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

Story Sinelli '27

What do you love about ESD?
I love how welcoming everyone on campus is. Everyone always says hi to each other in the halls, and it makes me feel really loved.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador President, Student Council (Class Leader 9, Member at Large 11), Psychology Club, Secretary of Film Club, Founding Member of GEARs Club, Varsity Tennis, Varsity Cheer

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I was surprised to love it as much as I do. Without phones, everyone socializes so much more with each other. Everyone talks, plays games, and entertains one another. I have truly gotten to know so many more of my classmates with this policy in place.

What advice would you give to a new student?
Get involved with anything and everything! Some of my best memories and friends were made from just “signing up” for something I was interested in.

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose to come to ESD in my fifth-grade year because I had a great prospective student experience. While I was on campus, every student wanted to learn my name and get to know me. I remember coming home from touring ESD feeling so loved!

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Pass It On

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
"Better in Stereo" by Dove Cameron

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Welcoming, Caring, and Awesome

Jack Coben '27

What do you love about ESD?
I love the culture of the student body. I love how every student shows up to support one another at sports games, and are collaborative in the classroom.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador President, Varsity Soccer Captain, Varsity Lacrosse, President of Conservative Student Union, Senior Representative of the Investment Club

What are you looking forward to this year?
I am really looking forward to figuring out what college my classmates and I will spend our next four years. 

What advice would you give to a new student?
Make friends with everybody, because ESD is a very close community and everybody wants what is best for you.

What is something that should never change at ESD?
The Quarry and round tables in dining commons. 

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Pass It On

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
"I'm Just a Kid" by Dove Cameron

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Family, Challenging, and Inclusive

Kenan Prieto-Akmansoy '27

What do you love about ESD?
The traditions, learning environment, and the sports games.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Vice President, Vestry, World Languages and Cultures Club, Varsity Soccer, Ceramics

What is your favorite class?
AP Language and Composition

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I think it's great because it encourages me to be more productive.

What is the best part about Upper School?
How you can change or adjust your classes depending on what you want to study or what you're interested in.

What advice would you give to a new student?
Try to finish all your homework during school and take as many AP classes as you can handle.

Why did you choose ESD?
I liked the size of the school and how each student had a good relationship with teachers.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Lessons and Carols

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
"Wonderwall" by Oasis

What is something that should never change at ESD?
Daily Worship

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Unified, Fun, and Elevating

Lincoln Clarke '27

What do you love about ESD?
Every day is something new and fun, whether in the classroom, at practice, or just walking on campus; each day is so unique and fun.

In which clubs do you participate?
Vice President of Ambassadors, Opinion Editor of the Eagle Edition, President of the Environmental Awareness Club, Communications leader of Eagles and Dragons, Co-President of the Blood Cancer United team Finish the Fight, Vice President of the Bible Study Club, and a member of the Community Service Council, Varsity and Competition Cheer

What is your favorite class?
Newspaper, Latin, and AP Biology

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I honestly like it; everyone is always together and engaged with each other, instead of constantly being addicted to screens. There are several conversations and memories I would have missed out on if I had my phone during flex, in the halls, or at the start of class; those are key moments of my day that always end up being my favorite part.

What is the best part about Upper School?
How close every grade is in all aspects through sports, classes, games, and random activities. Freshmen, seniors, and every grade are all close friends and separated by grade level.

What advice would you give to a new student?
ESD will reciprocate the effort you put into it. If you involve yourself in everything or several things you're passionate about, you will build a community of friends, supportive teachers, and grow as a person. It is your choice whether to dive into everything ESD has to offer. I recommend you do.

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD because of the active and hands-on learning in every class, making every day something new and exciting.

What are you looking forward to this year?
Senior/Fifth-Grade Buddies

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Senior Advisory Chapel Talks

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
"Space Between" from Descendants 2

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Engaging, Lively, and Supportive

Madison Stiles '27

What do you love about ESD?
I truly love the size of ESD because it makes me feel seen in so many ways. The size of the classes gives me the confidence to ask questions and grow in my learning. The size of the grade allows me to know everyone in my grade and in the grades above/below me very well. The size of the campus makes me feel like I have the independence of a college student when walking across God's Front Lawn, while the campus size also makes me feel like I'm walking through a close neighborhood in the study commons. I think ESD’s size reflects its perfect balance in every single way of small enough but also a big enough feel. I feel known, appreciated, and valued through ESD’s physical and community size.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Secretary, Student Council Class Representative, Yearbook EIC, Community Service Council Member, Foster Learning Service Program, Environmental Awareness Club, Varsity Cheer, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Lacrosse

What is your favorite lunch item?
Roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini and squash, Brussels sprouts, their salad bar with all the different toppings like their Chipotle Chicken and fresh fruit.

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I love it; it actually forces people to say hi in the hallways when I might have otherwise looked down at my phone. I also think it makes people get outside more; I found myself and friends wanting to walk or lie outside rather than be on our phones. I also think it makes me a lot less stressed that I might be missing out on something because I really can’t know what’s happening, so it pushes me to study more. I also feel like I am able to live in the moment a lot more. Like homecoming fun days, instead of worrying about the perfect photos or documenting the funny slides/activities, I can actually just experience them all with my friends.

What is the best part about Upper School?
I would say sports. I have truly made the best friendships with people in and out of my grade because of my sports teams. I have gone through fun practices, hard conditioning, good/bad games and such memorable trips with my teammates that I'll never forget.

What advice would you give to a new student?
Join what interests you because that is how I have built such unique friendships rather than the comfortable friend group in my grade. Sports and clubs have bonded me with people I would have never thought to talk to, and I am so grateful for those people.

What are you looking forward to this year?
To live each day as a senior to my utmost potential, doing every silly thing I would otherwise not do because it’s my last year. I am excited to cherish each day knowing I’ll be gone so soon.

What or who inspires you?
The teachers at ESD. Specifically Mrs. Salz, Mrs. Mrozek, Mrs. Infante, Mrs. Ferguson, and Mrs. King. They have all taught me that, if you truly love your job, it does matter, show, and affect others around you. They have inspired me to be a part of things I care about because that’s when I have seen them show the most love and care. All these teachers showed me genuine kindness and encouragement of pursue my education, and I am just so grateful for them all.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
I don’t know if this counts, but I would say the “Fun Day” during student body week each year. By this time in the spring, people are so close with one another, the weather is getting so nice, but the fear of exams looms in the future. So I think this fun day is the best because you get to see people comfortable enough to dress up in funny and extravagant outfits, enjoying the outdoor activities and experiencing a breath of fresh air from all the heavy schoolwork.

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John

What is something that should never change at ESD?
The connectedness of the Upper, Middle, and Lower school. Like the Lower School camps Upper School students can help with, the all-school pep rally/convocation, the buddies, and any time younger kids come to hallways to cheer on teams leaving for a big tournament. I have cherished all the little kids I’ve met through camps and encouraged, and it means so much to me.

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Community, Valued, and Encouraging

Annabel Brown '27

What do you love about ESD?
I love the diversity of all the activities at ESD and that you can be involved in so many different things! 

In which clubs do you participate?
Eagle Edition Newspaper Communications Manager and Staff Writer, Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, International Thespian Society, Ambassador Club Social Media Manager (11), Communications Manager (12), Bible Study Club, Psychology Club, Varsity Tennis, Winter Musical Cast Member, Fall Play Cast Member, International Thespian Society, Fine Arts Network Committee, Choir Representative

What is your favorite class?
Ethics or AP United States History

What is the best part about Upper School?
I love senior chapel talks and also when we have fun things to look forward to during the week like pep rallies or town halls. 

What advice would you give to a new student?
To get involved in as many things as possible. When I was new at ESD, I quickly made all my friends through the Middle School cheer program and through the theater department, leaving me with strong friendships from multiple friend groups.

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD because I felt that it would give me an excellent balance between academic and social life. My two previous schools had been either academic-focused or social-focused, and I wanted a balance between both where I could be challenged in school but also have opportunities to have a social life. 

What or who inspires you?
I am inspired every day by my hardworking peers, as it motivates me to put my all in. I have to make a future for myself and achieve my goals.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Pass It On

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
Hamilton (non-stop)

What is something that should never change at ESD?
How the school supports students that study abroad. I attended Swiss Semester during my first semester of my Sophomore year, and it truly changed my life. I am so grateful to ESD that they allow students to have experiences like that, as it was the best thing I have ever done. 

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Bonding, Fun, and Academically Rigorous

Preston Mooney '27

What do you love about ESD?
The friendly community where everyone gets to know each other well, and everyone is kind and respectful. 

In which clubs do you participate?
Communications & Outreach Director of Ambassadors, Varsity Lacrosse, Mu Alpha Theta, Honor Council representative, Conservative Student Union

What is your favorite class or favorite lunch item?
Financial Literacy and Orange Chicken

What advice would you give to a new student?
Balance your time well and pick classes and activities that you love. There are so many options at ESD; there is a place for everyone, so don’t pick a class or club just because others do it.

Why did you choose ESD?
I did not feel as welcome at my former school, and I heard of the amazing community and school of ESD from my lacrosse friends. They shared how amazing the school was and the environment it creates, so I wanted to visit and apply.

What are you looking forward to this year?
As a senior, I am most excited for the extra activities we get to participate in as a class, such as painting our spots, going to Sky Ranch, and many other things.

What's your favorite lyric from a song?
“She’d ride down to the river and meet with all her friends, the road goes on forever, and the party never ends.” from Robert Earl Keen, and “You got to know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.” from Kenny Rogers

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Caring, Community, and Passion

Craighton Jefferies '27

What do you love about ESD?
The community and camaraderie that ESD has across grade levels.  

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassadors (Events Director), Mu Alpha Theta (VP), Conservative Student Union (Treasurer), Student Council, Investment Club, Chess Club, and Varsity Lacrosse

What is your favorite class?
AP U.S. Government and AP Calculus AB

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I would prefer having my phone, but the policy is not terrible.

What is the best part about Upper School?
The freedom between classes or during breaks. 

What advice would you give to a new student?
Do not be scared to talk to upperclassmen. 

Why did you choose ESD?
I wanted something new, and ESD provided that with a strong place to try new things. 

What would your autobiography be titled?
Balancing Time

What is something that should never change at ESD?
The welcoming atmosphere and friendliness of everyone. 

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Fun, Community, and Opportunity

Elise Henderson '27

What do you love about ESD?
I love the community that ESD has. Even coming in as a freshman, I was welcomed in with open arms. I also love the closeness between grades. The way everyone can be friends no matter the age gap is such a unique experience at ESD that I love.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Exec Board – Event Director, Student Vestry, Environmental Awareness Club, CSU, Cheer, Comp Cheer, and Tennis

What advice would you give to a new student?
To always keep an open mind and always be yourself. You will find your friends because ESD is such a diverse community.

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD because of the class opportunities, the campus and sports, and lastly how highly it was talked about.

What are you looking forward to this year?
Senior Retreat and being able to soak up all my last moments at this amazing school.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
I love Pass It On because as a new student, I got to meet a lot of people before school started.

What or who inspires you?
I think the faculty at ESD inspires me because everyone always works their hardest, which then relays back to us as students to want to work hard too, including our sports coaches.

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
"The Joker" by Steve Miller Band

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Community-driven, Supportive, and Welcoming

Kiana Fatahiyar '28

What do you love about ESD?
I love how ESD enables us to be involved in more aspects of school rather than just academics or sports. For example, I came to ESD because I loved that I could play lacrosse for my school, but now as a student, being a lacrosse player is just a small part of my identity on campus. I am also a field hockey/soccer player, a photographer, a youth coach, and a community service coordinator, ambassador, and club president, not just merely a student or athlete.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Student Visit Chair - Upper School, class coordinator for Community Service Council, the President of Red Cross Club, and an active member of Education Club and All Star Friends Club, Varsity Lacrosse, Soccer, and Field Hockey

What is your favorite class or lunch item?
All the sciences: chemistry, biology, etc., AND photography! And, my favorite lunch item is Orange Chicken!

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
At first, I wasn't a fan of it, but as time went on, I loved feeling like I was disconnected and in touch with everything around me for eight hours out of my day. I also love that it sparks such real and raw experiences on campus as everyone is talking to each other or playing games to pass the free time!

What is the best part about Upper School?
The best part about Upper School is that I actually enjoy showing up to school every day. Before coming to ESD, I dreaded school because I never felt like it was an environment that had my best interest at heart, but now at ESD,  everybody on campus feels like an extended part of my family. The teachers and kids from all grades pour in so much to each student on campus and create such a fun and loving environment, all while challenging and making you a better person overall!

What advice would you give to a new student?
Say "YES!" Don't feel afraid to get out of your comfort zone! You will never know what you will enjoy until you try it. There are so many amazing people and activities all across campus; you are bound to find something you love if you just venture out and try it!

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD because when I toured and interviewed, I felt like I was home. All of the staff knew me by name before I even had the chance to introduce myself, and they felt genuinely excited to see me and talk with me. In that moment alone, I felt important to complete strangers during a time that was so scary for me, as picking up and starting new was daunting. The welcoming spirits of everyone at ESD solidified my decision to come and become part of the ESD community.

What are you looking forward to this year?
As I am going into my Junior year, I am most excited for all of the Junior traditions at ESD that I get to experience with my grade. For example, the overnight Wolf Run Stay or Junior Ring Ceremony!

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
My favorite ESD tradition is Student Body Week because I love to see how each grade comes together to compete against the other grades. I also love getting to dress up for each theme and seeing all the activities STUCO planned throughout the week!

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
Growing up, my sister and I would always do a duet to "I Wouldn't Change A Thing" from Camp Rock, and it is still one of my favorite songs to karaoke to, even now as we are older.

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Warm, Welcoming, and Transformative (in a good way, of course!)

Daniel Hoffpauir '28

What do you love about ESD?
I love the tight-knit community we have. Everyone is so friendly too, and it leads to very fun school events like sports games, homecoming week, and more!

In which clubs do you participate?
Eagles and Dragons, Ambassadors (Upper School Student Visit Manager), Conservative Student Union, Varsity Football Captain, Varsity Baseball Captain

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
At first I had my doubts, but realized how much more I was able to connect with my friends when we had nothing else to do. Now I love it; I wouldn't change it back if I could.

What advice would you give to a new student?
I would branch out into things you aren't comfortable with and try to meet people you wouldn't necessarily walk up to. Try everything till you find your thing.

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD because my dad used to work on the baseball staff, and he knew what an incredible place ESD is. I was then fully swayed when I was welcomed and taken on a student shadow day and had so much fun.

What are you looking forward to this year?
Definitely sports! I am excited to compete with my best friends and have fun.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Lessons and Carols

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

What is something that should never change at ESD?
How close the community is. It is truly my favorite thing about the school.

How would you describe ESD in three words?
United, Impactful, and Welcoming

Colby Chipman '27

What do you love about ESD?
The community, the teachers, and the environment that welcomes me every day. 

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassadors – Middle School Visit Chair,  Latin Club (Vice President), Community Service Council, Varsity Cheerleading Captain

What is your favorite class?
AP US History, AP Language, Pre-Calculus, Latin, Geometry, Photography, Digital Art and Design

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I love it. It really connected our community!

What is the best part about Upper School?
Having flex times throughout the day to catch up with friends and to have study time.

What advice would you give to a new student?
Branch out of your comfort zone and try new things. Pick up a new sport, join a club, and take a challenging class to push yourself.

What or who inspires you?
All my teachers at ESD inspire me every day to not give up even when I fail, and to use my failures as motivation.

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose to come to ESD in my fifth-grade year because I had a great prospective student experience. While I was on campus, every student wanted to learn my name and get to know me. I remember coming home from touring ESD feeling so loved!

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Wolf Run Field Trips and the Washington, D.C., Trip

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
Any song by One Direction

What is something that should never change at ESD?
Having oval tables in English classrooms and round tables in dining commons. 

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Supportive, Nurturing, and Traditional

Khizer Salmon '27

What do you love about ESD?
Everyone says this, but it has to be the community. Everyone is so enthusiastic and just overall happy to be on campus every single day, and it’s contagious, making ESD such a great place to be.

In which clubs do you participate?
Vestry, Ambassadors Middle School Visit Chair,  Varsity Basketball Captain, Black Student Union

What is your favorite class or lunch item?
Math, Arabic, and English. My favorite lunch item is Butter Chicken!

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I think I’m neutral since when I had my phone I was able to make digital memories with my friends, but I think it’s good to be off my phone because it’s made me a lot more social in the aspect of saying hi to people when I walk by and starting conversations.

What advice would you give to a new student?
Advice I would give to a new student would be to just not procrastinate and just to get your work done whenever it’s due because compounding all that work just makes life so much harder and might even cause you to not be able to finish that work, so just doing it in advance or doing it when you don’t really want to would be the best time to do it.

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD because when I first stepped foot on campus when I was visiting, it felt like home. Everyone was so enthusiastic and seemed so happy to be there that it just fed into me, and immediately after my visit, I knew this is where I wanted to go to school. 

What are you looking forward to this year?
This year, I’m looking forward to senior rally days and senior chapel talks.

What or who inspires you?
Greatness inspires me. I don’t know if I really have like a set goal on what that is, but I feel like I’m always just chasing that, and that motivates me every day just to be better the next day, whether that be in the classroom or on the basketball court. I always want to be better.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
I think my favorite ESD tradition is going to have to be Lessons and Carols because it just has like a Christmas feeling and it’s cozy. 

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
“Heartache Medication” by Jon Pardi 

What is something that should never change at ESD?
I don’t think advisory should ever change since I think advisories helped me become friends with people I wouldn’t think I’d be friends with, but it has made me even closer with the people I’m already friends with since with advisory we spend so much time together and it’s almost like a little family.

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Warm, Community, and Enthusiastic

Searcy Mae Ferguson '28

What do you love about ESD?
I love that our community at ESD (Beginner through Grade 12) is on one campus. This environment allows for students of all ages to connect and support each other. This setup also makes it very easy to build strong connections with teachers, coaches, and classmates, which I have benefited from over the years. 

In which clubs do you participate?
Vice President of World Cultures and Languages Club, Ambassadors Executive Board - Co-tour Director, Co-founder of Eagles On Air, Itinerary Pages Editor, Eagle Edition Media, Video, and Podcast Manager, French Club, Baking For a Cause Club, Varsity Field Hockey, Soccer, and Tennis, Swiss Semester Fall of 2025

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I love not having my phone and believe it fosters deeper connection between students in each grade.

What advice would you give to a new student?
I would say be open to the uncomfortable moments because you grow and learn the most from them. Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences can lead to such great opportunities and friendships!

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Pass It On

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
“High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Spirited, Connected, and Inspiring

Ayaan Ali '27

What do you love about ESD?
I  love the community that ESD has throughout the entire school. Everyone knows each other and is able to have a conversation about anything. Not only that, but the enthusiasm from everyone as well to just go and have a good day no matter what.

In which clubs do you participate?
Muslim Student Union – Vice President, Investment Club, Photography Club, Mu Alpha Theta Ambassadors – Tour Director, Basketball, Track

What are your favorite classes?
AP Calculus AB, Photography, and AP Economics

What is the best part about Upper School?
I think the best part about Upper School at ESD is advisory, because we get to be with the same group of people for two years, and with those people I get really close with. Whether they were my friends from before or new people that I just met, advisory is a great tradition that we have at our school.

What advice would you give to a new student?
To a new student, I would tell them not to be afraid to meet new people, as everyone is very warm and welcoming. I would also tell them that they will have to learn how to balance their lives very well, because at times school gets hard, but it's about knowing yourself and load management to be able to balance your life.

Why did you choose ESD?
I chose ESD after I visited because I got a feel for what the school was like. The teachers genuinely care about the students and their success, and the sense of community between the students is unmatched.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
My favorite ESD tradition is senior chapel talks.

Aiden Jones-Quaidoo '27

What do you love about ESD?
I love the opportunity that ESD presents to me in and outside the classroom. They show me to the door, but I still have to put in effort to get the most out of the opportunity. Whether it’s robotics introducing me to tools and engineering software, or the teachers being available to better clarify concepts.

In which clubs do you participate?
Robotics, CEO (president), Ambassadors, Ambassador Engagement Director, Ed Tech Ambassadors Founding Member, Student Government Vice President, Black Student Union Member, Asian Student Union Member, Varsity Basketball

What is your favorite class or lunch item?
Post-AP Computer Science, AP Physics II, and Honors Precalculus. My favorite lunch item is chicken tikka masala!

What advice would you give to a new student?
Don’t become complacent with what ESD hands you.

Why did you choose ESD?
My other school didn’t challenge me enough.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Senior Chapel Talks

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Tough, Community, and Caring

Betty Wheeler '27

What do you love about ESD?
The people make the place! I love every single person who goes to ESD or works at ESD, they are such a blessing to be around.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Engagement Director, Student Council (Public Relations Exec Board), Community Service Council, Vestry, Environmental Awareness Club, Baking for a Cause, Mu Alpha Theta Math Club, Eagles and Dragons Club, Newspaper, Varsity Cheer, Soccer, Lacrosse

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I loveeeee it!!!

What advice would you give to a new student?
Try everything, don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone.

What are you looking forward to this year?
I cannot wait for Student Council this year and cheering my classmates on in everything they are involved in.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Wolf Run Field Trips

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
Any song by Taylor Swift

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Community, Loving, and Welcoming

Kate Lewis '27

What do you love about ESD?
Everything. The community. The range of opportunity. The school spirit. The day-to-day life. LITERALLY EVERYTHING!!!!

In which clubs do you participate?
Student Council (President), Ambassadors (Director of Ambassador Engagement), Honor Council (Senior Rep), Eagles and Dragons Club, Mock Trial, International Thespian Society (Vice President), Vestry (Team Lead),  Cheer, Lacrosse, and Winter Musical

What is your favorite class?
APUSH with Mr. Woodward and AP Language with Mrs. Cernoch

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
I personally love it. I think it fosters connection as it almost forces everyone to connect during free time rather than sitting on their phones.

What is the best part about Upper School?
The best part about Upper School at ESD is how intertwined the grades are. Despite a very common stigma around high school being a place of "hierarchy" based on grade, I think that ESD stands alone as all of the grades are so close and there is no "hierarchy" to divide us.

What advice would you give to a new student?
I would encourage every student to get involved!! Whether it is a sport, the musical, or clubs, I think every opportunity that ESD offers promotes meaningful connections and experiences!

What are you looking forward to this year?
This year, I am most looking forward to all things student council and the musical being Mamma Mia!!! However, I know every day of this year is going to be THE BEST!!!

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
SO HARD TO CHOOSE!!! I would probably have to say the Friday of homecoming is always such an amazing experience! The overall energy that you feel from the second you walk into school in the morning, to the excitement of the all-school pep rally, then the enthusiasm at the football game is truly such an incomparable experience!!

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
Every. Musical. Ever.

What is something that should never change at ESD?
The community. I would never change the genuine connection that every student has with each other and the faculty. I feel that every member of the ESD community is always supporting me and helping me achieve my goals.

What would your autobiography be titled?
I would title my autobiography The Cost of Kindness to portray that being kind to others is free!! I want everyone to know that it costs nothing to be kind to others!!!

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Community, Love, and Passion

Drew McLaren '28

What do you love about ESD?
The best part about ESD truly is the community! I know it is talked about a lot, but ESD does an amazing job of catering to everyone’s various interests while making sure everyone feels like they belong. I love how close everybody is also.  Even during the school day in our respective grade level areas, there is still opportunity to play sports or chat with people in different grades during free time.

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Admission Liaison, Student Council Representative, Vestry, Itinerary Magazine, Cheer, Yoga

What is your favorite class or lunch item?
2D Art and Science of Wellness. My favorite lunch item is Pesto Pasta Bake!

What are your thoughts on the No Cell Phone policy?
While I do miss having my phone to capture some of the memories we make at school, I am glad we do not have them anymore, as I feel much more productive during the school day.

What advice would you give to a new student?
Don’t be afraid to join anything you are interested in!! Try out for new sports, audition for the play, join robotics, do anything you can to branch out and enjoy ESD’s magic!

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
Pass It On

What's your favorite Car Karaoke Jam?
"All I Ask" by Adele

What is something that should never change at ESD?
Pep rallies and the “do it” chant!

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Cherished, Tight-knit Community, and Dedicated

Josephine Holmes '27

In which clubs do you participate?
Ambassador Admission Liaison, Vestry (Acolyte Lead), Community Service Council, Latinos Unidos, Varsity Cross Country and Track, Yoga, Journalism

What is the best part about Upper School?
The best part about Upper School at ESD is the ability to partner with Middle and Lower School students, like senior and fifth-grade buddies or volunteering with Community Service Council.

What advice would you give to a new student?
My advice to any new students would be to reach out to people, whether that be classmates, upperclassmen, or teachers, because relationships are truly what shapes the ESD experience.

What's your favorite ESD tradition?
My favorite ESD tradition is Skirts and Shirts. It is so fun for all the seniors to celebrate their hard work, and it truly signifies that the year is coming to an end

What is something that should never change at ESD?
Something that should never change at ESD is daily chapel. Our daily worship program provides us with such a valuable space to pause and reflect throughout the day, and it is such a signature of ESD.

How would you describe ESD in three words?
Supportive, Welcoming, and Encouraging