EA Unlocked

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.

It's the perfect way to start the school day- taking a few minutes to greet your classmates and teacher and preview the day's activities, the weather, upcoming projects, and find the mistake in Miss Tierney's written morning message. This podcast was produced with the help of EA 3rd graders.

On September 11, 2001 Lt. Col. Bob Darling (Ret.) bunkered down in the White House operations center with Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as one of the worst days in U.S. history unfolded. During a recent visit to EA's campus, Mr. Darling spoke with students and shared, "We had a full-blown terrorist attack going on before our eyes. Our job was to give the president options."

In our premier episode, The Episcopal Academy Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke speaks with Upper School teacher and Junto Club advisor Jen Maier about the long-standing history of debate at EA.