EA Unlocked

Elevating Excellence and The Playbook for Success are the focus of the latest edition of The Episcopal Academy publication, Connections. Athletic and academic success are long-standing traditions at EA. Teams continuously win league, state, and national titles; student-athletes are named MVPs and selected as All-Americans and Players of the Year. EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with coaches and some of EA's team captains about the recipe for success on the field and in the classroom. Guests: Steve Colfer/Assistant Athletic Director & Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach Katie Duffie/Assistant Athletic Director Todd Fairlie/Athletic Director & Varsity Football Coach Andy Fraggos/Varsity Girls' Soccer Coach Rebecca Block '26 (Field Hockey & Swimming) Caroline Johnson '26 (Soccer & Lacrosse) Frank Shanahan '26 (Soccer & Lacrosse) Jack Signor '26 (Football, Wrestling, Baseball) Read the Summer 2026 edition of Connections.  

Each August, EA freshmen head to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for the school's annual Outward Bound adventure — hiking, scaling rock walls, and camping under the stars.  As this year's class prepares for their trip, we're revisiting the Class of 2026's experience from four years ago. Students and Form Dean Zach Richards join host Dr. T.J. Locke to relive their adventure, the challenges, and the stories that are still being told today.

In 2023, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke spoke with Matt Freese '17 and AJ Marcucci '17 about their years on the soccer pitch at EA and their professional MLS careers. Since the conversation was recorded, Matt has been the starting keeper for the U.S. Men's National Team competing in the World Cup. Matt and AJ are long-time teammates and friends. AJ plays goalie for the New York Red Bulls and was a three-year starter at Connecticut College. Matt launched his professional career in Philadelphia as a "homegrown" player with the Philadelphia Union after playing at Harvard University. Along with the U.S. men's team, he also plays for New York City FC. It is unusual for two alums from the same class, who play the same sport and the same position, to be drafted by Major League Soccer and now play against each other on rival teams in the same city. Enjoy this entertaining "recast" episode of EA Unlocked.  

Each year alumni of The Episcopal Academy, celebrating their 50th reunion, receive a special invitation for Alumni Weekend. Third graders send handwritten letters inviting the class to campus for the special weekend and ask them to be their pen pals. Alumni write back with great enthusiasm and answer questions about their favorite recess activity (maul ball), favorite teachers (Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Harper), and what it was like to be an EA student 50 years ago.  As the reunion weekend gets underway, pen pals meet in person where EA students of all ages learn how many things have changed over the decades, while many other special moments of an EA education remain the same.   

    The world of NCAA recruiting continues to change for today's high school athletes. With the rise of the transfer portal, NIL opportunties, and new roster limits, coaches are now balancing the recruitment of young talent with experienced college players, creating a more competitive and complex landscape. EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, talks with two experienced members of The Episcopal Academy about how they are working with students to navigate the recruiting process. Chrissy Cerenzia is the Senior Associate Director of College Counseling. Steve Colfer is EA's Head Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach and Assistant Director of Athletics. Additional Resources: EA College Counseling's online resource library Authenticity in Admissions: A Conversation with Wellesley College Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Peaches Valdes Making the Most of College Visits with Hamilton College Dean of Admission John McLaughlin  

Educator Eric Hudson spent the day with faculty and staff during a spring professional development day to share his expertise and experience with integrating AI into schools. During a keynote address and hands-on workships, Eric explored the thinking behind using AI in the classroom, in assessment design, and leadership development. In our ongoing series about the use of AI at The Episcopal Academy, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Eric about best practices, advice and guidance for school leaders, and the questions parents need to be asking their students about AI. Listen to past episodes in the EA Unlocked series about Artifical Intelligence in education. AI at The Episcopal Academy: Beyond the Classroom AI at The Episcopal Academy: Tools for Teachers AI at The Episcopal Academy: Philosophy & Vision  

The college counseling team at The Episcopal Academy hosts a variety of on-campus guests for students and parents throughout the school year. Wellesley College Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Peaches Valdes recently spent a very productive and informative day at EA discussing Authenticity in College Admissions. EA Unlocked guest host Assistant Head of School Chris Torino talks with Ms. Valdes along with EA Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Chrissy Cerenzia. Additional Resources: EA College Counseling's online resource library A Conversation with Hamilton College Dean of Admission John McLaughlin: Making the Most of College Visits

In our ongoing series about the integration of AI at The Episcopal Academy, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with teachers using AI platforms in the classroom. EA is one of the first schools in the country to test out Viva, the platform Flint is a go-to for some Middle School English Teachers, and OpenAI is now offering free tools for teachers. Guests: Justin Cerenzia/Buckley Executive Director for Teaching & Learning Maggie McGill/Middle School English Teacher Listen to past episodes in the EA Unlocked series about Artificial Intelligence AI at The Episcopal Academy: Beyond the Classroom AI at The Episcopal Academy: Philosophy & Vision  

Six seasons and 100 episodes of EA Unlocked have served as an archive of The Episcopal Academy, highlighting the people and initiatives that make the community special. From the world stage to EA hallways and classrooms, host Dr. T.J. Locke has spoken with Olympians, alumni of all ages, visiting guests, as well as teachers and students with fascinating ideas and passions. To mark this milestone episode, Dr. Locke reconnects with three retired faculty and staff who held a variety of positions during their combined century of service: Former Classics Department Chair Lee Pearcy, Upper School English Teacher Lee Billmyer, and Director of Plant Operations Len Haley. Where are they now? Checkout the EA Unlocked archive for past episodes you may have missed.  

Pollinator habitats, a rain garden, and composting are just a few of the initiatives underway at The Episcopal Academy, and it all started with curious students and an enthusiastic teacher. In this sustainability lab of sorts, thousands of pounds of campus food waste are turned into natural fertilizer as students conduct "real science." EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with some of the people behind the campus-wide projects and their plans for the future. The rain garden is made possible by the Environmental Leadership Fund, an endowed fund from the EA Class of 1970. Guests: Ron Smith/Upper School Science Teacher Katie Arena/Campus Horticulturist Diya Methi '27 Kyle Zhang '27 Check out the EA Unlocked episode archive here. 

When it comes to cyber threats and security, "it's not if we will be targeted but a matter of when," according to industry experts. Episcopal Academy alumna Taylor Long '15 recently spent the day on campus as this year's Clare Foundation and Hinton Family STEM Series Speaker. In this bonus episode of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Taylor about her fascinating career as a senior threat intelligence analyst, what we need to be worried about, and how best to protect yourself from cyber threats.

Planning college visits is an exciting time for students and their families.  For some it can feel a bit daunting; when do you get started? How do you get the most out of a visit? What is the real purpose of on-campus visits? EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with two experts on the topic. John McLaughlin is the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission at Hamilton College. He also spent a decade in Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. Catalina Guzmán is EA's Executive Director of College Counseling. Check out helpful information in EA College Counseling's online resource library. EA College Visit Guide  Building Your Tour: Colleges By Region

In an ongoing series about the use of AI in education and at The Episcopal Academy, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with two members of the leadership team about how AI is being put to use in various departments outside of the classroom. Guests: Jen Fifer/Director of Instutional Advancement Michele Godin/Director of Strategy & Communications Listen to the first episode in the EA Unlocked series about Artificial Intelligence. AI at The Episcopal Academy: Philosophy & Vision

The question of what kind of person is launched into the world after an Episcopal Academy education is the focus of an initiative underway called A Portrait of a Graduate. It's a shared vision, a North Star of sorts, of the kinds of qualities, skills, and mindsets that alumni keep with them after graduation and throughout their lives. Host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with leaders of the project to hear more about the specifics of their early findings on what makes an EA education so special and impactful. Guests: Chris Torino/Assistant Head of School Kelly Edwards/Academic Dean Chris McCreary/Upper School English Teacher Christele Furey/Upper School French Teacher Caroline Graham/Upper School Counselor  Kempley Bryant/Kindergarten Teacher  

'Tis the season for beautiful music. The spirit of the season rang out throughout The Episcopal Academy as Lower, Middle, and Upper School students spread holiday cheer with their winter instrumental and choral concerts in December. Listen in on the joyful sounds of the holidays, brought to you by the talented student musicians at EA.  

Artificial Intelligence and its use in education, at all levels, prompts a lot of discussion.  In the first of several podcasts about AI, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with some members of the leadership team about the philosophy and vision of AI at The Episcopal Academy. A philosophy that is rooted in curiosity, responsibility, and balance. Guests: Justin Cerenzia, Buckley Executive Director for the Center for Teaching and Learning Kelly Edwards, Academic Dean Laurie Piette, Head of Middle School Terry Malone, Head of Lower School

The Episcopal Academy has a long-standing tradition of academic and athletic excellence. In the last year, EA teams have won 15 league championships and seven state titles. Ten student-athletes in multiple sports have been named MVPs, several were selected as All-Americans, and Player of the Year over the last few seasons. To learn more about EA's robust athletics programming, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with coaches and some of EA's team captains. Guests: Steve Colfer/Assistant Athletic Director & Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach Katie Duffie/Assistant Athletic Director Todd Fairlie/Athletic Director & Varsity Football Coach Andy Fraggos/Varsity Girls' Soccer Coach   Rebecca Block '26 (Field Hockey & Swimming) Caroline Johnston '26 (Soccer & Lacrosse) Frank Shanahan '26 (Soccer & Lacrosse) Jack Signor '26 (Football, Wrestling, Baseball) Listen to learn more about EA's Bridge Days, when varsity student-athletes mentor middle school players on various teams. With only five competitors in six events, EA's boys' indoor track & field team won their third consecutive state championship. Listen to the "play-by-play" as it came down to the DMR against powerhouse State College Area High School.    

The tradition of EA's senior teacher dates back to the 1950's and is one of several long-standing traditions at The Episcopal Academy. This person is the longest-tenured teacher and plays an important role during the opening day of school for faculty and staff. Middle School English Teacher Mark Luff, Hon. is in his 48th year at EA. He took over the Senior Teacher role in 2017 when Assistant Head of Middle School Chip Hollinger, Hon., retired. Host T.J. Locke talks with Mark Luff about this cherished tradition.

Season 6 of EA Unlocked kicks off with an exciting conversation about the newly opened PreK wing and reimaged science classrooms in the Lower School. The state-of-the-art space was dedicated in October to beloved and retired teachers, Joyce Gavin, Hon., and Nancy Reinhard, Hon.  Listen in as host T.J. Locke visits PreK and talks with some of the people who made it happen. Guests: Terry Malone/Head of Lower School Paige LeGrand/Director of Enrollment Management Lori Moshyedi/PreK Teacher    

Each spring, Upper School students at The Episcopal Academy finish up their exams and transition to May Term, a two-week program that allows students to travel or remain on campus to study a variety of topics in depth. This year, 33 courses were offered, including, five international and three domestic trips. The science department offered a fascinating class, Science Beyond School. Seventeen students spent several days shadowing experts in the medical, engineering, and STEM fields. A highlight was the overwhelming offers from EA alumni and parents to host students. EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, talks with a few of these hosts and the teachers who pulled it all together. Soledad Ganzhorn P '24, '26/Senior V.P. at SAP & Global Head of SAP Next Gen Dr. Noushin Heidary P '26, '31/The Cirillo Institute Stephanie Ladavac '95; P '34, '36/Project Specialist, Burns & McDonnell  Dr. Katie Colyer/EA Science Department Chair Grace Limaye '90/Upper School Science Teacher Read more about this year's EA's May Term offerings and student experiences.

A long-standing tradition at The Episcopal Academy is the Teacher, Coach, Mentor model. This has proven to be a successful formula for EA's athletics program and in the classroom. During this episode of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with top-ranked High Jumper and Triple Jumper Yaya Johnson, a talented student-athlete in the Class of 2025, and Computer Science and Engineering Teacher Matthew Davis. Over the years, this duo has worked together in the classroom and on the track with great success. Listen in on how Yaya's Lilley Advanced Independent Study project, called the Biomechanics of Track and Field, helped him adjust his jumping and break a 50 year-old record.  Yaya helped lead the EA Boys' Indoor Track and Field Team to its third consecutive state championship. Listen to the team and Coach Zach Richards relive this incredible win with only five competitors in six events.       

As a developing student-athlete, there's nothing quite like learning and getting encouragement from an upperclassman. The robust athletic teams and talented student-athletes at The Episcopal Academy, provide the perfect opportunity for varsity athletes to work with their younger peers in Middle School. In this episode of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Assistant Athletic Directors Katie Duffie and Steve Colfer, along with Coach Colleen Bernabei and varsity student-athletes Stevie Combs (Track & Field) and Evan MacFarland (Lacrosse) about EA's Bridge Day. 

The Chapel program at The Episcopal Academy is an important pillar of the school. Each year, more than 100 speakers share powerful insights and reflections with students, faculty, and staff in Lower, Middle, and Upper School.  This episode of EA Unlocked highlights some of those speakers who were featured in weekly @EAChapel Instagram posts. Speakers: :37 Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. (Greville Haslam Head of School) 2:03 Katie Duffie (Assistant Athletic Director) 3:14 Chaz Howard (Univ. of Pennsylvania Chaplain) 4:32 Anna Safford '09 (English Teacher) 6:14 Nick Mead '13 (2024 Olympic Gold Medalist) 7:39 Erica Snowden (Exec. Dir. of the Office of DEI) 9:03 Quinn Whitaker '25 9:25 Michael DiMonte '25 10:58 Jovana Sekulic '21 (2024 Olympian) 13:02 Tony Herman, Hon. (English Teacher) 14:09 Cristina Deirmengian, Hon. (Spanish Teacher) 16:13 Father Tim Gavin, Hon. (Head Chaplain) 17:30 Anne Barr, Hon. (English Teacher) 18:41 Rev. Michael Palmisano (Middle School Chaplain) 20:34 Norman Vossschulte P '22, '25  

The arts at The Episcopal Academy are a treasured part of the curriculum. At EA art is more than just a subject. Visual Art Department Chair David Sigel talks with EA Unlocked host T.J. Locke about how art is the truest form students can dive into, to figure out who they are as a learner. One of the highlights of the year at EA is the annual spring celebration, ArtsFest. Listen in on the vibrant sounds of ArtsFest in a past episode of EA Unlocked.   

After much research and thought, The Episcopal Academy launched a cell phone pilot program in the Upper School. Each morning before homeroom, students place their phones in a secure holding case for the day and pick them up as they head out in the afternoon. Head of Upper School Mike Letts talks with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about the process behind the initiative and the observations so far.    

The Episcopal Academy Boys' Track & Field Team pulled off a remarkable feat as they won their third consecutive Pennsylvania indoor state championship. With only five competitors in six events, every second, and every inch counted. In this bonus episode, the team and Coach Zach Richards share their "play by play," as the title came down to the Distance Medley Relay against powerhouse State College Area High School. "It was a movie in the making!" said Coach Richards. 2:20 Eli Engelman '25 (Mile, DMR) 4:47 Abaas Hunter '26 (200m, 400m, DMR) 9:00 Yaya Johnson '25 (High Jump, Triple Jump) 13:13 Curtis Conner '26 (DMR) 16:54 Kaleb Young '28  (DMR) 20:33 Jacob Serrano '28 (Alternate)  

With the wealth of talented and experienced educators at The Episcopal Academy, there are plenty of opportunities to learn from colleagues. In January, EA's Center for Teaching and Learning launched the inaugural Open Classroom Week. Teachers in Lower, Middle, and Upper School "opened" their classrooms to faculty and staff. With over 100 classroom visits, the week created quite a buzz. CTL Buckley Executive Director Justin Cerenzia and CTL Coordinator Allison Schultz talk about this growth opportunity with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.

Curious who is reading five books a month, has returned to the classroom as a teacher's aide, and recently read a translation of The Odyssey?  With a combined 115 years of service to The Episcopal Academy, retired teachers Lynne Hay, Tim Kent, and Nancy Reinhard catch listeners up on their action-packed retirements and strong connections to the EA community.

The Episcopal Academy college counseling team recently hosted Kirk Brennan for a day on campus. The Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Admissions met with students, parents, faculty, and staff to discuss the college process. His talk was titled: Redefining Success: Guiding Your Student Through High School and Beyond.  Kirk Brennan talks about the misconceptions about the process and how college admissions has changed over the years with host Chris Torino, EA Assistant Head of School. Check out past episodes in our EA Unlocked College Counseling "quick takes" series. Takeaways From Strategic Campus Travel & Relationship Building with EA College Counseling EA College Counseling Shares Takeaways from the NACAC Conference     

For some students math can be intimidating. But an inspiring math department and teachers can make a real difference. EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Episcopal Academy math teacher Dr. Tom Goebeler, who has taught many of EA's higher-level math offerings for the last 14 years. As Dr. Goebeler explains, "There is a lot of runway here" when it comes to math. Dr. Goebeler also talks about why he is committed to using the old fashion blackboard.  

'Tis the season at The Episcopal Academy! Students in Lower, Middle, and Upper School shared their musical talents and spread the spirit of the holidays during their instrumental and choral Winter Concerts in December. Listen in on the sounds of the holidays performed by EA's talented singers, orchestra and band students.  

More than 100 colleges and universities have visited The Episcopal Academy over the last few months as EA's team of seven College Counselors have visited campuses around the world. In our College Counseling "quick takes" EA Unlocked series, Head of School Chris Torino is behind the mic and talks with Executive Director of College Counseling Catalina Guzman and her team on the importance of strategic travel and relationship building. 1:50 Mary Maier/Sr. Associate Dir. of College Counseling (Univ. of Minnesota, Grinnell, Macalester, St. Olaf, Carleton College) 2:39 Lara Greico/Sr. Associate Dir. of College Counseling (LSU, Tulane, Loyola New Orleans, Dillard, Xavier, Northwestern, Loyola Chicago, Univ. of Chicago, USC) 4:19 Chrissy Cerenzia/Sr. Associate Dir. of College Counseling (Emory, Georgia Tech) 5:28 Julie Kerich/Sr. Associate Dir. of College Counseling (Study in Wales Tour)      

Each year, The Episcopal Academy brings accomplished professionals to campus for the Walter W. Buckley, Jr. '55 American History Lecture Series. In November, historian, author, and Princeton University professor Julian Zelizer spent the day speaking with students and faculty. Mr. Zelizer is the Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, Class of 1941 Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton. His book Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974 is a New York Times Best Seller. Mr. Zelizer continued his conversation and political insights with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.

We have all been there, desperate to retrieve information during a conversation, for an assessment, or project. During a recent professional development day, faculty and staff at The Episcopal Academy worked with cognitive scientist and Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music, Pooja Agarwal. She is the author of Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning. Dr. Agarwal has researched how students learn for more than 20 years. Her specialty is retrieval practice and enduring learning. Buckley Executive Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Justin Cerenzia arranged the professional development day with Dr. Agarwal. He joins in on this fascinating conversation with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.  

Over the last few years, there has been a lot of work underway at The Episcopal Academy surrounding College Counseling. The initiative is led by Assistant Head of School, Chris Torino. Throughout Season 5, EA Unlocked host T.J. Locke is handing over the mic to Chris for some "quick takes" on the college counseling landscape. This first "bonus" episode features Catalina Guzman who was welcomed to campus over the summer. She is the new Executive Director of the department. Catalina and her team recently attended the NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) conference in Los Angeles and visited more than 15 California colleges and universities. Learn more about Catalina's vast experience in College Counseling and the headlines out of the NACAC conference. Be sure and follow @eacollegecounseling for the latest.

Senior Jack Gallagher spend three weeks in Namibia over the summer with the National Geographic Student Travel Program. Armed with two cameras, multiple lenses, and plenty of water, Jack captured stunning photos of the landscape and wildlife that wander the arid region. His work kicked off the 2024-25 season at The Episcopal Academy's Crawford Campus Center Art Gallery. The exhibit is titled Mbi ri nama (I'm doing alright). Listen in as Jack shares his photographic adventure, including being eye to eye with a cheetah, with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke. Check out Jack's photos here.  

This fall a new initiative is underway at EA, designed to help students, faculty, and staff learn more about productive civil dialogue. The Episcopal Academy is fortunate to be a school that is grounded with strong values, moral character, respect, and civility through the Chapel program and the Stripes. EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Middle School Head Laurie Piette about the rollout of MODEL the Stripes!    

It was an especially exciting summer for four Episcopal Academy alumni as they competed in the Summer Olympics in Paris. Rower Nick Mead '13 competed in the coxless men's four and won gold. It was the first gold medal for the men's four since 1960. Nick was also selected to carry the American flag in the Closing Ceremony alongside fellow medalist and swimmer Katie Ledecky. Open water swimmer Ivan Puskovitch '19 braved the waters of the Seine in the men's 10K where he placed 19th overall. Water polo player Jovana Sekulic '21 was all smiles as she made her Olympic debut with USA Women's Water Polo. The squad won four of their seven games and finished in 4th place. Ashley Sessa '22 lived her Olympic dream as a member of Team USA Field Hockey. She opened the team's scoring with a goal in their first game against Argentina. They finished in 9th place overall. EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with these incredible athletes about their path to the Olympics, experiences at EA, and their favorite Olympic swag.

As the 2023-24 school year wraps up, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke ventured down to the new Lower School playground. Fourteen swings, two basket swings, zip lines, tube slides, and creative wooden dodecahedrons, (think 12-sided beehive) have all made for a lot of fun and adventure for playground visitors of all ages. Listen in as EA's young students serve up sand pies and cookies made daily at the very popular water pump and sand play area. Guests: Father Tim Gavin (1:19) Terry Malone/Head of Lower School (1:32) Lisa Herbster/Assistant Head of Lower School (1:53) Jen Fifer/Director of Institutional Advancement (2:17) Luke Wright '29 (4:18)

As work continues on health and wellness to support students at The Episcopal Academy, 6-12th grade students, and their teachers, took part in a relationship mapping exercise in the fall. The goal is to ensure that every student has at least one trusted adult at EA that they can turn to any time they need support. Upper School Mental Health Counselor Caroline Graham, Upper School Head Mike Letts, and Middle School Head Laurie Piette, join EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke to discuss the initiative and some of the findings. Check out the EA Unlocked archive to listen to past episodes.

Dr. Po-Shen Loh is a social entrepreneur and inventor and works across the spectrum of math, education, and healthcare. He's a math professor at Carnegie Mellon University and was the coach of the USA International Mathemtical Olympiad team. Dr. Loh recently spent the day at The Episcopal Academy as part of The Clare Foundation and Hinton Family STEM Speaker Series. After speaking with students, he stopped by to talk with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about his fascinating work with students and Artificial Intelligence.

Harvard University historian Annette Gordon-Reed recently spent the day at The Episcopal Academy for this year's Walter W. Buckley, Jr. '55 American History Lecture Series. Ms. Gordon-Reed is the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard University. She has won 16 book prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2009 and the National Book Award in 2008, for The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family. Her most recent book is On Juneteenth, a memoir and history of Texas. Other honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship in the humanities, a MacArthur Fellowship, and the National Book Award. Between her lecture and meeting with Upper School students, Ms. Gordon-Reed stopped by for a conversation with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke. Through the generosity of the late Walter W. Buckley, Jr. '55, distinguished American historians are invited to EA each spring.

Volleyball is coming to The Episcopal Academy! The popular and growing sport grew nearly ten percent last season as programs are being added around the country, including at the collegiate level. EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke gets the scoop from EA Athletic Director Todd Fairlie and Assistant Athletic Director Katie Duffie who played an important role in this decision.  If you are a new follower or have missed past episodes, check out the EA Unlocked archives to listen to past conversations.

It was a record-setting season for The Episcopal Academy boys' and girls' indoor track and field teams. This incredibly talented group set a combined 14 school records! The boys won the Pennsylvania State Indoor Championship for the second consecutive year and Coach Zach Richards was named Coach of the Year. Several of these student-athletes earned All-State and All-American honors. Host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with five seniors along with Coach Richards, and Coach John Goens about their EA careers and this spectacular season. Guests: Avery Elliott Saige Forbes Dawson French AJ Koukou Michael Woolery Coach John Goens/Girls' Coach Coach Zach Richards/Boys' Coach Boys' Indoor T&F Indoor Records: 60m, 200m, 400m, 3000m, High Jump, Triple Jump, and Shot Put. Girls' Indoor T&F Indoor Records: 60m, 200m, 55HH, 60HH, Long Jump, Triple Jump, and Pentathlon.  

While students dashed off campus to start their spring break, Episcopal Academy faculty and staff attended a professional development day with cognitive science researcher Dan Willingham. Dr. Willingham is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia where his research focuses on the brain and how it learns and remembers. His most recent book is titled "Outsmart Your Brain – Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make it Easy." And over the years, Dr. Willingham has built quite the following on TikTok. Justin Cerenzia, EA's Buckley Executive Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning, joined host Dr. T.J. Locke for this fascinating discussion.

Students of all ages juggle a lot in their daily lives. Add in the additional pressure of sports and that can make for a very full and sometimes stressful day. Many parents feel the pressure as well. Sports Psychologist Dr. Joel Fish works with athletes of all abilities and levels ranging from high school students to professional athletes. He recently spoke with Middle and Upper School students and parents at The Episcopal Academy. He also shared his expertise and strategies with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke    

The Episcopal Academy's Chapel program is an integral part of who we are at EA. Each week during Chapel, students in all three divisions hear from and have the opportunity to reflect on, powerful thoughts and messages from their peers, teachers, staff, alumni, and outside guests. There are well over 100 speakers each school year. This episode highlights some of those speakers. Like last season's episode, "The Power of Words," short excerpts from some of the Chapel Talks were included in weekly @EAChapel Instagram #EAChapelMinute posts.  Speakers: Fr. Tim Gavin, Hon. Rev. Michael Palmisano Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. Aaron Hyman P '22, '29  Eve Hyman '29 Eleni Kousoulis (Sister of 911 victim) Fr. Rob Hagan O.S.A (Villanova Basketball team chaplain) Na'rome Rayborn '24, Grace McHugh '24 Jenn Jones (Upper School Science Teacher) Bert Howlin, Hon. (Middle School History Teacher) Erica Snowden (DEI Executive Director) Stevie Combs '25 Zach Richards, Hon. (Upper School Form Dean) Michael Whalen '08 (Upper School History Teacher) Tom Goebeler, Hon. (Upper School Math Teacher) Lower School Chapel Council Music: US Students LS Students US Guitar Class Steve Kerwin/Piano (Middle School Science Teacher) Jim Erwin/Piano (Music Department Chair)  

Curious who is learning how to restore furniture? Is a soccer mom? And who is helping to manage a golf course? Listen in on this entertaining conversation with some of EA's well-loved retired faculty and staff. With over 90 combined years at The Episcopal Academy, this trio has not slowed down. Podcast guests: Cheryl McLauchlan - retired math teacher, Form Dean (24 years at EA) Tom Kossuth - retired Math teacher, coach, financial aid director (33 years at EA) Gina Buggy - retired Athletic Director, coach (34 years at EA)

Episcopal Academy Head Chaplain Tim Gavin discovered his love for writing in 5th grade when he authored the Christmas play for his school.  He published a book of poems in 2018 and recently released his book, A Radical Beginning - A Journey through the Prayer of St. Francis. Father Tim shares details of the book and what inspired him to write it in this episode of EA Unlocked. A Radical Beginning was published in October 2023 by Olympia Publishers London.

'Tis the season at The Episcopal Academy! Students of all ages shared their musical talents and helped spread the spirit of the holidays during their instrumental and choral concerts throughout December. Listen in on the sounds of holidays, and the beautiful music performed by our Lower, Middle, and Upper School students.