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Giving Thanks for Our Community

November 18th, 2022


Dear Episcopal Families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, a time for gathering with family and loved ones, I cannot help but reflect on the school year and all that we have for which to be thankful. I am proud to be a Knight. The last three years have been rewarding and challenging in ways I could have never dreamed of when I first joined this family. This community continues to reinforce what I have always known about you. We are a community that cares for one another, not just in words but in our actions. Regardless of the circumstances, this community always finds a way to rise to meet the needs of our fellow Knights. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are the strength of this Episcopal experience. When we chose this year’s theme of UKNIGHTED in Community, we could never have imagined how united we would need to be. This first semester has tested us, but our community is strong and resilient. It is a privilege to stand beside you.

I am immensely grateful for the Episcopal community's compassion, support, and love. We began the school year mourning the loss and celebrating the life of our colleague and friend, Jimmy Williams ’97. I am inspired by how this community selflessly rallied to bear some of the burdens that come with such a terrible loss. Uniting in such a show of support continues to be the theme of who you are; it’s in your DNA. In early November, Episcopal suffered the tragic loss of Baron Stevenson ’23. The impact on our community was devastating, and the pain and trauma still reverberate across campus. Again, like true Knights, you responded and encircled the family with earnestness, kindness, and generosity. While you supported these families, you also supported each other in big and small ways. Whether it is a meal for a struggling colleague or a kind word for a classmate, the Episcopal community is united. There is always room to do more, but I am inspired by how far we’ve come together. Jimmy Williams and Baron Stevenson will be remembered forever. Forever a Knight.

The season of Advent reminds us of light, hope, and the promise of rebirth. When we return, there will be a buzz of excitement across campus as the wreaths are hung, class parties are planned, and the final days of the semester wind down. From our littlest Knights to our senior class, our students have worked hard this semester, and it is a joy to see them shine. I hope you join us for traditions like Lessons and Carols, winter concerts, and our PreK-3 Nativity. These events unite our community in a special way. We will also unite on the field and court as our athletes begin winter competition. Cheering on these outstanding students is certainly a fun way to keep warm this season.

I wish all of you a relaxed and peaceful Thanksgiving, and I look forward to seeing you after the break. Please join me in praying for our Episcopal community and counting the blessings we share.

Almighty and eternal God, we thank you for the many blessings of this life we come to discover through our Episcopal community. So draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people;through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Happy Thanksgiving,

Dr. Carrie C. Steakley
Head of School

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Posted in the categories All, Spirituality And Service.