Episcopal’s value can be measured in many ways. We believe the excellence of this education is best expressed in who our students become.

Maybe your success is measured in how you lead, maybe it is measured by your artistic talents, or maybe it is fulfilling your purpose by serving others.  Our alumni’s remarkable identities and accomplishments are what make them true Knights.  Here, we share the accomplishments of some of our alumni who have shown they are Notable Knights in each of their important worlds and beyond.

Lear deBessonet ’98

Lear attended the University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar.  Her career has been an unbelievable journey that has led her to be involved in remarkable projects and productions.  Most recently she directed Grammy award-winning "Into the Woods" on Broadway. "Annie Live" for NBC and "Hercules" (Disney Theatricals/Public Works).  She is the artistic director of Encores! at New York City Center, and she previously founded the acclaimed Public Works program at The Public Theater.  Her directing work has received an Obie Award, Lortel Award, Lilly Award, and multiple Drama Desk nominations. Lear received the Founders Award of Excellence in Directing at the 89th Annual Drama League Awards and was nominated for two Tony awards at the 76th Tony Awards.  Her career accolades are equally matched by the work she does in her community and beyond as well as within her faith. 

Brace B. “Trey” Godfrey, III ’97

Trey serves as the senior vice president of policy at Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In this role, he drives regional and state-level initiatives to create a more competitive region for business growth and talent development, particularly through the organization’s public policy and government affairs activity.

Trey is a two-time Tulane University graduate.  Prior to his current role at BRAC, Trey served as the executive director of 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge. At the 100 Black Men, Trey expanded its membership and mission, including launching programs related to economic development, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and education.

Todd Graves '90

Todd is the Founder, CEO, Fry Cook and Cashier of Raising Cane's restaurant.  In 24 years Raising Canes has grown from a single restaurant outside the North Gate of LSU to 550 restaurants in 29 U.S states and the Middle East.  Todd has received countless awards and recognitions including 2019's #28 in the Top 100 CEO's in the US by Glassdoor and Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young.  Todd is also extremely passionate about supporting the community and showing appreciation to the people who made his dream a reality.  Graves and Raising Cane's provided $40 million in support to the communities where Raising Cane's restaurants operate and in 2021 will add another $13 million of support.

Todd is married to Episcopal alumn Gwen Graves '88 and they have two children who have also attended Episcopal.  

Kaylee Hartung ’03

Kaylee Hartung is a Correspondent for ABC News based in Los Angeles. She reports for all ABC News broadcasts and platforms, including “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “Nightline,” and “ABC News Live.” Before joining ABC, Hartung was a correspondent for CNN and previously, Hartung was an award-winning sports reporter for ESPN. She appeared regularly on “SportsCenter” and contributed to the network’s coverage of the biggest college sporting events in the country.

Hartung began her career in CBS News’ Washington bureau as an associate producer for “Face the Nation” and assistant to the program's then-host Bob Schieffer. Hartung is a graduate of Washington and Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism and politics.

 

Meghan O’Leary ‘03

Meghan O’Leary is a 2016 and 2020 Olympian, athlete activist and entrepreneur. She is a two-time World Championship medalist, five-time World Cup medalist and seven-time National Team member with the United States Rowing Team. For eight years she has represented the team as the Athlete Director on the USRowing Board of Directors, and was elected as the Fan's Choice Athlete of the Year in 2017.  Meghan was inducted into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

O'Leary was a two-sport Division I athlete in volleyball and softball at the University of Virginia where she obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees.  Prior to her rowing career, she worked for ESPN for five years until she decided to pursue her Olympic rowing career full-time.  Meghan has co-founded Turazo, a software platform that helps companies recruit and hire more inclusively. She is a professional speaker and advocate for women in sports and equality, serving as an ambassador for the Women’s Sports Foundation.

 

 

We are excited to grow this alumni project with your help.  To recommend someone, please email [email protected].  We look forward to recognizing all of the notable alumni in our community.

REUKNIGHTED