This annual report provides an overview of our school’s year, highlighting generous donor support, event recaps, and key moments that advanced our mission.
2025-2026 | 1 |
Annual Report | 1 |
Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School forms honorable men and women through a classical education grounded in a Christ-centered worldview. | 2 |
Christian Faith Discipline Excellence Honor Love Respect | 2 |
Dear STE Community, | 3 |
In the coming year, we will be especially focused on three priorities: | 3 |
Further strengthening our faithfulness to our mission as a Christian, classical school with high academic standards and an elevated culture grounded in our core virtues. | 3 |
Investing in our faculty through the addition of new teaching positions and expanded academic and enrichment opportunities. | 3 |
Laying the groundwork for the major capital improvements and fundraising objectives envisioned in our Strategic Plan. | 3 |
With gratitude, | 3 |
Seraphim Danckaert Headmaster Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School | 3 |
Scan here for the detailed Strategic Plan | 4 |
2025-2026 BOARD OF TRUSTEES | 4 |
David Browder, Chairman Thomas Halsey, President Casey Garrett, Vice President Mark Grimley, Treasurer Michelle Shonbeck, Secretary | 4 |
Eleanor Bergin Christie Bowden Eric Campbell Skip Ezenwa John Graves | 4 |
Anna Gryska Tony Jones* Samantha Kegge* Jamie Matte Rob Scholl | 4 |
STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW | 5 |
MISSION CURRICULUM, CULTURE & FAITH | 5 |
EXCELLENCE FACULTY, PROGRAMS & STUDENT EXPERIENCE | 5 |
FINANCIAL STRENGTH BALANCE SHEET, ENDOWMENT & SUSTAINABILITY | 5 |
CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES, GROWTH & CAPITAL CAMPAIGN | 5 |
GOVERNANCE BOARD & ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE | 5 |
Our annual Spelling Bee was a huge success! Students impressed us with their incredible spelling skills as they tackled word after word. Congratulations to the winners: Adrian F. and Aarav P.. | 6 |
Lower School hosted their annual Cursive Handwriting Contest and the winners were recognized during Chapel for their excellent penmanship and attention to detail. | 6 |
During the Cum Laude Society induction ceremony, inductees were presented with certificates, pins, and a copy of the pledge, marking this important academic distinction. | 7 |
Mrs. Sun’s Chinese language students represented STE at the 31st Houston Area Chinese Speech Contest. Ashwin N. earned 1st place, Darien H. took 2nd, and Felicity R. placed 5th. | 7 |
Our 3rd Annual STEAM Fest was packed with action—catapults flying, drones buzzing, slide races, robotics, and hands-on creations everywhere. A day full of curiosity, creativity, and fun! | 8 |
SOUNDS OF SCOTLAND | 9 |
Lower School students brought the world of Dr. Seuss to life with their production of Seussical the Musical! | 10 |
We hosted a beautiful performance of Benjamin Britten’s Saint Nicolas, bringing together STE parish and school choirs with an orchestra of professional musicians and STE students. | 10 |
Our April Heart of STE: Fun Friday Family Night brought families together for a friendly Chess Tournament and Game Night. It was a wonderful evening of strategy and community! | 11 |
The Upper School Awards Ceremony celebrated students' hard work and achievements throughout the year. Awards recognized excellence across academics, organizations, and extracurricular activities. | 11 |
STE Pom Team brought the school spirit to life at our pep rallies this year, rallying students and faculty together in support of our Saints! | 11 |
Latin students explored a groundbreaking Ancient Rome exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. | 11 |
Senior Sunrise! The Class of 2026 kicked off their final year at STE by watching the sunrise together. This tradition marks the start of new adventures and the bright path that lies ahead. | 12 |
Men’s Varsity Soccer wrapped up an incredible season with a strong run to the TAPPS Division III Boys Soccer Area Playoffs! | 12 |
Women’s Varsity Soccer finished 3rd in TAPPS Division III District 5 and advanced to the bi-district round of the playoffs. The team wrapped up the season with a strong 7–4 record. | 12 |
WASHINGTON D.C. | 13 |
8th Grade Trip | 13 |
TEXAS HISTORY | 13 |
7th Grade Trip | 13 |
After completing their novel RMS Titanic, our 5th graders celebrated with the annual Titanic Tea, enjoying tea, snacks, and a chance to "set sail" together. | 14 |
At the 3rd Grade States Showcase, students proudly presented their assigned states, sharing facts, landmarks, traditions, and unique details from across the country. | 14 |
At the 5th Grade Wax Museum, students brought historical figures to life through research, costumes, and presentations. | 14 |
STE Class of 2026 | 15 |
Edgar Franks | 17 |
Head of Lower School | 17 |
Eric Campbell ‘85 | 17 |
STE School Board Member | 17 |
Lindsey and Cameron Barghi | 17 |
Volunteers | 17 |
REVENUE | 19 |
OVERALL PARENT PARTICIPATION | 19 |
93% | 19 |
OPERATING BUDGET | 19 |
PARENT PARTICIPATION BY GRADE | 19 |
PREK2 | 19 |
PREK3 | 19 |
PREK4 | 19 |
KINDER | 19 |
1ST | 19 |
2ND | 19 |
3RD | 19 |
4TH | 19 |
5TH | 19 |
6TH | 19 |
7TH | 19 |
8TH | 19 |
9TH | 19 |
10TH | 19 |
11TH | 19 |
12TH | 19 |
Maria Ruiz | 19 |
96% | 19 |
Carla Elliott | 19 |
96% | 19 |
Carla Elliott & Yasmin Uzamere | 19 |
97% | 19 |
Frank Caspa & Maria Ruiz | 19 |
96% | 19 |
Taifa Perry & Astrid Pineda | 19 |
92% | 19 |
Kelcey Hesse & Uchechi Umeh | 19 |
96% | 19 |
Lindsey Barghi & Jasmine Sung | 19 |
100% | 19 |
Brenda Armstrong & Sharvani Maharaj-Farquhar | 19 |
100% | 19 |
Lindsey Barghi & Catherine Runner | 19 |
95% | 19 |
Brenda Armstrong & Tony Loayza | 19 |
95% | 19 |
Larry Mercer & Sara Razavi-Zand | 19 |
100% | 19 |
Suzanne Knupp & Susan Sample | 19 |
92% | 19 |
Lisa Fahey & Tony Loayza | 19 |
95% | 19 |
Lisa Fahey & Tracey Moss | 19 |
85% | 19 |
Carla Elliott | 19 |
64% | 19 |
Jennifer Roeser & Iska Wire | 19 |
72% | 19 |
The Tartan Society | 20 |
Cettina & Thomas Halsey Suzanne & Wayne Knupp | 20 |
Ann & Tony Loayza Katherine & Jon Palmer | 20 |
Kelly & Jared Cmaidalka Rob Scholl ‘96 | 20 |
The Tartan Society | 21 |
The 1955 Circle $15,000+ | 21 |
The Scotland Yard Society $10,000-$14,999 | 21 |
The Shield of Saint Thomas’ Circle $5,000-$9,999 | 21 |
The Navy and Gold Circle $2,500-$4,999 | 21 |
The Saints Society $1,000-$2,499 | 21 |
Supporters $1-$999 | 22 |
ENDOWMENT & CAPITAL GIFTS | 24 |
JUDITH AND ROY SHAW ENDOWMENT | 24 |
Judith Shaw | 24 |
NAMING RIGHTS TO MEMORIAL BENCH | 24 |
Pedro Talosig | 24 |
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS | 24 |
Stephanie ‘92 and Gaston Arguelles | 24 |
IN HONOR GIFTS | 24 |
IN MEMORY GIFTS | 24 |
IN HONOR OF STE ADMINISTRATION & STAFF | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF ABIGAIL AND BENJAMIN | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF FRED D. McCUTCHEON | 24 |
Dana Rogers-Yates and Kievin Yates Jean and Eugene Boisaubin | 24 |
IN HONOR OF PAST & FUTURE ALUMNI | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF PAUL AYAH | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF VICKIE RICHTER | 24 |
Emily ‘89 and Patrick ‘88 McCray | 24 |
IN HONOR OF THE ROBOTICS CLUB | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF EUNICE McBURNETT SMITH | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF MANOJ K. BISWAS, MD | 24 |
Darakhshan Dee Memon | 24 |
IN HONOR OF SHELLY ACKER | 24 |
Andrew Garrett ‘24 | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF OLIVER CLARK, SR. | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF HUNTER TODD | 24 |
IN HONOR OF WILLIS WEI LIN | 24 |
Anne and Joe Lin | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF CONSTANCE M. VICKERY | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT LOUIS CONDON | 24 |
IN HONOR OF VU LY | 24 |
Sherry Lu and Jacob Jin | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF FABIAN VILLATORO | 24 |
IN HONOR OF SANDRA & HAROLD STRACHAN | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF RONALD DARENSBURG | 24 |
Shay Strachan and Lisa McIntire | 24 |
IN HONOR OF KATHERINE VANDERPOOL | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF EDWARD AND MARTHA WAGGONER | 24 |
Shawn Jennings | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF EMILY WOOLLEY JENNINGS, CLASS OF 1982 | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF HENRY WALTERS | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF NASEEM JIVANI | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF ERLINDA YOUNG | 24 |
IN MEMORY OF JULIA LIU | 24 |
CORPORATIONS & FOUNDATIONS | 25 |
COMMUNITY EVENTS | 26 |
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 GALA & AUCTION SPONSORS! | 27 |
UNDERWRITERS | 27 |
EVENT SPONSORS | 27 |
SPONSORS | 27 |
Champion / $10,000 | 27 |
The Laird Family | 27 |
Ambassador / $7,500 | 27 |
The Hampton Family | 27 |
Supporter / $5,000 Derryberry Mechanical The Fahey Family The Hancock Family | 27 |
Invitation / $2,000 Moore & Associates | 27 |
Bid Paddle / $1,800 Minute Man Press | 27 |
Staircase / $1,500 The Hafez-Hourri Family | 27 |
Specialty Cocktail / $1,000 The Clark Family | 27 |
Photo Booth / $500 The Molina-Razavi Family | 27 |
$1,000 LEM Construction Co. Edmonds & Cmaidalka, P.C Derryberry’s Mechanical DTK Janitorial J. Archer Insurance Group Prosperity Bank | 27 |
$500 Any Occasion Foundations Pediatric Therapy G Orthodontics LMC Embark Pearland Pediatric Dentistry | 27 |
AUCTION DONORS | 27 |
PARTY HOSTS | 27 |
FALL FAIR | 28 |
SPAGHETTI SUPPER | 28 |
BINGO NIGHT | 28 |
FEST | 30 |
2026-2027 CALENDAR OF EVENTS | 30 |
FRIDAY, September 18, 2026 | 30 |
SATURDAY, October 31, 2026 | 30 |
FRIDAY, January 29, 2027 | 30 |
TUESDAY, March 2, 2027 | 30 |
SATURDAY, March 20, 2027 | 30 |
UNDER THE OAKS | 30 |
SATURDAY, April 10, 2027 | 30 |
For tickets or sponsorship information, please contact the Office of Development. | 30 |
713.666.3111 | 30 |
development@stes.org | 30 |
Your volunteerism makes these events possible! | 30 |
Scan the code to sign up. | 30 |
4900 Jackwood, Houston, TX 77096 | 32 |
713.666.3111 | 32 |
info@stes.org | 32 |
www.stes.org | 32 |
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