Greetings From Epiphany!
Dear Friends,
Our wonderful, hard-working children have no idea what the readers of this newsletter are doing for them, but they do know they have an army of champions behind them. They may not have all the details, but your inspiring example ensures that our remarkable young people will “pay it forward.” Linet, featured in this issue, is one stellar example. Her brother was the first Epiphany graduate to return to teach here, and we know she is going to be fantastic!
God bless you all, and thank you so much for all you do for Epiphany.
The Rev. John H. Finley IV
Partner Spotlight
Hemenway & Barnes
The Gala was an amazing night for students as it always is, and we are especially grateful for the many loyal sponsors who help make those magical nights possible, particularly our friends at Hemenway & Barnes, this month's Partner Spotlight. For over 160 years, their firm has helped individuals and families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations with a broad range of legal, wealth management, and personal issues, and for over fifteen years, they have generously supported the Epiphany community. This abiding friendship has made a lasting impact on so many children and families, and we look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in the years to come. We hope you will join us in applauding Epiphany Leadership Council member, Joseph Bierwirth, and all of our friends at Hemenway & Barnes. Thank YOU!!!
Epiphany Stars: Graduate Profile
Linet Cardoso ‘16
Linet Cardoso, a proud Epiphany graduate, has always been driven by a strong sense of community. For example, after graduating from Winchendon, a boarding school in Massachusetts, she co-founded the Winchendon Alumni of Color Association, creating a network of post-graduate support for students of color. Later, at Brandeis, where she designed her own major in architecture, while also minoring in African American Studies and Studio Art, she was also active in the Black Student Organization.
Now, Linet is preparing for her next step, returning to support the Epiphany community as a Teaching Fellow in the Fall before continuing her architecture studies. Though teaching is not her ultimate professional goal, she sees coming home to Epiphany as a way to give back. Linet’s passion for social justice drives her true professional goal: improving infrastructure in developing countries.
Epiphany has been a foundational part of Linet’s life, not just because she is the fifth of her siblings to graduate from Epiphany. Her two older brothers both served as Teaching Fellows, and her sister-in-law now teaches at the school. Linet credits Epiphany’s Graduate Support Program for helping her through high school and college by filling the financial gaps in her scholarships and ensuring she had the resources to succeed.
Reflecting on her time at Epiphany, Linet can’t name one favorite class: “I liked them all. I was a little bit of a nerd!” She formed strong bonds with her teachers and played soccer, basketball, and baseball. “At Epiphany, I developed critical thinking skills, independence, and empathy. I learned how to be my own person in society.”
Her connection to Epiphany runs deep, rooted in her mother’s search for a safe and supportive environment for her children, way back when the school was at the Parish of All Saints. Now, Linet is eager to give back before she embarks on her next chapter, building a future where she can make a lasting impact through architecture.
Learning is Cool: Epiphany Curriculum Highlights
Fences Project
Over the past few weeks, our 8th graders have explored the rich and significant history of the Blues. As a uniquely American music genre, they learned about its origins and its deep cultural importance. For many students, this was their first time studying the Blues in an academic setting, and they found it eye-opening. As a culminating project, each student wrote an essay connecting the Blues to a scene from Fences by August Wilson and created a diorama representing their chosen moment. This assignment challenged them to think critically and creatively, and we were incredibly impressed by their dedication to the project and by their thoughtful insights.
Epiphany News
Epiphany goes to Ireland
This past week, a group of Epiphany graduates returned from an unforgettable trip to Ireland, where they participated in the YouthInk workshop—a dynamic program that brings together young creatives (ages 13–18) with professional mentors in the arts. Held at the stunning Kilkea Castle, this intensive experience challenged these aspiring artists to collaborate and create a project in just three days! The result? A wildly funny and original sitcom titled What’s The Crack—a playful nod to the Irish phrase “What’s the craic?” (meaning fun or banter), which sparked some hilarious cross-cultural confusion at first! The students wrote, produced, and filmed the sitcom alongside local peers, guided by artists, writers, and animators who supported them throughout the creative process. Along the way, they also explored Kilkenny, rode horses, and visited the Irish National Stud & Gardens. We’re deeply grateful to longtime Epiphany supporter and Leadership Council member Christy Cashman, founder of YouthInk, for this amazing experience. Lookout for YouthInk Boston in July!
5th Graders go to the Farm!
In April, our 5th Graders travelled to Vermont for their week-long Farm Trip with Farms for City Kids, where Mr. Finley is on the board. On the farm, they made cheese, tapped trees to make maple syrup, milked cows, collected eggs, mucked out stalls, and experienced every aspect of life on a farm. Here are some pictures of their wonderful experience.
A Neighborhood Heroes Event
Champions of Love is an organization that our fearless leader, John Finley, has been working with for some time, and we were honored to host his fellow “Champions” at Epiphany on Saturday, April 26. The day began at the Early Learning Center, where guests enjoyed face painting, a bouncy house, and a petting zoo. We then moved over to the Middle School for a panel discussion led by our 8th graders, whose questions were exceptionally thoughtful and engaging.
After the panel, we celebrated with a joyful Eucharist, and then the staff sprang into action to transform the gym into a lively fair with games and activities for all ages. The afternoon was organized by the Family Flea Market, which invited vendors from across the city to showcase their work and offer hands-on activities for our guests. Children received stickers at each station to earn entry into a raffle. Activities included screen printing, an affirmation wall, physical challenges, and meaningful give-back opportunities like packing bags for street outreach and making blankets for people experiencing homelessness.
In the Assembly Hall, guests could enjoy a free nail salon and barbershop. There was also a pop-up yoga studio, and a new local bookstore, Just Book-ish, gave away free books. Outside, three food trucks offered fantastic lunch options, and one of our graduates delighted everyone with her delicious cupcakes. The entire day was inspiring, uplifting, and energizing—a beautiful celebration of community, creativity, and care.
Overnight Lock-Ins
A few weeks ago, the 5th and 6th grade girls participated in a “Girls Lock-In” event featuring dancing, a bouncy house, and makeovers. Not to be outdone, the boys in the Brotherhood held a fun overnight lock-in of their own, with many of the older Brothers (now graduates) returning to join the festivities. Our dedicated teachers gave up a night of sleep to create lasting memories for their students. After all, we only get one childhood—and every child here deserves a joyful one.
8th Grade City Reach Immersion
Recently, our 8th graders took part in City Reach, a powerful 20-hour immersion program based at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. As part of their Religion curriculum, students learn firsthand about homelessness from individuals who have experienced it. In preparation for the trip, they worked hard to raise funds and collect clothing to donate.
During the overnight experience, students listened to personal stories from those affected by homelessness, walked the streets of Boston and slept on the floor of the Cathedral. Cold, wet, and hungry, they got a small glimpse into the reality faced by too many in our city. The next morning, they sorted all the donated cloths, prepared 300 sandwiches, and served breakfast.
This deeply moving experience is a testament to the leadership of the Rev. Jennifer Daly, whose guidance as our Chaplain continues to shape the hearts and minds of our students.
Black History Showcase
At Epiphany, we celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich our community. Each February, during Black History Month, we highlight the powerful contributions African Americans have made to our country’s ongoing story.
A key part of this celebration is our annual Black History Month Showcase, a beloved event across the school. Students enthusiastically spend their free time researching influential Black leaders as they prepare to compete in “Black History Jeopardy.”
This year’s event featured three exciting rounds, with each class answering five questions. Between rounds, students showcased their talents through various Art Minors, including performances of monologues by August Wilson. The competition ended on a high note as the winners were announced to cheers and excitement.
Congratulations to the 6th Grade on their well-earned victory!
Bishop visits Epiphany!
On Monday, March 31, we were honored to welcome Bishop Julia Whitworth, the 17th Episcopal Bishop of Massachusetts, back to our school. She joined us for a tour, lunch, and Eucharist, and it was a truly wonderful visit. Through her involvement with the National Association of Episcopal Schools, Bishop Whitworth has been involved with education for years, and she even dedicated part of the collection at her consecration to…Epiphany! We’re grateful for her time and presence in our community.
We are Hiring!
We are looking for dynamic people to join our community. Click here to view all job openings. Feel free to share the great news with your network.