Renaissance Class Graduates from Holy Innocents'

Class of 2016 valedictorian Will Epperson decided not to offer “life advice,” as he called it, to classmates Saturday at Holy Innocents’ graduation. He chose, instead, to talk about the extraordinary Class of 2016, a Renaissance class known for excelling in academics, the arts, athletics, service to the community—in virtually every area of Holy Innocents’ life.

“We are a class of championship-winning athletes, of world-class musicians, of brilliant scholars,” Epperson said. “Our class has set records on the track, in the weight room, in the classroom—and also at Tetris!

“Together, our class organized a dodge ball tournament to raise money for cystic fibrosis, which we hope will turn into a new HI tradition, and we had a record number of seniors at the JDRF walk this year supporting Type 1 Diabetes research.” Other projects that seniors have undertaken, Epperson said, include: a mentorship project between freshman and senior girls, campus initiatives for composting, the first HIES Talks event, and a children’s book for dyslexia awareness.

Epperson also noted this class’s legacy of leadership, and ability to care for one another.

“Just as important as our legacy is the impact that this class has made on each other,” he explained. “We come from a range of backgrounds and a diversity of mindsets. Yet we have learned to understand and empathize with others, even when their opinions differ from our own.

“We have supported one another in failure, and celebrated one another in success.”

The academic success of the 124 members of the Class of 2016 is remarkable. HIES seniors were admitted to more than 130 different colleges, spanning 33 states and the District of Columbia. More than $6.9 million in scholarships were offered to the graduating seniors, which included four National Merit Finalists. And this year’s graduates will be attending some of the nation’s most distinguished institutions of higher learning, including Harvard University, Princeton University, and Stanford University.

In addition:

•Briana Neal was one of only 657 high school seniors awarded full, four-year scholarships with admission to highly selective colleges through the QuestBridge National College Match. She will attend the University of Chicago;

•Will Epperson will be a Stamps President’s Scholar at Georgia Tech;

•Saaleha Medlock is the school’s first Ron Brown Scholar, and will be part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program at New York University;

•Johnna Gadomski has been awarded a National Merit Emory University Scholarship; •And Josie Barton will study in the Tulane University honors program, and is one of only 15 students in the Altman Program in International Studies and Business.

In his remarks, Head of School Paul Barton spoke of the significance of a Holy Innocents’ diploma—but not just in terms of its value to help students win such prestigious scholarships and admittance to renowned colleges and universities.

“We spend too much time with resume virtues that bring us high status and define us as winners. But don’t confuse those with eulogy virtues,” he said referring to qualities such as kindness, compassion, and love for all people, even those who hold different beliefs than our own.

Barton then reminded graduates of the school seal, which bears the words Virtus, Veritas, Caritas (Virtue, Truth, Charity). “In these three words you have the mission of this school—to lead a life filled with meaning and purpose.

“This,” he emphasized, “is a diploma to be proud of.”

Senior Awards were presented this year to:

Caroline Ford: The Chaplain’s Award, given to the member of the class who, through either accomplishment or personal example, has given witness and expression to the school’s mission and ministry as an Episcopal school.

Susanne Sokolowski: The Rector’s Award, which is given to the senior who, through perseverance, devotion, dedication, and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence, has achieved a commendable measure of success.

Johnna Gadomski: The Bishop’s Award, given to the member of the class who has demonstrated, through devoted service to the school community and to the community at large, God’s call to “strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being.”

And Josie Barton: The Headmaster’s Award, given to the senior who, with broad interests and with participation in a wide range of activities and pursuits, has made an outstanding contribution to the life and work of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.

Greyson Burnett was named class salutatorian.

Other awards announced at the Upper School Honors and Awards Day on May 5 included:
•The Principal's Award, given to a member of the senior class who has demonstrated academic achievement, commitment, responsibility, and dedication to Holy Innocents’: Whitney Weiss;

•The Atlanta Journal Cup, awarded to a senior who demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, and school community activities: Emma Rolader;

•The Alice L. Malcolm Headmaster’s Award, given to the rising senior who best exemplifies the philosophy of the school: Christopher Anderson;

•The Excellence in Moral Courage Award, presented to a senior who demonstrates moral strength, integrity, and courage: Emily Snellings;

•Citizenship Award, conferred upon a senior who best exemplifies outstanding conduct toward other students, faculty, school, and community: Alexandria Cannon;

•National Honor Society Scholarship, for a current freshman or sophomore who demonstrates exceptional academic ability and performance: Saffiya Bashey;

•The Frank L. Butler & Marilyn Butler Blane Memorial Scholarship, for a rising sophomore in good academic standing who exhibits a selfless attitude, demonstrates an ability to lead, and actively participates in the community: Olivia Martin.

•The Wilbanks Award for Excellence in Fine & Performing Arts, awarded to a senior whose excellence in the arts has brought inspiration to fellow students and faculty: Julia Durst;

•The Scholar Athlete Award (female): Ileana Zeissner;

•Scholar Athlete Award (male): Kenneth Brunson;

•S.T.A.R. Faculty Award: John Taylor;

•S.T.A.R. Student Award: David Adams; and

•Governor’s Honors Program recipient: Avery Pingpank.