EA Unlocked
EA Unlocked takes you behind the scenes at The Episcopal Academy. Join host and Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke as he interviews students and teachers, explores school traditions, and more.
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Learning and Practicing Civil Dialogue Through MODELing the Stripes
09/23/2024
Learning and Practicing Civil Dialogue Through MODELing the Stripes
This fall a new initiative is underway at EA, designed to help students, faculty, and staff learn more about productive civil dialogue. The Episcopal Academy is fortunate to be a school that is grounded with strong values, moral character, respect, and civility through the Chapel program and the Stripes. EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with Middle School Head Laurie Piette about the rollout of MODEL the Stripes!
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EA Olympians Share Their Stories & Experiences from the 2024 Summer Games
09/09/2024
EA Olympians Share Their Stories & Experiences from the 2024 Summer Games
It was an especially exciting summer for four Episcopal Academy alumni as they competed in the Summer Olympics in Paris. Rower Nick Mead '13 competed in the coxless men's four and won gold. It was the first gold medal for the men's four since 1960. Nick was also selected to carry the American flag in the Closing Ceremony alongside fellow medalist and swimmer Katie Ledecky. Open water swimmer Ivan Puskovitch '19 braved the waters of the Seine in the men's 10K where he placed 19th overall. Water polo player Jovana Sekulic '21 was all smiles as she made her Olympic debut with USA Women's Water Polo. The squad won four of their seven games and finished in 4th place. Ashley Sessa '22 lived her Olympic dream as a member of Team USA Field Hockey. She opened the team's scoring with a goal in their first game against Argentina. They finished in 9th place overall. EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with these incredible athletes about their path to the Olympics, experiences at EA, and their favorite Olympic swag.
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The Sights & Sounds of the New Lower School Playground
05/22/2024
The Sights & Sounds of the New Lower School Playground
As the 2023-24 school year wraps up, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke ventured down to the new Lower School playground. Fourteen swings, two basket swings, zip lines, tube slides, and creative wooden dodecahedrons, (think 12-sided beehive) have all made for a lot of fun and adventure for playground visitors of all ages. Listen in as EA's young students serve up sand pies and cookies made daily at the very popular water pump and sand play area. Guests: Father Tim Gavin (1:19) Terry Malone/Head of Lower School (1:32) Lisa Herbster/Assistant Head of Lower School (1:53) Jen Fifer/Director of Institutional Advancement (2:17) Luke Wright '29 (4:18)
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A Discussion About Relationship Mapping
05/15/2024
A Discussion About Relationship Mapping
As work continues on health and wellness to support students at The Episcopal Academy, 6-12th grade students, and their teachers, took part in a relationship mapping exercise in the fall. The goal is to ensure that every student has at least one trusted adult at EA that they can turn to any time they need support. Upper School Mental Health Counselor Caroline Graham, Upper School Head Mike Letts, and Middle School Head Laurie Piette, join EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke to discuss the initiative and some of the findings. to listen to past episodes.
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A Conversation with Clare Foundation STEM Speaker Dr. Po-Shen Loh
05/02/2024
A Conversation with Clare Foundation STEM Speaker Dr. Po-Shen Loh
Dr. Po-Shen Loh is a social entrepreneur and inventor and works across the spectrum of math, education, and healthcare. He's a math professor at Carnegie Mellon University and was the coach of the USA International Mathemtical Olympiad team. Dr. Loh recently spent the day at The Episcopal Academy as part of The Clare Foundation and Hinton Family STEM Speaker Series. After speaking with students, he stopped by to talk with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about his fascinating work with students and Artificial Intelligence.
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A Conversation with Harvard Historian Annette Gordon-Reed
04/25/2024
A Conversation with Harvard Historian Annette Gordon-Reed
Harvard University historian Annette Gordon-Reed recently spent the day at The Episcopal Academy for this year's Walter W. Buckley, Jr. ’55 American History Lecture Series. Ms. Gordon-Reed is the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard University. She has won 16 book prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2009 and the National Book Award in 2008, for The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family. Her most recent book is On Juneteenth, a memoir and history of Texas. Other honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship in the humanities, a MacArthur Fellowship, and the National Book Award. Between her lecture and meeting with Upper School students, Ms. Gordon-Reed stopped by for a conversation with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke. Through the generosity of the late Walter W. Buckley, Jr. '55, distinguished American historians are invited to EA each spring.
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EA Unlocked - Volleyball is Coming to The Episcopal Academy
04/17/2024
EA Unlocked - Volleyball is Coming to The Episcopal Academy
Volleyball is coming to The Episcopal Academy! The popular and growing sport grew nearly ten percent last season as programs are being added around the country, including at the collegiate level. EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke gets the scoop from EA Athletic Director Todd Fairlie and Assistant Athletic Director Katie Duffie who played an important role in this decision. If you are a new follower or have missed past episodes, to listen to past conversations.
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A Record-Setting Season for EA Boys' and Girls' Indoor Track & Field
04/09/2024
A Record-Setting Season for EA Boys' and Girls' Indoor Track & Field
It was a record-setting season for The Episcopal Academy boys' and girls' indoor track and field teams. This incredibly talented group set a combined 14 school records! The boys won the and Coach Zach Richards was named Coach of the Year. Several of these student-athletes earned All-State and All-American honors. Host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with five seniors along with Coach Richards, and Coach John Goens about their EA careers and this spectacular season. Guests: Avery Elliott Saige Forbes Dawson French AJ Koukou Michael Woolery Coach John Goens/Girls' Coach Coach Zach Richards/Boys' Coach Boys' Indoor T&F Indoor Records: 60m, 200m, 400m, 3000m, High Jump, Triple Jump, and Shot Put. Girls' Indoor T&F Indoor Records: 60m, 200m, 55HH, 60HH, Long Jump, Triple Jump, and Pentathlon.
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A Conversation with Dr. Dan Willingham - How the Brain Learns & Remembers
04/02/2024
A Conversation with Dr. Dan Willingham - How the Brain Learns & Remembers
While students dashed off campus to start their spring break, Episcopal Academy faculty and staff attended a professional development day with cognitive science researcher Dan Willingham. Dr. Willingham is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia where his research focuses on the brain and how it learns and remembers. His most recent book is titled “Outsmart Your Brain – Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make it Easy.” And over the years, Dr. Willingham has built quite the following on TikTok. Justin Cerenzia, EA's Buckley Executive Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning, joined host Dr. T.J. Locke for this fascinating discussion.
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Managing the Mental Aspects of Athletics with Sports Psychologist Dr. Joel Fish
03/19/2024
Managing the Mental Aspects of Athletics with Sports Psychologist Dr. Joel Fish
Students of all ages juggle a lot in their daily lives. Add in the additional pressure of sports and that can make for a very full and sometimes stressful day. Many parents feel the pressure as well. Sports Psychologist Dr. Joel Fish works with athletes of all abilities and levels ranging from high school students to professional athletes. He recently spoke with Middle and Upper School students and parents at The Episcopal Academy. He also shared his expertise and strategies with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke
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The Power of Words II - EA Chapel Speakers
03/06/2024
The Power of Words II - EA Chapel Speakers
The Episcopal Academy's Chapel program is an integral part of who we are at EA. Each week during Chapel, students in all three divisions hear from and have the opportunity to reflect on, powerful thoughts and messages from their peers, teachers, staff, alumni, and outside guests. There are well over 100 speakers each school year. This episode highlights some of those speakers. Like last season's episode, "The Power of Words," short excerpts from some of the Chapel Talks were included in weekly Instagram #EAChapelMinute posts. Speakers: Fr. Tim Gavin, Hon. Rev. Michael Palmisano Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. Aaron Hyman P '22, '29 Eve Hyman '29 Eleni Kousoulis (Sister of 911 victim) Fr. Rob Hagan O.S.A (Villanova Basketball team chaplain) Na'rome Rayborn '24, Grace McHugh '24 Jenn Jones (Upper School Science Teacher) Bert Howlin, Hon. (Middle School History Teacher) Erica Snowden (DEI Executive Director) Stevie Combs '25 Zach Richards, Hon. (Upper School Form Dean) Michael Whalen '08 (Upper School History Teacher) Tom Goebeler, Hon. (Upper School Math Teacher) Lower School Chapel Council Music: US Students LS Students US Guitar Class Steve Kerwin/Piano (Middle School Science Teacher) Jim Erwin/Piano (Music Department Chair)
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Where Are They Now? - EA Retirees Gina Buggy, Cheryl McLauchlan, & Tom Kossuth
02/06/2024
Where Are They Now? - EA Retirees Gina Buggy, Cheryl McLauchlan, & Tom Kossuth
Curious who is learning how to restore furniture? Is a soccer mom? And who is helping to manage a golf course? Listen in on this entertaining conversation with some of EA’s well-loved retired faculty and staff. With over 90 combined years at The Episcopal Academy, this trio has not slowed down. Podcast guests: Cheryl McLauchlan - retired math teacher, Form Dean (24 years at EA) Tom Kossuth - retired Math teacher, coach, financial aid director (33 years at EA) Gina Buggy - retired Athletic Director, coach (34 years at EA)
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A Radical Beginning with Father Tim Gavin
01/22/2024
A Radical Beginning with Father Tim Gavin
Episcopal Academy Head Chaplain Tim Gavin discovered his love for writing in 5th grade when he authored the Christmas play for his school. He published a book of poems in 2018 and recently released his book, Father Tim shares details of the book and what inspired him to write it in this episode of EA Unlocked. A Radical Beginning was published in October 2023 by Olympia Publishers London.
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The Sounds of the Holidays at The Episcopal Academy
12/21/2023
The Sounds of the Holidays at The Episcopal Academy
'Tis the season at The Episcopal Academy! Students of all ages shared their musical talents and helped spread the spirit of the holidays during their instrumental and choral concerts throughout December. Listen in on the sounds of holidays, and the beautiful music performed by our Lower, Middle, and Upper School students.
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Behind-the-Scenes of Frozen JR.
12/11/2023
Behind-the-Scenes of Frozen JR.
Join us as we go behind-the-scenes of EA's Middle School Harlequin Ensemble's spectacular production of Frozen JR. Fifty-five members of the cast and crew wowed audiences of all ages. Listen in on how the cast managed six costume changes, how the impressive set came together, and the brilliant touch of making it snow on stage. Guests: Frozen JR. Cast Gina Tomkowich/EA Middle School School Drama Teacher Kelly Leight-Bertucci/EA Theatre & Dance Technical Director
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Australian & South African Exchange Students Welcomed to EA
11/28/2023
Australian & South African Exchange Students Welcomed to EA
Each fall, exchange students from Australia and South Africa arrive in the United States and jump right into life at EA. This year, four students are living with EA host families, taking Upper School classes, and playing on the fall athletic teams. This enthusiastic group recently stopped by to talk with EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke. Listen in as they share their favorite American foods, experiences, as well as their thoughts about Philadelphia's sports teams. Guests: Ella Burgess/Central Coast Grammar School Evie Barker/Central Coast Grammar School Kenzie Mikkelsen/Central Coast Grammar School Kaylin Seymour/Herschel Girls School Elizabeth Doyle '25 Lucia Forte '26 Cassidy Ott '25 Ellie Rheam '27 Aiden Tsaturyan '25 Amy Brotschul/Upper School French Teacher
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Bonus Episode: Thanksgiving at EA - Gratitude
11/22/2023
Bonus Episode: Thanksgiving at EA - Gratitude
In this Bonus Episode of EA Unlocked, listen in on the celebration of Thanksgiving at The Episcopal Academy. Lower, Middle, and Upper School students marked the occasion at the annual Thanksgiving Chapel services. Members of the 5th grade Chapel Council share A Litany of Thanksgiving which includes what EA's youngest students, in PreK through 3rd grade, are most thankful for this year. Upper School Science Teacher Jenn Jones speaks about the importance of a grateful heart- along with the sounds of the Middle and Upper School choral group.
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Cybersecurity & What Students Can Do to Protect Themselves
11/15/2023
Cybersecurity & What Students Can Do to Protect Themselves
Reluctant to update your computer or change your passwords? Do you avoid multi-factor authentication? "Ninety percent of cyberattacks are human error," obseves this week's EA Unlocked guest Kyla Guru. She is working to change human behavior and design systems that make the "convenience security trade-off" second nature and as easy as brushing your teeth or locking your car door. After attending a NSA GenCyber camp when she was a 14-year-old high school student, Guru discovered her passion for cybersecurity and the importance of educating people about the topic. She is the founder and CEO of Bits N' Bytes Cybersecurity Education and a student at Stanford University, where she is studying computer science and international relations. Thanks to the generosity of the Clare Foundation STEM Speaker Series, Guru spent the day talking with teachers and students at The Episcopal Academy, and EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke. Additonal Guests: EA Math Teacher & Clare Foundation STEM Speaker Coordinator Tracey Motley EA Senior Kate Lamb EA Senior Sydney Richter
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From EA Soccer to MLS - A Conversation with Matt Freese '17 & AJ Marcucci '17
11/01/2023
From EA Soccer to MLS - A Conversation with Matt Freese '17 & AJ Marcucci '17
Episcopal Academy alumni are working in fascinating careers all over the world. There are a handful who have taken their athletic talents to college and into the professional arena. It is unusual for two alums from the same class, who play the same sport, and the same position, to be drafted by Major League Soccer and now play against each other on rival teams in the same city. Matt Freese and AJ Marcucci are long-time teammates, friends, and both graduates of EA's class of 2017. AJ plays goalie for the New York Red Bulls and was a three-year starter at Connecticut College. Matt Freese launched his professional career in Philadelphia as a "homegrown" player with the Philadelphia Union after playing at Harvard University. He now is in goal for New York City FC. During an entertaining conversation, AJ and Matt talk with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about their days at EA and life on the professional circuit.
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AI & Education - A Conversation with EA's Buckley CTL Executive Director Justin Cerenzia
10/16/2023
AI & Education - A Conversation with EA's Buckley CTL Executive Director Justin Cerenzia
Justin Cerenzia joined The Episcopal Academy over the summer as the Buckley Executive Director of the Center for Teacher and Learning. EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, talks with Justin about the impact that AI is having on education and how teachers and students are learning to use AI in a "positive way." Follow EA's Center for Teaching & Learning on Twitter/X
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Theo Vadot '19 & Hilary Hutchison - Pursuing Art After EA
09/26/2023
Theo Vadot '19 & Hilary Hutchison - Pursuing Art After EA
After graduating from The Episcopal Academy in 2019, Theo Vadot continued his passion for the arts at Rice University where he studied architecture. He recently stopped by campus for an artist reception for his exhibit, Open -, Cumulative Works, 2019-2022, in the Crawford Campus Center Gallery. The show features Theo's pieces from architecture school, along with sculptures he designed while at EA. Theo and his art teacher Hilary Hutchison sat down with EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, to talk about the exhibit, Theo's trajectory in the arts, and how his EA art classes prepared him for a rigorous architecture curriculum. He is currently interning with Pei Cobb Freed & Partners in New York City. Episode Guests: Theo Vadot '19 Hilary Hutchison/EA Upper School Art Teacher Honors 2-D & 3-D Design students
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The Power of Words - EA Chapel Speakers
06/06/2023
The Power of Words - EA Chapel Speakers
Throughout the school year, students in all three divisions at The Episcopal Academy hear powerful messages from guest speakers including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. There are well over 100 speakers who share inspiring thoughts and words each year. (See the speakers included in this episode of EA Unlocked below.) This episode highlights some of those speakers. Many were included in weekly @EAChapel Instagram #EAChapelMinute posts. Dr. T.J. Locke Father Tim Gavin, Hon. Mike Sheehan '04 Erica Snowden/DEI Executive Director Norm Fitzpatrick '80/Veteran's Day Chapel Speaker Ali Fitzpatrick Carey '06/Veteran's Day Chapel Speaker Teja Smith P '23 Michael Whalen '08 Jim Erwin/Music Dept. Chair Rev. Michael Palmisano Lower School Chapel Council Members Colleen Bernabei, Hon. Rev. Edmund Zelly I'jaaz Abdul-Malik '23 Dr. Oksana Jackson/Maura Murphy Lecture Speaker Clayton Platt '73/Alumni Chapel Speaker
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The Sounds of ArtsFest
05/16/2023
The Sounds of ArtsFest
Each spring, the arts are celebrated at The Episcopal Academy during ArtsFest. This afternoon of campus-wide fun includes musical performances, a wearable trash fashion show, improv, and gallery exhibits that feature student works from PreK - 12th grade artists. EA Unlocked "hit the road" for this episode, to gather the beautiful and inspiring sounds of ArtsFest. Interviews include various students, faculty, and staff, along with music from EA's talented musicians.
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Shape Tomorrow - A Conversation with Mark Hoplamazian '81
05/02/2023
Shape Tomorrow - A Conversation with Mark Hoplamazian '81
Throughout Season 3 Host Dr. T.J. Locke has been talking with Episcopal Academy alumni to hear about their EA experience and how those years impacted their lives and careers. Mark Hoplamazian is a member of The Episcopal Academy's Class of 1981. He arrived at EA as a freshman in what he describes as, "a pretty discombobulated state." He calls the "warmth and engagement" he received from the community "remarkable." Hoplamazian is the President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels. He received EA's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2021.
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EA Chapel - What is Your Favorite Hymn?
04/18/2023
EA Chapel - What is Your Favorite Hymn?
Music and singing are an integral part of The Episcopal Academy's chapel program. Lower, Middle, and Upper School students work with Head Chaplain Tim Gavin and Middle School Chaplain Michael Palmisano to plan each service, along with the music teachers in each division. The tradition of singing in EA chapel dates back to the school's founding in 1785. Faculty, staff, and students, regardless of age, have their favorites! Guests: Father Tim Gavin/Head Chaplain Father Michael Palmisano/Middle School Chaplain Jim Erwin/Music Director Jayne Borras/Middle School Choral Director Deborah Newnham/Lower School Music Teacher & Choral Director Kevin Landaiche '23/Vestry Accounting Warden Kempley Bryant/Kindergarten Teacher Niall Doherty/Middle School Spanish Teacher Kim Piersall/Middle School Health Teacher Girls in STEM Club Members
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A Conversation with Harvard Professor Dr. Eric Mazur
04/04/2023
A Conversation with Harvard Professor Dr. Eric Mazur
Dr. Eric Mazur, Harvard University's Balkanski Professor of Physics and Area Dean for Applied Sciences and Engineering, recently visited campus to work with EA faculty during a professional development day. Dr. Mazur is an educational innovator known for his work with interactive teaching and peer instruction with the goal of better engaging students in the classroom. He shared some of his experiences and insights with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.
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Meet EA's Lilley Fellows
03/14/2023
Meet EA's Lilley Fellows
Through the generosity of the Lilley Fellowship Fund, Episcopal Academy students are offered the opportunity to pursue research and create a capstone project. Fellows are selected for their scholarly passion, academic curiosity, and intellectual rigor. This year's fellows, along with program director Lorie Harding, spoke with host Dr. T.J. Locke about this unique opportunity. Guests: Lorie Harding - Director of Libraries & Lilley Fellowship program director Ashley Kim '23 Caroline Sewell '23 Elizabeth Boruff '23 Shawn Wang '23 Roh Tsundupalli '24
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EA's Fields of Dreams
02/25/2023
EA's Fields of Dreams
Host T.J. Locke talks with EA Grounds Supervisor Matt Kerns and the team that keeps EA's nine athletic fields in tip-top shape, along with the lush Clark Campus Green. With the spring season underway, the grounds crew is hard at work. Guests: Matt Kerns - Grounds Supervisor Joe Marchozzi - Turf Manager Kelly Edwards - Varsity Softball Coach Tom Grandieri - Varsity Baseball Coach
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Shape Tomorrow - A Conversation with Meghan McCormick '07
02/14/2023
Shape Tomorrow - A Conversation with Meghan McCormick '07
Throughout this season of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke has been talking with alumni about their EA experience and how it helped shape their careers and adult lives. After graduating in 2007, Meghan McCormick attended Georgetown University and launched her career in the Peace Corps in Guinea. After graduate school, Meghan founded a mobile platform that helps small business owners in Africa make data-driven decisions to promote growth and increase capital. She spoke with Dr. Locke from her office in Ghana.
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Benjamin H. Read '43 Scholar - Riya Mukherjee '23
01/31/2023
Benjamin H. Read '43 Scholar - Riya Mukherjee '23
Each year an Episcopal Academy junior is selected for the prestigious Benjamin H. Read '43 Scholarship. During the summer, the scholar conducts research and then presents a final project and lecture during their senior year. Senior Riya Mukherjee shares details of her project, with Develop Africa, with EA Unlocked listeners and host Dr. T.J. Locke. Her advisor, History Department Chair Steve Schuh and Upper School History Teacher Chuck Bryant joined in on the conversation as well.
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