EA Unlocked

Lessons and Carols at EA is held on the morning before students are dismissed for the much-anticipated holiday break. Middle and Upper School students gather in The Class of 1944 Chapel, along with their teachers, parents, and young alumni, to listen to nine lessons and beautiful carols to celebrate the holiday season. Father Tim Gavin talks with EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, about this EA favorite that dates back to the 1800s.

EA launched its Computer Science and Engineering department in 2018 with a cutting-edge curriculum for Prek - 12th grade students. Middle and Upper School students can choose from a robust list of course offerings, while students in Lower School work with a team of Technology Coaches in the Idea Lab and across disciplines in their homeroom classes.  Department chair Matt Memmo, Hon. shared his insights and thoughts about Computer Science and Engineering with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.

Each year, students are encouraged to share their talents in the Dora Khayatt art and music competitions. In the spring of 2021, seniors Madison Bello and Paige Croney won for their beautiful singing performances. Nick Cerone '22 (baritone sax), and Ashley Kim '23(flute), won for their instrumental performances. Ashley and Nick recently stopped by to talk with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about their love for music and the Dora Khayatt contest.

EA's rivalry with The Haverford School dates back to 1889, when the first football game was played between the two schools. In the 1980's, the coveted Split Sweater was introduced and awarded to the school that won the most contests- which grew to include soccer, cross country, water polo, and golf. In 2005, EA girls began competing against The Agnes Irwin School in an effort to win the Banner. Retired Athletic Director Gina Buggy and Associate Director of Athletics Jim Farrell take a look at the history of this long-standing tradition and share some of their memories of this rivalry weekend.

Beth Corrigan is the new chair of EA's Board of Trustees. She was recently on campus for the fall Board meeting and stopped by for an EA Unlocked recording session to share her thoughts on her new role.

Olympic rower Nick Mead '13 launched his rowing career as an EA freshman, under the guidance of Classics teacher and rowing coach Molly Konopka, Hon. He recently stopped by campus to talk with Coach Konopka and EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke about competing in the Tokyo Olympics, his strong ties to Episcopal, and his plans for the future.

Despite distanced learning restrictions, EA's music department still managed to provide some beautiful music for the holidays. Enjoy these sweet sounds from EA's Lower, Middle, and Upper School musicians.

This special "pop-up" edition of EA_Unlocked features EA's talented student musicians in Lower, Middle, and Upper School. Excerpts are included from spring, remote music classes and performances from throughout the 2019-2020 school year. Enjoy.

EA student musicians, along with Music Department Chair Jim Erwin, shared their talents and provided some beautiful music for this year's Easter celebrations. Student pieces are performed by freshman Ashley Kim (flute), senior Sejin Park (viola), and Junior Michael Zhou (piano).

Middle School English teacher Mark Luff is EA's longest-tenured teacher. The 2019-2020 school year marks his 42nd year. At the opening day for faculty and staff in August, it is a tradition for the teacher who has worked at EA the longest to address the group. EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, sat down with Mr. Luff to hear more about this tradition and his reflections on four-decades of teaching EA students.

Through Episcopal's partnership with the Global Online Academy (GOA), EA students are given the opportunity to explore dynamic subjects from some of the world's leading educators in a global classroom. GOA Site Director Dr. Adam Lavallee stops by tell us more about the program and how GOA elevates the learning experience.

After a thorough review, the 6th-12th grade science curriculum has been overhauled- which includes a new department chair structure. Grace Limaye '90 now chairs the department. She recently sat down with Dr. T.J. Locke to talk about the new curriculum and her hopes and dreams for science at EA.

The history department at EA is always looking for ways to engage students and bring history to life in the classroom. Teacher Chuck Bryant has integrated the popular game, Escape the Room, into the curriculum. Dr. T.J. Locke recently stopped by Mr. Bryant's AP U.S. History class to check it out.

The holidays are an exciting time on campus at EA. PreK students stop by Dr. T.J. Locke's office to decorate his tree, read a book, and share cookies. Throughout December, EA Chaplains mark Advent and celebrate other traditions. The annual Scrooge Chapel is a much-anticipated favorite, as teachers, faculty, and staff delight students with their acting and singing talents. Students are dismissed for the holiday break, after a beautiful, music-filled, Lessons and Carols service.

In 2018, The Lilley Fellowship was launched at EA through the generosity of Bill Lilley '55  and his wife Eve. In year one, two students were selected to pursue independent study opportunities. In 2019, Kat Harrar '21 spent time studying farm-to-feed programs and cultivating EA's Syd Buck Memorial Garden. Kat and Lilley Fellowship Director Max Kelly '06 recently discussed the program with host T.J. Locke.

The robotics program is as popular as ever at EA and is continuing to grow. Last season, the team found great success in local competitions- as well as in Quebec and at the world championships in Detroit. Upper School science teacher Teddy Mathisen '02 discusses EA's robotics team and program.    

EA's rivalry with The Haverford School dates back to 1889- when the first football game was played between the two schools. In the 1980's, the coveted split sweater was introduced and awarded to the school that won the most contests- which grew to include soccer, cross country, water polo, and golf. In 2005, EA girls began competing against The Agnes Irwin School in an effort to win the Banner. Athletic Director Gina Buggy and Associate Director of Athletics Jim Farrell take a look at the history of this long-standing tradition and share some of their memories of this rivalry weekend.

Starting in 7th grade, all EA students begin their adventure studying Latin with an enthusiastic team of teachers. One of the highlights for 8th graders is the Emperors Project. This project stretches through all three trimesters and culminates with A Night with the Emperors. Classics Chair Steve Bosio talks about EA's hands-on curriculum and his team's foray into social media. 

The Domino Club is one of the oldest clubs at EA and is responsible for selecting the fall and spring Upper School productions each year. Under the direction of Theatre Department Chair Dan Clay, the productions are consistently ambitious and impressive. In the spring of 2019, The Domino Club presented Les Miserables- the largest and most challenging production to date. We go behind the scenes with Mr. Clay to hear how the Domino Club picks its productions, and how 80-plus students pulled off Les Mis.