EA Unlocked

In 2023, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke spoke with Matt Freese '17 and AJ Marcucci '17 about their years on the soccer pitch at EA and their professional MLS careers. Since the conversation was recorded, Matt has been the starting keeper for the U.S. Men's National Team competing in the World Cup. Matt and AJ are long-time teammates and friends. AJ plays goalie for the New York Red Bulls and was a three-year starter at Connecticut College. Matt launched his professional career in Philadelphia as a "homegrown" player with the Philadelphia Union after playing at Harvard University. Along with the U.S. men's team, he also plays for New York City FC. 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. Enjoy this entertaining "recast" episode of EA Unlocked.

The world of NCAA recruiting continues to change for today's high school athletes. With the rise of the transfer portal, NIL opportunties, and new roster limits, coaches are now balancing the recruitment of young talent with experienced college players, creating a more competitive and complex landscape. EA Unlocked host, Dr. T.J. Locke, talks with two experienced members of The Episcopal Academy about how they are working with students to navigate the recruiting process. Chrissy Cerenzia is the Senior Associate Director of College Counseling. Steve Colfer is EA's Head Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach and Assistant Director of Athletics. Additional Resources: EA College Counseling's online resource library Authenticity in Admissions: A Conversation with Wellesley College Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Peaches Valdes Making the Most of College Visits with Hamilton College Dean of Admission John McLaughlin

The Episcopal Academy has a long-standing tradition of academic and athletic excellence. In the last year, EA teams have won 15 league championships and seven state titles. Ten student-athletes in multiple sports have been named MVPs, several were selected as All-Americans, and Player of the Year over the last few seasons. To learn more about EA's robust athletics programming, EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with coaches and some of EA's team captains. Guests: Steve Colfer/Assistant Athletic Director & Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach Katie Duffie/Assistant Athletic Director Todd Fairlie/Athletic Director & Varsity Football Coach Andy Fraggos/Varsity Girls' Soccer Coach Rebecca Block '26 (Field Hockey & Swimming) Caroline Johnston '26 (Soccer & Lacrosse) Frank Shanahan '26 (Soccer & Lacrosse) Jack Signor '26 (Football, Wrestling, Baseball) Listen to learn more about EA's Bridge Days, when varsity student-athletes mentor middle school players on various teams. With only five competitors in six events, EA's boys' indoor track & field team won their third consecutive state championship. Listen to the "play-by-play" as it came down to the DMR against powerhouse State College Area High School.

Season 6 of EA Unlocked kicks off with an exciting conversation about the newly opened PreK wing and reimaged science classrooms in the Lower School. The state-of-the-art space was dedicated in October to beloved and retired teachers, Joyce Gavin, Hon., and Nancy Reinhard, Hon. Listen in as host T.J. Locke visits PreK and talks with some of the people who made it happen. Guests: Terry Malone/Head of Lower School Paige LeGrand/Director of Enrollment Management Lori Moshyedi/PreK Teacher

A long-standing tradition at The Episcopal Academy is the Teacher, Coach, Mentor model. This has proven to be a successful formula for EA's athletics program and in the classroom. During this episode of EA Unlocked, host Dr. T.J. Locke talks with top-ranked High Jumper and Triple Jumper Yaya Johnson, a talented student-athlete in the Class of 2025, and Computer Science and Engineering Teacher Matthew Davis. Over the years, this duo has worked together in the classroom and on the track with great success. Listen in on how Yaya's Lilley Advanced Independent Study project, called the Biomechanics of Track and Field, helped him adjust his jumping and break a 50 year-old record. Yaya helped lead the EA Boys' Indoor Track and Field Team to its third consecutive state championship. Listen to the team and Coach Zach Richards relive this incredible win with only five competitors in six events.

The Chapel program at The Episcopal Academy is an important pillar of the school. Each year, more than 100 speakers share powerful insights and reflections with students, faculty, and staff in Lower, Middle, and Upper School. This episode of EA Unlocked highlights some of those speakers who were featured in weekly @EAChapel Instagram posts. Speakers: :37 Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. (Greville Haslam Head of School) 2:03 Katie Duffie (Assistant Athletic Director) 3:14 Chaz Howard (Univ. of Pennsylvania Chaplain) 4:32 Anna Safford '09 (English Teacher) 6:14 Nick Mead '13 (2024 Olympic Gold Medalist) 7:39 Erica Snowden (Exec. Dir. of the Office of DEI) 9:03 Quinn Whitaker '25 9:25 Michael DiMonte '25 10:58 Jovana Sekulic '21 (2024 Olympian) 13:02 Tony Herman, Hon. (English Teacher) 14:09 Cristina Deirmengian, Hon. (Spanish Teacher) 16:13 Father Tim Gavin, Hon. (Head Chaplain) 17:30 Anne Barr, Hon. (English Teacher) 18:41 Rev. Michael Palmisano (Middle School Chaplain) 20:34 Norman Vossschulte P '22, '25

After much research and thought, The Episcopal Academy launched a cell phone pilot program in the Upper School. Each morning before homeroom, students place their phones in a secure holding case for the day and pick them up as they head out in the afternoon. Head of Upper School Mike Letts talks with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke about the process behind the initiative and the observations so far.

With the wealth of talented and experienced educators at The Episcopal Academy, there are plenty of opportunities to learn from colleagues. In January, EA's Center for Teaching and Learning launched the inaugural Open Classroom Week. Teachers in Lower, Middle, and Upper School "opened" their classrooms to faculty and staff. With over 100 classroom visits, the week created quite a buzz. CTL Buckley Executive Director Justin Cerenzia and CTL Coordinator Allison Schultz talk about this growth opportunity with EA Unlocked host Dr. T.J. Locke.