1983 was a formative year of my life when I took the step to attend Episcopal. I didn’t know much about boarding schools but at the age of 15, I knew I was up for a challenge and believed that The High School would be a good stepping stone to a good college.

Episcopal was an eye-opening experience in many ways. It’s not that it was Southern or all boys, but I always felt that I was there because of ‘noblesse oblige,’ and my responsibility was to persevere and pave the way for others to follow.

My first memory of the School was my admissions interview with Mr. Helfenstein over the summer of ’83 and the test that I had to take. Before the test, they had spoken to my parents about potentially repeating my freshman year, but that definitely was not an option. I must have done well on the test because there was no concern once I enrolled and made the High List in my first quarter.

However, I knew that my experience was different than others. There were three African-American new boys enrolled in the School that year – two sophomores and a freshman. And as it turned out, we were all placed in the same converted double room. While I was never clear of the reason why, our parents weren’t having it and we were soon broken up with different roommates. That experience helped me learn to never take anything for granted. Even as a new boy in the dining hall – you would go hungry if you didn’t speak up and ask for seconds – the same was true for our living situation.

I did meet good friends with different perspectives than mine, and what I really appreciated was that they listened. We debated and respected each other’s opinions.

At times, students weren’t open to what is now called ‘diversity and inclusion,’ but regardless, I was determined to be me and take advantage of what The High School had to offer. To that end, I was most proud that I started Spectrum in my senior year. It was my way of leaving my mark on The High School as a student of color. My best mentors while at EHS were key professors including Mr. Phillips, Mr. Shelor, and Mr. Swan. They were focused on treating every boy the same, and once I excelled in the classroom and on the field, there were no issues contributing to and benefiting from The High School.

I am grateful to have been able to serve on the Board of Trustees at the end of Sandy Ainslie’s term and now at the beginning of Charley Stillwell’s term. Perspective is everything, and I’m proud to see what The High School has become since I graduated more than 30 years ago. Go Maroon and Black!