome and connected. I've always appreciated how our school encourages personal growth, individuality, and curiosity.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Co-president
Black Student Union
Environmental Awareness Club
Relax and Craft Club Secretary
Investment Club

If you came to ESD in or after Fifth Grade, why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD not only because I fell in love with the campus, but also because I experienced an unexpected sense of belonging in a place I had never even been before. I loved the welcoming atmosphere and the focus on service and character. My family and I felt that we had found a place that was more than just a school.

What are you looking forward to most this year?
I am most looking forward to deepening my connections with the ESD community through our exciting traditions, collaborative projects, or even just simple everyday moments with friends. I am excited to challenge myself academically, explore new interests, and make the most out of what ESD offers. I am looking forward to a meaningful and memorable last year!

What will your schedule look like this year?
I am taking AP Psychology, Financial Literacy, AP Calculus AB, AP Literature, AP US Government, Study Hall, and Honors Spanish IV.

What are your thoughts on the no cell-phone policy?
While it was definitely an adjustment at first, I have come to really appreciate the no cell-phone policy. It has helped create a more present environment where everyone is really focused on what matters while at school, and it has made the school day feel more grounded.

Kate Lewis '27

What grade did you start at ESD?
Kinder

What do you love about ESD?
My favorite part about ESD is definitely the community. I feel like I personally know every single person at the school, and I love being able to walk through the hallways with confidence that everyone I see is my friend!

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Social Media
Junior Class President
Varsity Cheer Captain
Co-president of the Eagles and Dragons Club
Communications Liaison for Vestry
Social Media Manager for the Eagle Edition Newspaper
French Club
Horde Board
Community Service Council

What advice would you give to a new student?
I would advise new students to get involved! Clubs, sports, and extracurriculars have introduced me to my best friends and given me the opportunity to meet so many new people.

What will your schedule look like this year?
I am taking AP US History, AP Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Seminar, Honors Pre-Calculus, and I will be writing for the newspaper!

What are your thoughts on the no cell-phone policy?
I personally love the no cell-phone policy. I am a very social person, and I love being able to talk to everyone without the distraction of phones. I also think it has increased my productivity in times like Big Flex or Study Hall.

Craighton Jefferies '27

What grade did you start at ESD?
Eighth Grade

What do you love about ESD?
I love the community that is within ESD and how welcoming everyone is.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Middle School Student Visit Manager
Student Council
Mu Alpha Theta
Ranch Management Club
Investment Club

What will your schedule look like this year?
I am taking AP US History, AP Language and Composition, AP Government, AP Calculus AB, Newspaper, Ethics, and Study Hall.

Betty Wheeler '27

What grade did you start at ESD?
Beginner

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Tour Manager
Vestry Social Media Chair
Student Council Class Leader
Community Service Council Junior Class Leader
Environmental Awareness Club
Eagles and Dragons Club
Baking for a Cause Club

What advice would you give to a new student?
Try new things and never be anyone but yourself!

Jane Herburger '26

What grade did you start at ESD?
Sixth Grade

What do you love about ESD?
I love the community, the spirit, and the opportunities to serve in leadership and give back to others!

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Tour Manager
Vestry
French Club President
Baking for a Cause Club
Varsity Cheer

What is your favorite SAGE lunch item?
Chicken Fajitas

What advice would you give to a new student?
Know that you will find your people, and don't be afraid to try something new.

Maddie Posten '26

What grade did you start at ESD?
Fifth Grade

What do you love about ESD?
I love the strong sense of community at ESD and how friendly and school-spirited everyone is!

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Executive Board - Events
Jewish Student Union President
French Club President
Investment Club Vice President and Secretary
Mu Alpha Theta

If you came to ESD in or after Fifth Grade, why did you choose ESD?
I came to ESD in fifth grade. After my visit, I could tell that there was a good community at ESD and that the classes and people are fun. ESD has lived up to and surpassed all my expectations.

What is your favorite ESD tradition or experience?
As a non-Christian student, I love learning about the episcopal virtues because they connect to my life and help me live more purposefully.