Knightly News

“So much was taken from us but crisis seems to bring out the best in people.” Sara Be, 2019/2020 Student Body President

Much has been said about the challenges faced by the Class of 2020. While they have certainly experienced high school through a unique set of circumstances, now it is time to celebrate all that this class has accomplished in spite of that adversity.

Academics

Number of different colleges to which the Class of 2020 were accepted: 118
Total number of college acceptances: 310
Scholarship dollars earned: $10,075,588 over the next four years
TOPS dollars awarded over the next four years: $1.45 million
Students matriculating at a school outside of a Louisiana state school receiving full tuition scholarship/financial aid: 7

AP Scores

• Percentage of students earning 3 or higher increased by 14% over past three years, since class of 2020 came in as freshmen
• Average AP scores increased by 17% over past three years, since class of 2020 came in as freshmen
• 25% of Class of 2020 are AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Distinction and AP Scholars with Honors
• 64% of Class of 2020 have taken at least 1 AP exam during their Upper School career

National Merit Recognition

• Schoalrship winners: Adam Reid & Celia Kiesel
• 10 Finalists, including: Sara Be, Valerie Beggs, John (Jack) Campbell, Nicholas Johannessen, Celia Kiesel, Laura Kurtz, Wyatt Laiche, John Pojman, Adam Reid and Ian Sabolik
• 1 Semifinalist – Trevor Heath
• 3 Commended Scholars, including: Sean Brooks, Fabian Mbagwu and Macie Sentino

Episcopal Distinctions

• 49% of the Class of 2020 earned a Distinction in at least one subject area

Athletics

• 23 total team state championships/ runner up’s in four years
• 10 LHSAA Composite All Academic Athletes
• 11 Collegiate bound athletes including:
  • DJ Morgan – Xavier N.O. Basketball
  • Peyton Sybrandt – Auburn Baseball
  • Griff Strain - Highpoint Baseball
  • Sydney Summerville – Belhaven College Softball
  • Anders Melton – University of the South Soccer
  • Tanner Bodron – Millsaps College Soccer
  • Kendrick Washington – Millsaps College Football
  • Christian Clayson – UL Monroe Baseball
  • Joseph Patterson - University of Tennessee Martin Track
  • John Ropollo – UL Monroe Baseball
  • Savannah York – Texas A&M Powerlifting
  • Jackson Morris – LSU Powerlifting

Athletic Success At-A-Glance:

• Boys and girls cross country and track teams: scored on 16 different state championship teams; multiple individual and relay state champions, including two time individual XC state champ, James Christian
• Boys and girls soccer teams:  4 district championships, 3 state semifinal appearances and 1 state runner-up appearance.  State Defensive MVP Tochi Mbagwu
• Boys and girls basketball: combined for 2 state championship game appearances, 4 semifinal game appearances, 6 quarterfinal appearances and 2 district championships. Boys defeated a nationally ranked squad in 2018. All 4 girls seniors named to the 2A All Academic team.
• Football: 31 wins in 4 years, 4 state quarterfinal appearances and a combined GPA of 3.6.  Kolin Bilbrew was named an All State Defensive Back and came close to breaking the school interception record.  Griff Strain was selected to play in the 2019 Red Stick Bowl. Multiple year all district team members, including Lane Grigsby and Ethan Amedee.
• Boys and girls powerlifting: combined best weight of nearly 10,000 pounds, including over 40 regional and state team qualifying spots, with school powerlifting records held by Celia Kiesel, Makenzie Daugherty, Savannah York , Jackson Morris and John Pojman.
• Boys Tennis: State Champions in 2019

It’s difficult to tell the story of the Class of 2020 without reflecting upon the flood of 2016 or the current global pandemic. These events were challenging, especially for students hoping for a typical teenage high school experience. However, between freshman and senior year, these students made the most of their time on campus and they will leave the school more resilient, stronger and better prepared to live lives of meaning and purpose. As student leaders, including Be, Valedictorian Celia Kiesel, Salutatorian Adam Reid and senior class president Christine Myer, shared speeches at the recent Knights Drive-In, it also became apparent that this class will leave high school more grateful, compassionate and kind.

“We’re not missing out because we have it right here,” Myer reminded her classmates as she stood on a small stage under a banner congratulating the class. Both Myer and Be expressed gratitude for the meaningful moments and relationships that they said will truly define their high school experiences. With that appreciation comes a sense of making a difference in the world as they begin their next chapter.

“We are making history,” said Be. “We have this historic opportunity to be an example.”

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.