Greetings From Epiphany!
Dear Friends,
If you’d asked me years ago about the school of the future, I might have said that it would be a room full of students each working independently on their laptops, with teachers moving among them, facilitating their learning. We definitely use technology here, but we also see great results from hands-on learning, and this edition of Always Learning has many examples–e.g., baking, growing veggies, working on a farm, building living seawalls, etc. I know of at least one Epiphany-inspired school that has gone “screen-less.” While I don’t expect that’s in our future, I remain excited by the many ways our students learn, and you make it all possible. Thank YOU!!!
The Rev. John H. Finley IV
Partner Spotlight
P&G Gillette
When you think of P&G Gillette, maybe you think of razors or the iconic sign glowing over South Boston. What you may not know is that they have been supporters of health and wellness programming here at Epiphany for nearly 15 years. When it comes to philanthropy, their mission is to improve the health and well-being of communities here in Greater Boston, and their loyal generosity has made a HUGE impact! We are honored to be among the nonprofits they support, and hope you will join us in thanking anyone you know at P&G Gillette for their abiding friendship.
Graduate Support Spotlight
Peterson Charles ‘19
Peterson Charles, a senior studying Sports Management at Stonehill College, continues to build a path marked by leadership and service, and recently he received Stonehill’s Robert O’Donnell Memorial Award, presented to a commuter student who has distinguished themselves through leadership and contributions to campus life. For Peterson, the recognition meant a great deal. He was deeply grateful to know that his efforts were seen and appreciated.
At Stonehill, Peterson is currently working with the athletics department in operations and will serve as a Resident Assistant next year. A 2019 Epiphany graduate, Peterson says Epiphany helped him learn how to manage challenges at a young age and supported him through that process. To him, Epiphany is more than a community; it is family.
He remembers being part of the Brotherhood, spending time with mentors like A.B. Deleveaux, Johnny Wilson, Aidid Brayboy, and Kevin Figueroa, and building confidence through programs like Urban Achievers. He also recalls fun moments like summer clubs and a memorable ice cream-making attempt that went wrong when they forgot that the recipe called for sugar.
Looking ahead, Peterson, who has been a counselor at our Summer Intensive at Groton School for the past few years, hopes to return as a Teaching Fellow and help coach basketball so he can pour into the next generation the way others poured into him. In his words, Epiphany never gave up on him, and he is deeply grateful for the love, support, and encouragement that helped shape who he is today.
Learning is Cool: Epiphany Curriculum Highlights
From Page to Screen to Stage: Experiencing The Outsiders
Our 7th graders took a deep dive into The Outsiders. After first reading the book in class, students watched the movie and then took a field trip to see the musical, giving them the chance to engage with the same story across different forms.
The experience offered students a meaningful way to compare how a story can come to life on the page, on screen, and on stage. By moving through each version, students were able to think more deeply about the characters, themes, and emotions at the heart of the story. The trip served as a memorable extension of classroom learning and a great example of how literature can be experienced in dynamic and creative ways.
N.B. In case you are wondering which version students preferred, the novel won.
The Bake-Off Brings Learning into the Kitchen
The Epiphany School Bake-Off was both fun and delicious! Designed to support both skill and teamwork, the event set teams of students to work. Each group chose a cookie recipe that they could follow strictly or modify, with their tasty results reviewed by a group of faculty judges.
With each grade competing in friendly matchups and staff stepping in as coaches, judges, and helpers, the Bake-Off reminded us yet again of the benefits of hands-on learning. To succeed, students had to collaborate and exercise some creativity, and the finished products were yummy!
Early Learning Center Corner
Support, Celebration, and Community for ELC Moms
Through a special partnership with the Boston Celtics and Evenflo, Epiphany Early Learning Center mothers were invited to enjoy an event created to honor and support them. The experience included a yoga session, a parfait-making activity, gifts, food, refreshments, and resource tables offering helpful information for families. Each mom also received a brand-new limited-edition Evenflo stroller to take home.
What made the event especially meaningful was the way it combined celebration with practical support. Through this partnership, ELC mothers were not only treated to a special experience but also connected with resources designed to uplift families in tangible ways. The day reflected Epiphany’s ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of the whole family.
A Mother’s Day Celebration Rooted in Connection and Care
Epiphany Early Learning Center’s Mother’s Day event brought families together for a joyful celebration centered on creativity, togetherness, and community. Planned in collaboration between our Family Navigator (Sasha Feliciano) and our amazing Garden Team (Anabelle Farnham & Cami Fredericks), the event brought ELC moms and their little ones into the greenhouse for hands-on activities, including creating a garden mosaic, watering plants, digging in the soil, and transferring plants.
One especially touching moment came when moms received the plants their children had planted a few weeks earlier, adding a personal layer to the day’s celebration. After the garden activities, families gathered inside the ELC for appetizers, refreshments, and desserts. The event was a beautiful expression of the warmth, joy, and care that define the ELC community.
Epiphany News
A Classic Tradition Returns to the Court
The faculty vs. students basketball game brought excitement, laughter, and plenty of school spirit as a beloved tradition made its return. The faculty came out strong, building an early 11-point lead and pushing the students to their limits. But the students battled back in the second half, showing real drive, teamwork, and energy as they fought to close the gap before the faculty pulled through for the 60–41 win.
On the student side, Grace Cronin coached the team as they played with heart and strong teamwork throughout the game. Maddox “The Mad Dog” Smith and Darius Smith, Class of 2026, stood out with hustle, determination, and impressive three-point shots. Vice Principal Frank Penney helped keep the faculty’s momentum going, while Harrington Pierre-Jean ’11, an Epiphany graduate, came in during the second half and helped seal the win.
Special credit goes to Sam Fulton, who helped revive the tradition. The lively matchup was brought together through friendly competition and community spirit.
Career Day Expands Possibilities for Epiphany Students
Since its start in 2018, Epiphany’s Career Day has created meaningful opportunities for students to explore future possibilities. This year, the experience expanded to include not only professional panelists but also a dedicated Youth Development Organization Fair, helping students see both the range of career paths available to them and the programs designed to support them along the way.
One especially powerful moment was welcoming Suzy DePina ’09 as the keynote speaker. Her presence made the day feel full circle, as she shared her own journey and inspired the next generation of Epiphany students.
Students were fully engaged throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions during the panels and participating in meaningful conversations during workshops with the speakers. As in the past, Career Day brought together students, graduates, staff, families, nonprofit partners, and professionals from a wide range of industries, all united in supporting young people and helping them imagine their futures.
The event also reflected Epiphany’s broader mission and Graduate Support model. At Epiphany, there is a deep commitment to never giving up on a child, and Career Day is one example of how students are introduced early to the many possibilities ahead of them while continuing to receive support through high school, college, careers, and beyond.
A Literary Comeback
Epiphany’s Poetry Slam made a powerful return this year, bringing students back to the stage for an event filled with creativity, courage, and expression. One of the most memorable parts of the day was watching some of our shyest students step forward to share pieces that were thoughtful, personal, and powerful.
The event was judged by a panel of five staff members, with special guest judge and co-host Amanda Shea, a three-time Boston Music Award–winning spoken word artist. Her presence added even more energy and inspiration to an already meaningful experience.
More than a competition, the Poetry Slam created space for students to use their voices, share their perspectives, and connect through the power of words. The return of this event was a beautiful reminder of how much students can shine when given the chance. The winning poems are also featured in the accompanying poetry booklet.
Spring in Bloom at Epiphany
Epiphany’s Spring Celebration brought together students, families, and many of our neighbors together to celebrate the garden and the growing season. Each year, Epiphany distributes more than 1,000 vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings to the community, welcoming urban farmers, gardeners, and neighbors from across Dorchester and beyond. This year, the tradition expanded by inviting students into the heart of the seedling giveaway.
During the school day, students were invited to grab a plant, enjoy an herbal mocktail, contribute to a community mural, and take part in a garden obstacle course. A special highlight was the leadership of the 7th and 8th-grade garden leaders, who helped plan and run the stations while keeping students engaged throughout the celebration. After school, parents and families joined the students in the garden and greenhouse, where they picked up plants and enjoyed the activities the students had so thoughtfully prepared.
Earth Day Celebration at Boston Children's Museum
Epiphany students were invited by The Noire Foundation to participate in a special Earth Day event held at the Boston Children's Museum, which brought together environmental education, S.T.E.A.M. learning, and hands-on impact. In partnership with the Stone Living Lab, students helped build living seawalls, innovative structures designed to support marine life and strengthen coastlines.
The experience gave students a meaningful opportunity to connect science, community, and environmental care in a real-world setting. More than just a field trip, the event showed how climate education and purposeful action can come together in a memorable way. It was a powerful example of learning brought to life and of young people being encouraged to see themselves as part of the solution.
A Week of Growth, Challenge, and Discovery at Farms for City Kids
Each year, Epiphany’s 5th graders head to Farms for City Kids in Reading, VT for a week-long overnight experience that has become a meaningful tradition. Away from the city and surrounded by nature, students spend their days outdoors, take part in farm work, and try things they might never experience otherwise. From long days and unfamiliar chores, working closely with animals, the trip challenges students in ways that often bring out new confidence and growth.
This year’s trip was made even better by the warm weather that allowed students to spend nearly the entire week outside. Along with farm responsibilities, students explored the woods, played in a nearby stream, reflected together each evening, and ended the week with a hike and beautiful views. Ashley Renée, one of Epiphany’s 5th Grade Lead Teachers, shared how meaningful it was to watch students face fears, support one another, and grow through the experience.
We are Hiring!
We are always looking for dynamic people to join our community. All job openings are listed here, and if you know someone who might be the right fit, we hope you will pass that opportunity along.