One of the significant ways that each of us can advance Episcopal is by volunteering.
There are many opportunities to become a larger part of this community, to help promote school spirit, and to support the School’s mission. Volunteering at the School is vital to enriching each child’s education, but more importantly, it is an expression of our interest in, and commitment to, our children’s daily life at Episcopal. Please take a moment to meet some of our alumni volunteers.
Wendy Dickinson LaPrade '76
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My name is Wendy Dickinson LaPrade and I’m a proud graduate of the Episcopal class from the Bicentennial year, 1976. My sister, Forrest Dickinson Moore ’78, and my brother, Spencer Dickinson ’80, are also alums, along with both of my sons, Max ’04 and Charles ’07. A maroon and gold crew boat oar, circa 1979, still hangs in my parents’ living room as a constant regal reminder of our family history—and my brother’s rowing career—at Episcopal!
I have many fond memories from my years as an Episcopal student during the seventies, but as a former cheerleader, it’s been a special experience for me to return to the very same sidelines I once stood on as a student to cheer for my sons’ sports teams—a new generation of Eagles. I volunteer at Episcopal to give back to the school that nurtured me, encouraged me, and built a foundation for life’s endeavors in me. I also volunteer to give forward, to enhance the school experience for my sons and to ensure that Episcopal remains one of the best college-preparatory schools in Florida.
I love giving back to the school that nurtured me, encouraged me, and built my strong foundation for life's endeavors. ”
Whenever possible, I’ve embraced opportunities to volunteer; I’ve enjoyed serving on the Celebration fundraiser committees, acting as a team parent for various athletic teams, and assisting the Advancement Office with many fun activities such as the golf tournament and Grandparents’ Day. My favorite activity, however, has been participating in the Annual and Episcopal Fund Alumni Phone-a-thons, which have provided a wonderful opportunity for me to stay in touch with many of my classmates during the 32 years since we graduated! I just wish that each of them could experience the thrill and excitement of being a parent at the school that we enjoyed so much.
I volunteer because I want to give back and give forward. I love giving back to the school that nurtured me, encouraged me, and built my strong foundation for life's endeavors. I give forward because I want Episcopal to continue to be one of the best college-preparatory schools in the South. Volunteering is a great way to know the pulse of the School; to enhance its programs; and to get to know other parents, students, staff, and faculty.
Niels Murphy '88
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My name is Niels Murphy; I am a proud member of the Class of 1988, and now am an attorney for Murphy & Anderson, P.A, in Jacksonville. My brother, Daniel, graduated in 2001, and I have two children, Connor (8) and Jake (6). Episcopal was a great experience for me—educationally, athletically, and socially. My family moved around a lot when I was growing up; I lived in a lot of different places, including Georgia, California, Connecticut, and even five years in Paris, France. My final years of high school at Episcopal were incredible: I met lifetime friends and found a home in Jacksonville. I can only hope that my children—and others—have the same opportunities that I had at Episcopal. I want to make sure that Episcopal remains one of the best independent schools in the country for generations to come.
I can only hope that my children—and others—have the same opportunities that I had at Episcopal. ”
To help the School continue to excel, I choose to volunteer my time. I am the current Alumni Board president and serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. Additionally, I have served on many volunteer committees, including the Episcopal Fund, Advancement, Career Day, Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, and Nominating—just to name a few. As many alumni know, I also regularly volunteer at the Episcopal Fund Phonathons, and really enjoy catching up with friends that I have not seen or heard from in a while (while gently asking for financial support and attendance at School events).
I can list all of the ways in which I volunteer, but most importantly, I want to explain why I choose to do so: volunteering is the way to stay connected with what is going on at the School and to have a positive impact on it. It also provides the opportunity for me to see old friends, make new friends, and get to know the parents, students, staff, and faculty. Volunteering at the School has been very rewarding for me, and I recommend making the time to get involved—you won’t regret it!