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A Message of Gratitude from Head of School Dr. Carrie Steakley

November 19th, 2024


After six decades of inspiring students to lives of purpose and meaning, the Episcopal community has much for which to be thankful. Our school was founded with ambitious determination and a desire to provide outstanding learning experiences led by caring faculty/staff. Over the years, student achievements have soared, new buildings have been celebrated and our campus has grown to meet the needs of the next generation. We have enjoyed significant success. In reflecting on our school history, I am also thankful for how we weathered challenges together. In adversity, we unite and remain true to the school’s mission. We have shown that being a Knight means something in triumph and tragedy.

In keeping with our mission, we remain committed to academic, artistic, athletic and service learning excellence. Already this school year, we have celebrated six National Merit Semifinalists, one Commended Scholar and 68 AP Scholars. Our student artists presented “Shrek Jr. the Musical,” choir members were selected for the American Choral Director’s Association All-State Choir and visual artists shared their works in the fall art show. Our athletes continue to represent Episcopal with poise and skill. Incredibly, these students manage academic requirements while performing at very high levels in sports. 

Congratulations to our cross country teams. The boys team earned a state championship title and the girls finished as the state runner-up. A big congratulations also to our girls swim team who earned the DIII state title, with Rylee Simoneaux being named the DIII Swimmer of the Meet. Our girls and boys represented Episcopal extremely well. I am so proud of Sophia Macias and Rylee, who recently announced their decision to continue competing at the collegiate level. This is a testament to their determination and perseverance.

Nurturing spirituality and understanding the value of service remains a vital component of the Episcopal experience. This semester, our students helped build a house, organized community donation drives and volunteered with numerous organizations. Our Community Impact and Service Learning course continues its intentional focus on service learning. Students have already explored the Parole Project, visited an animal shelter and partnered with Baton Rouge Green to plant a tree on our campus that will provide shade for future generations. Recently, Middle School students volunteered to help our Woodland Ridge neighbors by spreading mulch on the median. These experiences have lasting impacts on our students, faculty/staff and the Greater Baton Rouge community. This is the type of learning for which we can all be thankful, and I hope you are as proud of our students as I am.

Without you, our families and community, our school would not be as strong and resilient as it is. I am immensely grateful for your support of our students, faculty/staff and school. Thank you to everyone who filled out the recent School Community Feedback Survey.  Your opinions and comments matter and provide insight into our strengths as well as areas in which we can improve.  Overwhelmingly, our parents indicated a strong sense of belonging, as well as an appreciation for the strength of our academic program and the expertise of our faculty.  I am incredibly grateful for your input and hope you know that my door is always open to you.

Over the next few weeks, there will be many opportunities, including the annual Lessons and Carols, to join us on campus and celebrate the holidays.  It is always a pleasure to see you, and Darryl and I continue to appreciate the blessing of being a part of your family.  During this season of gratitude, I hope you also count Episcopal and our community among your blessings. This is a special place, and our collaborative work is essential. Thank you for the trust you place in us, and thank you for helping us prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

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.

Posted in the categories All, Head Of School.